The road to social and economic prosperity for any nation is paved with the dedication, hard work, and integrity of its citizens.
Liberia, a country with a complex history and a wealth of potential, stands at a crossroads.
This Mano River Union-West African-African-World nation, rich in cultural heritage and natural resources, could stride forward into stability and success.
However, this progression is threatened by the ascendancy of individuals within the society and diaspora who, rather than contributing to the collective advancement of the nation, engage in acts solely for self-glorification and personal gain.
This adda argues that such behavior must cease, and Liberia should actively discourage the relevance and influence of novices, nonentities, noncontributing, corrupt, un-nationalist, self-seeking, greedy, and unprofessional individuals who hinder national progress and soil the very essence of Liberian identity.
Noncontributing individuals, particularly those who use their positions for self-aggrandizement, are a brake on the wheel of progress.
They occupy spaces and resources that could be better utilized by those committed to the common good.
Their rise to prominence often comes not through merit but through a variety of other means, nepotism, corruption, and manipulation that do nothing to uplift the collective well-being of the Liberian people.
These individuals are novices in the sense that their contribution and knowledge do not warrant the influence they wield, and they are nonentities in that they do not represent or stand for the genuine needs and aspirations of the Liberian populace at home and the diaspora.
In a society where every resource counts, such nonparticipants drain the energy and potential.
By focusing on their selfish motives, they distract from the essential national and diaspora conversations and actions that must take place.
Societal accolades, opportunities, and platforms that could be used to champion patriots who work tirelessly for the welfare of their compatriots are instead squandered on those with so-called louder voices but lesser substance.
These self-seeking individuals bow not to the nation’s flag but to the flag of personal gain, often at the cost of our communal values and hopes.
They are greedy for their advancement, without the necessary balance of professional comportment, and thus are unprofessional in their approach to development.
Such individuals are also frequently unknown elements who have not truly engaged with or understood the intricacies of Liberian societies at home and in the diaspora.
Their disconnect from the realities on the grounds raises serious questions about their legitimacy and the impacts of their actions on the greater good.
Their behaviors and actions can often lead to more harm than good, as they lack the nuanced understanding required to navigate the complexity of Liberia’s developmental challenges, including the diaspora.
The sufferings of the Liberians, both at home and abroad, are compounded by those who profess to be nationalists but whose actions are starkly un-nationalistic.
True patriotism involves a level of selflessness that prioritizes the nation’s or organization’s needs above individual desires.
Conflating self-interest with national interest is a betrayal of the hopes and trust of the people.
When non-nationalist motives become entangled with public leadership and developmental efforts, the path to inclusive, equitable growth becomes obfuscated by personal agendas that serve only a privileged few.
Corruption, perhaps the most pernicious of the qualities listed, is a cancer that eats at the core of social and economic development.
When individuals engage in corrupt activities to enrich themselves or lack the skills necessary to lead any organization, they undermine the very foundations of sustainable growth by diverting necessary funds, eroding public trust, and perpetuating a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.
Liberia and diaspora Liberians cannot afford to have uneducated and corrupt individuals within its ranks, especially among those in crucial positions of power and influence at home and in the diaspora.
To cultivate an environment where these detrimental behaviors are not tolerated, a multifaceted approach is required.
1). The Liberian government, civil society, and diaspora Liberians must establish and enforce stronger regulations (policy) against corruption, with consistent application of the law(policy) to hold accountable those who act in self-interest at the expense of the nation.
Educational campaigns aimed at fostering a culture of integrity and national pride are also essential, as they empower citizens to resist the allure of joining ranks with such detrimental individuals.
2). The advancement and recognition within both the public and private sectors must be based unequivocally on merit.
This ensures that positions of influence are occupied by those whose expertise and commitment to the nation’s betterment are legitimate.
The influence of novices and nonentities can be countered by elevating seasoned professionals who possess a proven track record of selfless service and tangible contributions to society.
Through these measures, Liberia can create the necessary deterrents against the rise of such individuals to heights they do not deserve.
Organizations, both local and international, that partner with Liberia must also enforce due diligence in choosing their local representatives or partners, ensuring they align with values that contribute to Liberia’s development, rather than their self-interests.
Individuals in the diaspora, possessing significant influence over the perception and resources available to Liberia, hold a particular responsibility.
They should be vetted for their genuine interest in and contribution to the nation’s development rather than their ability to speak the so-called loudest, tribalism, or manipulate circumstances for their visibility.
These nonentities who were never known in the advanced historical books of Liberia or never had an impact on Liberia, but came to the diaspora and tried to gain a kind of relevance should not be allowed.
Networking and solidarity among true Liberian patriots need to be strengthened.
Those in the diaspora with a genuine passion for Liberia’s growth should unite to form effective coalitions that can offer more substantial support to their homeland.
By rallying around shared values and development goals and pledging to act with integrity and professionalism, these coalitions can create a formidable force for positive change, effectively marginalizing those driven by detrimental motives.
However, this not only calls for action at the systemic level but also a cultural shift that disavows the glorification of unearned success.
The Liberian media and society at large have a role to play in promoting models of success based on hard work, talent, and contribution rather than mere self-promotion.
With a strong societal narrative that values the collective good, the relevance of noncontributing, self-seeking individuals will wane.
The social and economic development of Liberia hinges on harnessing the power of its greatest asset its people, but not all individuals contribute positively to national progress.
As Liberia continues to navigate its development journey, it must deliberately and decisively reject the undue influence of novices, nonentities, noncontributing, corrupt, un-nationalistic, self-seeking, greedy, and unprofessional individuals.
Further, it is crucial to empower those who work for the country’s and diaspora’s development with professionalism and integrity both at home and abroad.
Creating a culture of meritocracy and pride in true, selfless contribution will enable Liberia to harness the collective potential of its citizens toward a prosperous and equitable future.
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