The National Insurance Corporation of Liberia (NICOL), in partnership with the Civil Service Agency (CSA) and International Bank (Liberia) Limited (IBLL), has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding aimed at providing affordable vehicle insurance coverage for government employees through a flexible salary deduction arrangement.

The agreement, signed Tuesday May 12, 2026, at the Ministry of Information in Monrovia, establishes a financing mechanism under the Government’s Legal Power of Attorney (LPA) Scheme, allowing civil servants to obtain vehicle insurance coverage and repay the cost gradually over six months through payroll deductions.

Under the arrangement, NICOL will provide vehicle insurance services to eligible government employees, while International Bank (Liberia) Limited will facilitate payment and credit administration through a dedicated operational account. The Government of Liberia, through the Civil Service Agency, will coordinate employee participation and ensure repayment through authorized payroll deductions.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NICOL Acting Managing Director Hon. Abdullah S. Swaray called the partnership “historic” and said it reflects President Joseph Boakai’s commitment to improving the welfare of Liberian workers.

“Today is a very historic day and this signing ceremony exemplifies the President’s commitment to seeking the welfare of Liberians, especially civil servants,” Swaray said.

He praised CSA Director-General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. for leading reforms within the civil service sector and emphasized that government employees are among the country’s greatest assets.

“We believe that the biggest asset government has is the employees. NICOL has partnered with the CSA and International Bank not just to provide financial security, but peace of mind,” he stated.

Under the new arrangement, civil servants will no longer be required to make full upfront payments for vehicle insurance. Swaray explained that employees can now enroll through their Human Resource Offices under the Legal Power of Attorney or LPA system and spread payments over six months.

“If your vehicle insurance is US$175, you simply divide that by six. That is the amount you pay monthly,” he explained.

Swaray also disclosed that insurance penetration in Liberia remains below one percent and said the initiative is intended to increase awareness and access to insurance services across the country.

“This initiative is geared toward improving insurance penetration while providing protection and peace of mind,” he added.

For his part, CSA Director-General Dr. Josiah Joekai, Jr. announced that the insurance credit line officially opens next Monday, May 18, 2026 for employees of all 109 government ministries and agencies enrolled in the LPA system.

“As an employee of any government ministry or agency, you can ask your HR office to issue you credit, proceed to NICOL, and obtain your insurance policy,” Joekai said.

He stressed that regardless of the insurance cost, employees will have six months to complete repayment.

Dr. Joekai also highlighted the growth of the automated LPA platform, revealing that participation has increased from about 4,000 employees in 2024 to more than 9,000 employees today, while transaction values have grown from under US$100,000 to more than US$400,000.

“When we sign this agreement today with NICOL, the number of vendors on the platform will increase,” he noted.

Meanwhile, International Bank (Liberia) Limited reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government of Liberia’s financial inclusion agenda.

Speaking on behalf of IBLL Chief Executive Officer Madam Jacqueline Williams-N’Tow, Compliance Manager, Kojo Weeks praised the CSA for driving innovation within the public sector.

“This partnership shall go a long way. We remain committed, as we have done over the past 66 years,” Weeks said.

The IBLL Compliance Manager further emphasized that despite having foreign ownership, International Bank Liberia (Limited) remains fully managed by Liberians and committed to national development and economic growth.

Officials say the partnership is expected to significantly increase the number of insured vehicles within the civil service community, strengthen compliance with Liberia’s insurance laws, and boost confidence in the country’s insurance and financial sectors.

The post NICOL, CSA and International Bank Launch Vehicle Insurance Credit Scheme for Civil Servants first appeared on OK FM.

At a lively client hangout in Monrovia over the weekend, Mrs. Dodoo, founder and CEO of Lenise Home Care and Support Services, addressed a diverse group of clients—families, professionals, and business owners—reflecting on a journey that began just three years ago, in 2023, with a bold idea: to professionalize home care services while creating safe, dignified employment for young people, especially women.

