BY: SHALLON S. GONLOR / shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY — A group of Nimba Students in the diaspora under the umbrella “Union of Nimba Students in East Africa (UNSEA)” has bestowed honor on Nimba County Superintendent, Kou Meapeh Gono in recognition of her exceptional leadership and financial contribution to the county’s student community.
The group comprises of youthful sons and daughters of Nimba are in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and other areas of East Africa in pursuit of higher education.
UNSEA Chairman Franklin Yama Yenglee, including officials and members, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Superintendent Kou Gono for her generous contribution and presence at the official launch and fundraising ceremony of the Union of Nimba Students in East Africa (UNSEA), held in Nyanza City, Southern Province, Rwanda.
Sup. Gono, who also serves as Chairperson of the Council of Superintendents of Liberia, led a Liberian delegation to the event from May 9-11, serving as Guest Speaker.
In her keynote address, Sup. Gono highlighted key development efforts underway in Nimba County, encouraged students to remain focused on their education, and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to supporting its youth abroad.
As part of her contribution, Madam Gono donated approximately US$2,000 to support the student union.
Additionally, she presented US$1,500 on behalf of Rep. Ernest M. Manseah Sr., of Nimba Electoral District #4 who was unable to attend the event—bringing the total donation to US$3,500, excluding other funds raised by students during the ceremony.
In a gesture warmly received by the audience, Madam Gono pledged to advocate for the inclusion of UNSEA in Nimba County’s upcoming fiscal budget, aiming to ensure sustained support for the organization. She also announced a new initiative by the County Administration to sponsor two young women from Nimba County to pursue higher education in Rwanda, as part of a broader effort to expand educational opportunities for female students.
“Madam Gono is truly a mother, a leader, and a changemaker,” said one student delegate. “Her unwavering commitment to youth development and education continues to inspire us all.”
The event marked a significant milestone for UNSEA, reinforcing unity, fostering growth, and deepening the connection between Nimba County and its diaspora youth.
During the launch of UNSEA, under the theme, “Empowering Nimba’s Future: Unity, Education, and Leadership,” the Nimba Superintendent electrified the hall with her inspirational oration, as Nimba Students across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda gave a rousing applause.
Superintendent Gono who is the first county superintendent to attend such a diaspora gathering, assured students they are vital to Nimba’s development, calling education “not charity—but strategy.”
The Nimba County 24th Superintendent challenged the student group to embrace resilience and shape the future, noting that the county needs them to foster development.
Sup. Gono full translated speech delivered: –
It is with immense humility and joy that I stand before you today as a Guest Speaker at this historic occasion—the Official Launching and Fundraising Program of the Union of Nimba University Students in East Africa (UNSEA). I bring you warm greetings from the people of Nimba County, Liberia, and from the heart of a grateful administration deeply proud of the bold steps you are taking to empower yourselves through education and unity.
Let me begin by commending the leadership of UNSEA for organizing this important event. As a former student myself, I understand the sacrifices, perseverance, and faith it takes to pursue higher education far away from home. Being in a foreign country, adjusting to different systems, and cultures, and sometimes struggling with finances, is never easy. That is why I refused to send a proxy. I traveled from Nimba to Rwanda, despite competing priorities back home—because I believe that showing up for you in person is a demonstration that your struggles are seen, your efforts are valued, and your dreams matter.
You, the sons and daughters of Nimba studying in East Africa, are not forgotten. You are part of the One Nimba Agenda. Your journey is our collective journey. And your success is our shared victory.
Today’s theme, “Empowering Nimba’s Future: Unity, Education, and Leadership,” is not just a slogan—it’s a call to action. It is a reminder that the future of our beloved county will be defined by how united we are, how informed we become, and how selflessly we lead. Nimba has been blessed with great sons and daughters—from Johnny Voker to Gblorzoe Toweh, from Tuazaman to Hon. Jackson Fiah Doe – our President who didn’t become Senator Prince Y. Johnson of blessed memory, who despite his flaws, stood tall as a political godfather to many. The baton is gradually shifting to you—the new generation.
Back home in Nimba, we are not only dreaming—we are doing. Since our appointment in 2024 by His Excellency President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, with the solid support of our own son of the soil, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, we have embarked on an unprecedented path of development, reconstruction, and unity.
