By Shallon S. Gonlor
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — The Liberia International Religious Council (LIRC), Nimba Chapter, has honored Nimba County Senator Samuel Gongben Kogar for what religious leaders described as his leadership, legislative performance, contributions to development, promotion of unity, and advocacy for the interests of Nimba County.
The recognition brought together Muslim and Christian religious leaders under the LIRC, who said the honor was intended to acknowledge Senator Kogar’s public service and what they described as his contributions to the county and Liberia at large.
According to the religious leaders, their decision to honor the senator was based on his legislative record, support for development initiatives, efforts to promote unity, and continued advocacy for issues affecting the people of Nimba County.
During the ceremony held Sunday, September 27, 2026 in Ganta, Nimba County, Senator Kogar was gowned by the religious council and presented with a certificate of honor. The council also presented him with a symbolic rod representing the “Godfather” role they attributed to him in recognition of his political leadership and influence in Nimba County.
The religious leaders said the recognition reflects their appreciation for individuals whose public service, in their view, contributes to peace, unity, development, and the advancement of communities.
Senator Kogar entered the Liberian Senate in 2025 after winning the Nimba County senatorial by-election held to fill the seat previously occupied by the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson.
Kogar won the election with 62,136 votes, representing 52.08 percent of the total votes, according to the election results cited in connection with his election.
Prior to his election to the Senate, Kogar served multiple terms as an elected representative of Nimba County Electoral District #5, establishing a lengthy career in elective politics before ascending to the upper house of the National Legislature.
His transition from the House of Representatives to the Senate marked another stage in his political career, placing him among Nimba County’s prominent elected lawmakers.
The LIRC Nimba Chapter also honored Representative Musa Hassan Bility of Electoral District #7, a political leader of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), and Samuel Brown, a policymaker representing District #1.
Kogar Responds
In response to the recognition, Senator Samuel Gongben Kogar expressed appreciation to the Liberia International Religious Council for honoring him and acknowledging what he described as his contributions to unity, inclusive leadership, and the advancement of Nimba County.
He said the recognition was a source of humility and encouragement, while emphasizing the responsibility that comes with public service.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to be recognized by the Liberia International Religious Council (L.I.R.C.) for my contribution to promoting unity, inclusive leadership, and putting Nimba first,” Senator Kogar said.
He further expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him by the religious community, describing the recognition as a reminder of the collective responsibility of leaders and citizens to work toward peace and development.
“I sincerely appreciate this recognition and the confidence placed in me. This honor is a reminder of our shared responsibility to continue working for the unity, peace, and development of our people,” he added.
Senator Kogar concluded by thanking the religious council for the honor, saying he was humbled and grateful for the recognition.
“Thank you, L.I.R.C., for this honor. I am truly humbled and grateful,” he said.
The recognition comes as religious leaders in Nimba continue to use their platforms to encourage peace, unity, responsible leadership, and cooperation among political, traditional, and community leaders.
The LIRC’s decision to recognize political figures also underscores the role religious institutions can play in promoting dialogue and acknowledging public officials whose work they believe contributes to community development and social cohesion.
