Africa-Press – Liberia. On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the Angie Brooks International Centre for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security (ABIC) and Cuttington University jointly launched the Reverend William R. Tolbert, III Chair for Peace Building, Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Reconciliation, and National Unity at Cuttington University Graduate School in Congo Town.
The launch event was attended by distinguished guests including President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, members of Cuttington University’s Board of Trustees, President of Cuttington University Dr. Romelle A. Horton, foreign diplomats, and other key stakeholders.
Madam Olubanke King-Akerele of the Liberian Institute for “Growing” Patriotism (LIGP) and Cllr. Yvette Chesson Wureh of ABIC were also present.
In her overview, Madam King-Akerele explained that the Chair is a joint initiative of Cuttington University, LIGP, and ABIC.
“The concept of a University or a National Chair is established to memorialize the life and legacy of the individual after whom it is named,” she stated. “This Chair, the first of its kind in Liberia, honors Reverend William R. Tolbert, III.”
President Boakai, in his special remarks, expressed gratitude to Cuttington University and its partners for their foresight.
He shared personal anecdotes about Reverend Tolbert’s dedication to peace and reconciliation, emphasizing his optimism and resilience.
“Reverend Tolbert’s commitment to peace and reconciliation was unwavering,” Boakai noted. “Sustainable peace can only be achieved when all citizens work together to heal the wounds of the past.”
He declared the launch of the Chair, expressing confidence in its role as a beacon of hope and progress for Liberia. “This Chair will serve as a guiding light for peace and unity in our nation,” Boakai asserted.
Cllr. Yvette Chesson Wureh of ABIC also spoke, describing the Chair as a symbol of hope.
“Honoring Mr. Tolbert’s legacy is crucial,” she said, highlighting his contributions to peacemaking in Liberia. Reflecting on Tolbert’s tragic death in 2021, she described it as “senseless violence” and emphasized the need to preserve peace in Liberia.
Cllr. Wureh praised Madam Olubanke King-Akerele for her efforts in promoting peace and acknowledged the support from Cuttington University’s President in establishing the Chair.
She detailed ABIC’s active role, including contributing to the advisory committee, assisting in peacebuilding initiatives, and collaborating on research and training programs.
The Tolbert family expressed gratitude for the recognition of their contributions to Liberia through the Chair. They expressed the belief that education is key to bringing positive change to the country.
Dr. Romelle A. Horton, President of Cuttington University, highlighted the university’s commitment to promoting sustainable peace in Liberia. She commended the establishment of the Chair as a milestone for the country. “Collaboration is essential in achieving change and maintaining peace through education,” Horton said.
Dr. King-Akerele stated that the Chair will be part of the Global Studies program in Monrovia at the CU Graduate School of Professional Studies, with its operational dimension based at the Angie Brooks International Center Chief Suakoko Center on the Cuttington University campus in Bong County.
This will be in concert with the Joseph Guannu Institute of Peace & Conflict Resolution and the Reverend Emmanuel Bowier program of CU and LIGP, aimed at sustaining Liberia’s peace through community engagements for conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Background:
Reverend William R. Tolbert, III, Liberia’s National Peace Ambassador, was brutally murdered on November 1, 2021. Despite his dedication to peace, national healing, and reconciliation, there has been no closure on the investigation into his murder. Tolbert had publicly forgiven those who assassinated his father, calling for genuine forgiveness as a sustainable healing process for the nation. “Peace is not an event but a process,” he often said, urging Liberians to be proactive in sustaining peace.
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