– Madam Gbowee Encourages NVTI Graduates
By Vaye A. Lepolu
One of the Noble Peace Prize Enders and the Founder of the Gbowee Foundation Madam Leymah Gbowee has encouraged graduates of the NVTI to practice integrity and keep hope in their field of professionalism.
Speaking on the theme “A Light in a Very Dark Country,” at the graduation recently held in Monrovia,
Madam Gbowee described the light as a mind changer in Liberia society and at large through using their professional skill without Corruption and dishonesty.
She said light in context is not a political light but rather it is a light that will change the graduates from the wrongs to positively contributing to the Liberian society.
With their presence in a country plagued by corruption and systemic failures, Madam Leymah Gbowee challenged the graduates to be a beacon of honesty and excellence. The CEO Of the Gbowee foundation emphasized the urgent need for integrity, personal responsibility, and genuine leadership in Liberia.
All of these are also backed by their belief that Liberia is in a dark phenomenon such as the widespread of corruption, unconditional health system, lack of professionalism in opportunities and the lack of dishonestly.
“Our country is extremely dark,” Madam Gbowee Leymah said, pointing to widespread corruption, a struggling healthcare system, lack of professional opportunities, and pervasive dishonesty. “But you have chosen to be the light – in electrical engineering, in hospitality, in data analysis, in pastry and catering, in software and computer technology. You are the light in your fields.”
Moreover, she urged the graduates not to follow the familiar path of dishonesty that has tainted many Liberian institutions. “We complain about corruption in government, but the corruption we see nationally often begins in our communities, in small contracts, in everyday dealings,” she warned. “When you begin to compromise your integrity at a small level, you are planting seeds of corruption that grow into great trees when you reach higher positions.”
The speaker stressed that being a “light” means reflecting honesty, doing work faithfully, and standing apart even when it feels lonely. “Being the one honest person is lonely — but it is also powerful,” he said. “Your friends may fear your integrity, but you will stand tall when others fall.”
She went on to illustrate her message with a personal story from Ghana, where Madam Gbowee once returned money mistakenly given to her at a Forex Bureau. Initially met with accusations and suspicion, her honesty ultimately silenced the critics and won respect. “Today, I introduced a Ghanaian military officer to something he thought did not exist: an honest Liberian,” she said.
She concluded by challenging every graduate to shine brightly in their fields, their families, and their nation. “This country has been broken by years of corrupt practices. You are the ones we are waiting for. You must be the light Liberia needs,” he urged. “Congratulations, God bless you,” she said.
From his end, Mr. Abdullah Karama, the CEO of the NVTI urged the graduates to reflect on the key messages shared by the guest speaker, particularly the call to become a ‘light’ in their respective fields and communities. “She spoke not about political light, but the light in your trade — the difference you can make,” he emphasized. He characterized the message as an inspirational message for his students who obtained a Diploma from his institution.