The presence of government in Nimba is no longer a distant idea—it is visible, it is tangible, and it is transforming lives. From the refurbishment of the Superintendent Compound and Administrative Hall in Sanniquellie, which now serve as a model for capital cities, to the modernization of the historic Governor’s Mansion in Butuo, from constructing the new City Hall in Karnplay to restoring the once-forgotten Tappitta Governor Mansion and City Hall—our administration, with full support from the Nimba Legislative Caucus, is ensuring no part of Nimba is left behind.
Today, when you enter Nimba through Sokopa, you are greeted by the first-of-its-kind welcome billboard and a restored traditional hut to receive visiting dignitaries—symbols of both modernity and cultural pride. We are constructing the Nimba Resort near the St. John River that will be hosting events and lodging of guests based on its strategic location between Ganta and Gbarnga. That resort would serve as an additional source of income for the county.
Additionally, we are reviving Lake Teleh in Sanniquellie – as another source of local resource mobilization where we will have speed boats over the waters. You know, Lake Teleh is Liberia’s only man-made lake—as a major tourism and revenue-generating site. That’s why we are relocating the Sanniquellie General Market from around the lake in Sehkimpa to give way for this massive tourism portfolio.
Today, plans are ongoing through National Government to hugely invest in the Gbandi Waterfall hydro project, which is set to generate 10 megawatts of electricity by 2027.
My fellow citizens and compatriots, I want to inform you that in the education sector, we are deliberately investing in the human capacity of our people. As part of this, US$5,000 has been allocated to each of Nimba’s 9 electoral districts as direct district scholarships, ensuring that students from every corner of the county have a fair opportunity to pursue higher learning.
Additionally, we have provided funding to Nimba University for a Teachers’ Enrichment Program, aimed at upgrading the capacity of those shaping the minds of our future leaders. Another US$5,000 has been allocated to the Office of the Superintendent to support local scholarships for students in need.
On the early childhood education front, we have begun piloting a modern early childhood education facilities in Sanniquellie and Bahn with plans to replicate it across the county.
We are aware, however, that these steps alone are not enough to address the overwhelming demand for structured scholarship programs—particularly international opportunities for our diverse and ambitious young people like you. But make no mistake—these are the right steps in the right direction. They signal the strong intent and growing momentum of our administration to place a premier focus on higher education as a cornerstone of Nimba’s future. It is an affirmation that we see education not as an expense, but as an investment in people—your dreams, your aspirations, your leadership.
In health, our Administration is taking concrete steps to reduce infant and maternal deaths by allocating US$80,000.00 to the Nimba County Health Team to support the renovation of maternity waiting homes across the county.
And I am pleased to inform you also that outside of Nimba, we have secured 3.5 acres of land in Careysburg, Montserrado County. The Nimba Lodge soon to be built there will serve as a hostel for our county teams during the National County Sports Meet, and as a guest house for students and elders traveling to Monrovia. This will reduce our county sports meet accommodation cost by over 25%, and give our people a home away from home.
Brothers and sisters, our story is changing. Nimba is rising. We are building not just roads and halls, but trust, opportunity, and dignity.
But for all these achievements to be sustained, we need educated, ethical, and visionary leaders. That is where you come in. The knowledge you are acquiring today is the capital we need for tomorrow’s development. Your network across East Africa is an asset to Nimba. And your commitment to unity is your greatest contribution.
As you formally launch UNSEA today, I challenge you to make this Union a living platform for collaboration, peer support, research, and future reintegration into Liberia’s development. Let this Union be the place where engineers, economists, doctors, public health experts, environmental scientists, and future leaders of Nimba meet, dream, and build together.
As your Superintendent, I commit to continuing this partnership with you. I encourage other well-meaning Nimbaians to support this Union and to contribute financially to its goals. My administration will provide initial support toward your $3,000 USD fundraising goal—and we urge others to do the same.
Let me close with a message from my heart: Stay united. Stay focused. Stay connected to home. We are building Nimba not just for ourselves, but for you—to return and lead.
Thank you. May God bless each of you. May God bless the Union of Nimba University Students in East Africa. May God bless Nimba County. And may God bless the Republic of Liberia.
