Africa-Press – Liberia. The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has made a significant intervention in the country’s social sector, donating US$500,000 to bolster youth development and football initiatives.
Officials described the move on Tuesday as a strategic investment aimed at harnessing the potential of Liberia’s burgeoning youthful population.
The funds were presented during a formal ceremony at LiMA’s headquarters in Congo Town.
In a balanced allocation, the amount was split equally between the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) and the Liberia Football Association (LFA), with each institution receiving US$250,000.
Addressing the ‘At-Risk’ Crisis
Speaking at the presentation, LiMA Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., emphasized that the joint contribution underscores the critical roles both the Ministry and the LFA play in youth empowerment.
“We believe that football can play a major role in addressing some of the challenges faced by at-risk youth,” Commissioner Lighe stated. “Liberia has a large youthful population, which underscores the need to create platforms and opportunities that will help young people become productive members of society.”
Commissioner Lighe further warned that leaving the youth population idle poses a tangible risk to national security.
He noted that the contribution is a core component of LiMA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program and aligns with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s mandate for government entities to ensure maritime benefits are felt by citizens nationwide.
“This investment into our national football is a direct commitment to unlocking potential,” Cllr. Lighe added during the signing of a separate Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the LFA.
“Through this partnership, we are not only fostering football development but also creating a vital platform for empowerment, discipline, and national pride.”
Shifting the Maritime Mandate
LiMA Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Desire Satia, described the donation as a milestone.
He noted that while LiMA is traditionally known for its substantial contributions to the National Treasury, this move reflects a deliberate shift toward direct social investment.
“This marks a step beyond our statutory obligations,” Mr. Satia said, highlighting the Authority’s expanding role in the government’s development agenda.
Government and LFA Reaction
Receiving the check on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Acting Minister Henry B. Yonton described the donation as “timely.” He noted that the funds would support the Ministry’s decentralization agenda, ensuring youth programs reach all 15 counties.
LFA President Mustapha Raji characterized the donation as “historic,” marking it as the first major direct financial contribution from a government institution to the football governing body.
“It is unprecedented and will be recorded as a landmark moment for Liberian football,” Raji declared.
He praised President Boakai, the Chief Patron of Sports, for endorsing the initiative and thanked Commissioner Lighe for his vision.
The LFA and LiMA formalized their partnership through a one-year, renewable MOU.
The US$250,000 portion for the LFA is earmarked for football development programs and the operational activities of the national team, the Lone Star.
Transparency and Growth
Addressing concerns over fiscal management, Raji assured the public that the funds would be handled with strict accountability.
“We assure the public and our partners that this US$250,000 will be utilized transparently and accountably, ensuring that our footballing talent continues to reach its highest potential,” he said.
Raji also highlighted a positive trend in the sector, citing a FIFA Transfer Market report which showed revenue from outgoing Liberian player transfers rose from US181,000in2024tooverUS480,000 in 2025.
“Our vision is to give every child in Liberia an opportunity,” Raji added, pointing to the establishment of the LFA’s first football academy as a cornerstone for future success.
With the maritime sector now pivoting toward direct sports investment, observers are keen to see if this model of inter-agency support will become a blueprint for addressing youth unemployment and social vulnerability in Liberia.
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