“This is our first time bringing only our clients together,” Dodoo said. “We wanted to listen—not over the phone, but face-to-face. What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? That’s how we improve and grow.”

From Startup to Growing Enterprise

What began with a client base of 70 to 75 has grown into a business now serving more than 180 households and businesses, steadily approaching 200. But for Dodoo, the numbers tell only part of the story.

Her mission is rooted in addressing unemployment and vulnerability among young Liberian women.

“We created this company to provide opportunities,” she explained. “Single mothers and young people who are willing to work—we train them, vet them, and connect them to families who need help. It’s not just business; it’s empowerment.”

Through Lenise, domestic workers—referred to as “agents”—receive training, background checks, and structured placement—a sharp contrast to Liberia’s largely informal domestic labor market.

A Two-Way Protection System

Mrs. Dodoo emphasized that her company, located along the Capitol Bypass in Monrovia, serves as both a bridge and a buffer between clients and workers.

“For clients, there’s peace of mind. If anything goes wrong, we take responsibility,” she said. “At the same time, our agents are protected—no abuse, no exploitation. We have contracts, and we enforce them.”

This dual accountability model is proving to be a game-changer in a sector often plagued by mistrust, wage disputes, and abuse.

Clients Speak: “It Gives You Relief”

For many clients, the impact is clear—and deeply personal.

Mrs. Markise Dolley, a client of nearly two years, described her experience as transformative.

“Before, I relied on community recommendations, but it was stressful,” she said. “Some would come just for quick money, then leave or misbehave. But with Lenise, it gives you relief.”

She said reliability has been the biggest difference.

“My housemaid has been with me for almost two years. That doesn’t happen often. Anytime there’s an issue, the company steps in and resolves it immediately.”

Madame Nelly Kettor-Borweh shared a similar experience.

“I struggled to find someone to care for my children,” she said. “Since I contacted Lenise, everything changed. Their agents are trained—they’re not just picked off the street.”

She emphasized the reduced risk.

“When you hire from the community, there’s a lot of liability. But with Lenise, that burden shifts to the company. You feel safe.”

Mrs. Enor Neufville echoed that sentiment.

“I’ve had bad experiences before—people stealing or disappearing,” she said. “Now, I feel secure. My home is safe, and that means everything.”

Building Trust

Trust, Mrs. Dodoo says, is the company’s most valuable currency.

“Every client who signs up is trusting us with their home, their children, and their lives,” she noted. “We don’t take that lightly.”

To maintain that trust, Lenise invests heavily in training—often self-funded—as well as monitoring systems and client feedback.

Early support came through a US$2,000 grant from the Youth Entrepreneurs Network, which helped the company acquire a motorbike to improve mobility and response time.

“That changed a lot for us,” Dodoo said. “We could finally do spot checks and respond faster.”

Expansion and Empowerment

Looking ahead, Dodoo is preparing to launch an Empowerment Center, now 80 percent complete, which will serve as a training hub and event space for up to 50 people.

“We want a space where we can continuously train and uplift people,” she said, while calling on NGOs and partners for support.

A Model for Liberia’s Future

In a challenging economic climate, Dodoo believes businesses must go beyond profit to create impact.

“We can’t leave everything to the government,” she said. “We have to create solutions—help people earn, live with dignity, and feel safe.”

For her clients, that vision is already becoming reality.

“They are doing a remarkable job,” Nelly said. “As a Liberian woman, it makes me proud to support another woman building something like this.”

Stakeholder Endorsement: “On the Path for Greatness”

Adding further credibility, Benjamin Dagher, President of the Youth Entrepreneurs Network Liberia (YEN-L), praised Lenise’s growth and innovation.

“We’ve worked with Lenise for over two years and have seen it grow from about 75 clients to well over 150,” he said. “That shows they are doing extremely well.”

Dagher noted that caregiving is not a luxury business, but one that requires trust, professionalism, and strong systems.

“This space demands care and consistency—and Lenise understands that,” he said.

Redefining Domestic Work

He highlighted the company’s innovative approach to domestic services.

