Published: September 29, 2025
MONROVIA — Former Liberian journalist Wellington Railey, now a U.S.–based business executive, has returned to invest in his homeland with the construction of a 60-bed hospital in Johnsonville, Montserrado County, answering President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent call for diaspora Liberians to “teach their fellow citizens how to fish.”
Railey, who hails from Sinoe County and began his career at UNMIL Radio, left Liberia for the United States in 2016 in search of new opportunities. Over the years, he transitioned from reporter to entrepreneur, building three successful U.S. companies, Wellington Staffing and Nyewell Cleaning Corporation among them, employing hundreds of Liberians and non-Liberians abroad.
“I really thought to make this a surprise, but the President’s statement further inspired me. I’m even more motivated to do more for my country and people,” Railey said during a recent visit to the construction site.
A Diaspora Dream Taking Shape
The new facility, already under construction, will serve thousands of residents in the rapidly growing Johnsonville corridor, a peri-urban community that has seen population growth driven by improved roads and access to electricity.
Railey said the hospital aims to close critical health-care gaps and provide quality medical services closer to where people live. He appealed to President Boakai’s administration to rehabilitate the feeder road leading to the hospital, saying the route’s current poor condition hampers access for both patients and residents of neighboring communities.
‘Changing the Old Past’
Reflecting on his journey from hardship to enterprise, Railey said his vision is rooted in personal experience.
“You know the story — and now, with God blessing us, we need to change the old past and give renewed hope to our people. They deserve better,” he said.
Beyond health care, the young entrepreneur plans to expand into real estate to create more jobs and opportunities, describing property development as his next passion project.
“I love doing this, and I will engage more in real estate to help empower my people and make a big difference,” he said.
Echoing a Presidential Call
He urged other diaspora Liberians to heed President Boakai’s call to invest skills, capital and expertise back home.
“This is a wake-up call for all of us in the diaspora. We have to return home, teach our fellow kinsmen how to fish, and make Liberia better,” he said.
Building for the Future
The Johnsonville hospital marks one of the most tangible diaspora-led infrastructure investments since President Boakai’s appeal earlier this year. Once completed, local leaders expect the facility to reduce patient overflow at urban hospitals and improve access to care for rural and peri-urban residents.
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