“In the past, people simply picked workers from the community, with little structure or training,” he said. “Lenise has changed that.”

“They don’t just recruit—they train. Whether literate or not, individuals are equipped with essential skills to deliver professional caregiving services.”

According to Dagher, client testimonials at the event reflect that impact.

“These workers are not just placed—they are prepared. That’s the difference. That’s innovation.”

Building Skills Beyond the Company

Dagher also emphasized the broader impact of Lenise’s training programs, especially with the upcoming Empowerment Center.

“When you train people at that level, you’re building capacity for the entire community,” he said. “Even if they move on, those skills stay with them.”

He described Lenise as a model of sustainable entrepreneurship—one that creates lasting social value.

“Watch Out for What’s Next”

Looking ahead, Benjamin Dagher expressed confidence in the company’s future.

“Lenise is on the path for greatness,” he said. “This is a female-led business that is intentional about growth, sustainability, and service delivery.”

As the event closed to applause, one thing was clear: Mrs. Danise Dodoo is not just running a business—she is redefining an industry and restoring trust in a space where it has long been missing.

The post From Informal Domestic Work to Professional Care: How Danise Dodoo Is Building a Trusted Home Care Industry and Empowering Young Women in Liberia first appeared on OK FM.

The committee concluded its inaugural meeting in Monrovia on Tuesday, adopting its Terms of Reference and formalizing its leadership structure.

Madam Fatima Conneh-Farah, Chief Executive Officer of Joyce Frozen Food, was elected Co-Chair, representing the private sector. She will serve alongside the Director General of the Food Authority of Liberia, Madam Precellia Cherue, who chairs the committee.

The Food Safety Coordination Committee is designed as a national platform to unify stakeholders across government, the private sector, academia, and civil society. Its core mandate is to enhance the coherence, efficiency, and impact of food safety initiatives nationwide.

Among its key responsibilities, the committee will:

• Promote structured dialogue and policy alignment
• Guide the development and implementation of annual national food safety action plans
• Establish clear coordination mechanisms to prevent duplication of efforts
• Support evidence-based decision-making
• Provide a forum for strategic decisions on food safety priorities and investments

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Chairperson Precellia Cherue emphasized that the committee’s success will be measured by tangible outcomes rather than the frequency of meetings.

“Food safety is not only a public health issue—it is also about consumer protection, economic development, and national confidence,” she said. “The Food Authority of Liberia is committed to ensuring this platform delivers real results.”

She also acknowledged the critical role of development partners in supporting Liberia’s transition from planning to implementation in food safety reforms.

Providing an overview of the initiative, Committee Secretary Mr. Thomas K. Nagbe highlighted longstanding challenges within Liberia’s food safety system, including fragmented institutional responsibilities, weak surveillance, and limited enforcement mechanisms.

He noted that increasing risks—driven by urbanization, informal food markets, and expanding trade—have underscored the urgency for a more coordinated national approach.

“The establishment of this committee is a decisive move to address coordination gaps, align institutional actions, and build a more coherent system that ensures safe food from market to table,” Nagbe said.

He added that the committee aims to strengthen regulatory coherence, improve accountability and transparency, and foster stronger collaboration among all stakeholders.

By the end of the inaugural meeting, members successfully endorsed the committee’s Terms of Reference, confirmed its structure, elected the private sector Co-Chair, and agreed on an operational roadmap for future activities.

The committee comprises institutions including government ministries (e.g., Health, Agriculture, and Commerce) and regulatory agencies such as the Food Authority of Liberia and the Liberia Standards Authority, among others.

Other members include private sector food producers and processors, consumer protection groups, and development partners (e.g., the EU and UNIDO).

The formation of the Food Safety Coordination Committee marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s efforts to modernize its food safety governance and protect public health.

The post Liberia Launches National Food Safety Coordination Committee to Strengthen Oversight first appeared on OK FM.

Operating under the banner “Give Liberia’s Economy Back to Liberians,” the group is demanding the full enforcement of the Liberianization Policy, including priority for Liberian-owned businesses in the awarding of contracts, access to long-term financing, and protection in strategic areas of the retail economy.

One of the organizers, James Emmanuel Brooks, delivered a blunt assessment of what he describes as a failing system that excludes Liberians from meaningful economic participation.

“We are Liberians, yet we are treated like spectators in our own country and observers in our own economy. That is unacceptable,” Brooks declared.

He argued that structural barriers—particularly within the banking sector—continue to undermine Liberian entrepreneurs.

“Our people are given short-term loans with high interest rates and then blamed when they cannot repay. How can businesses grow under such conditions?” he questioned.

Speaking with OK News over the weekend, Brooks, a former commissioner of Gardnerville Township, also took aim at monopolistic practices in the import sector, warning that the concentration of control in the hands of a few players is choking local enterprise.

“You cannot allow one group to import and control entire markets while others are shut out. That is not competition—it is monopoly, and it must end,” he said.

The movement further raised alarm over the widespread presence of foreign nationals in both large-scale and small-scale economic activities, from retail trade to mining operations.

“Everything is now in the hands of foreigners—from selling cold water to controlling major resources—while Liberians get little in return. That is wrong,” Brooks asserted.

Citing activities in mining regions, he questioned the level of local participation and the benefits accruing to ordinary citizens.

“Millions of dollars are being taken from our resources, yet Liberians are receiving peanuts. Where is the benefit for our people?” he asked.

While clarifying that the movement is not opposed to foreign investment, Brooks emphasized the need for stronger regulation and national interest protections.

“We are not against foreign partners, but the system must work for Liberians first. Our resources must benefit our people,” he added.

The group is now calling on the government to review concession agreements, dismantle monopolies, and implement policies that guarantee inclusive economic participation.

It also pledged to engage national stakeholders and push for reforms aimed at restoring economic control to Liberians.

Founded recently, the “Give Liberia’s Economy Back to Liberians” movement obtained its articles of incorporation over the weekend and is expected to officially launch in the coming weeks.

The post “We Are Spectators in Our Own Country” — New Civil Society Movement Calls for Liberian Control of Economy first appeared on OK FM.

Speaking after a solidarity visit to Lofa County, Gono warned against inflammatory rhetoric and fear-driven reactions that could heighten tensions, emphasizing that the government remains firmly in control and committed to a peaceful resolution.

“Let us not pray for echoes of war. Let us not make inflammatory statements,” she said. “Statements such as ‘we are prepared’ or ‘we are former generals’ and other inciting comments are unnecessary. We have a responsible and mature government handling this situation with the seriousness it deserves.”

Gono, who also serves as Superintendent of Nimba County, pointed to Liberia’s painful history of conflict as a reminder of the need to safeguard peace and stability. She highlighted the country’s democratic progress, including multiple successful elections and its growing standing on the global stage.

“We know the effects of war,” she said. “Our country is moving forward. We are developing. We value our peace.”

Speaking during an interview on OKFM on Friday, April 3, 2026, Gono expressed confidence in President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, assuring citizens that all diplomatic channels are being pursued to prevent any escalation.

According to Gono, the council’s visit to Lofa County was not investigative but symbolic—aimed at showing solidarity with local communities and security forces stationed along the border. She described the situation on the ground as calm and stable.

“It is quiet. The people are optimistic. We met with local leaders, women, and our joint security forces. There is no cause for panic,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Gono has dismissed as “baseless and frivolous” a report by FrontPage Africa alleging dissatisfaction among joint security personnel in Nimba County over the construction of a residence for the county’s police commander.

In its April 1, 2026 publication titled “Nimba’s Joint Security Reportedly in Disarray Over Unequal Housing Allocation,” FrontPage Africa claimed that tensions were rising after a housing unit was allocated exclusively to the police commander, allegedly bypassing other security agencies.

However, speaking on OKFM, Gono described the report as misleading.

“That report has no basis,” she said. “Our security apparatuses are working in strong coordination and cooperation. None of them have raised such concerns.”

She reaffirmed that the county administration continues to support security agencies through budgetary allocations, particularly for border patrol operations amid the situation with Guinea, while maintaining close coordination among all stakeholders.

The post “No Echoes of War!” — Nimba Sup. Kou Meapeh Gono Urges Calm Amid Liberia-Guinea Border Dispute first appeared on OK FM.

Speaking Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Unity Party Homecoming in Congo Town, NMRC National Chairman Victor Saye recounted the movement’s political journey and said its continued alignment with the Unity Party–led government is rooted in principles and a renewed belief in national progress.

Saye recalled that by 2021—well ahead of the 2023 elections—the movement had begun experiencing “disappointment from unfair promises and contradictions” within the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), the political grouping it once belonged to. By 2022, he said, the CDC had “drifted from its mandate,” prompting the NMRC to withdraw.

“With dignity and truth, we withdrew from the CDC and established this movement to help opposition parties restore hope in the Republic of Liberia,” Saye said. “Our loyalty has always been to Liberia first.”

He described 2023 as the NMRC’s defining moment, when the movement endorsed then-candidate Boakai and running mate Koung during the presidential runoff, driven by a desire for “clean, disciplined, and purposeful leadership.”

“Two years later, we stand proudly with no regrets,” Saye declared. “Mr. President, your leadership surprised us—not with noise, but with direction; not with intimidation, but with integrity; not with confusion, but with national purpose.”

Saye noted that the movement’s 119,000 registered members across Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa, Bong, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, and other counties “stand firmly” with the administration, praising its commitment to transparency, accountability, and development-focused governance.

“We are not disappointed in this government. We remain confident. We remain committed,” he said. “We believe your intentions are right, your direction is strong, and your dedication to the people is unquestionable.”

Group Chairman Victor Saye (middle) speaking to the press

He emphasized that the movement is not seeking positions, political rewards, or favors, but is focused on helping the administration deliver for Liberians.

“The National Movement for Real Change is not here for positions. We are not here for favors,” Saye said. “We are here to help this government succeed—because when the government succeeds, the people succeed.”

In his closing remarks, Saye reaffirmed the movement’s loyalty to President Boakai, Vice President Koung, and the people of Liberia.

“Today, before Liberia and before history, we reaffirm our commitment,” he said. “The journey may be long, the road may be rough, but together, we will rise again. We are here to stay. We are here to stand. We are here to help Liberia rise again.”

The post From Disappointment to Confidence: National Movement for Real Change Reaffirms Support to Boakai–Koung Administration, Citing Integrity and National Purpose first appeared on OK FM.

Liberia has officially regained full membership in the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), ending more than 13 years of inactivity and reaffirming the country’s commitment to reestablishing its leadership role in global tourism.

The reinstatement follows two weeks of sustained diplomatic engagement led by the newly established Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), under the leadership of Director General-designate Princess Eva Cooper and Deputy Director General-designate for Planning Atty. Dogba K. Norris.

According to an LNTA press release issued late Monday, October 27, 2025, the development is the result of deliberate efforts and visionary leadership under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., whose ARREST Agenda identifies tourism as a key driver of inclusive growth and national renewal.

The statement further quotes the LNTA as saying that President Boakai’s administration has made revitalizing the tourism sector a national priority. It added that earlier this year, he appointed Ambassador Christopher Hayes Onanuga as Presidential Special Envoy on Tourism, tasked with advancing the sector in close collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT). The government also enacted the Liberia National Tourism Authority Act of 2025, establishing the LNTA as the central coordinating body for tourism and the creative industries.

Liberia’s return to UN Tourism follows the submission of a proposed ten-year payment plan and high-level consultations with the organization’s secretariat. The reinstatement includes an exemption that allows Liberia to exercise full membership rights — including voting privileges — pending formal approval by the UN Tourism General Assembly.

In a statement, UN Tourism commended Liberia’s proactive approach and reaffirmed its support for the country’s renewed participation.

Liberia National Tourism Authority Director General-designate Princess Eva Cooper described the reinstatement as a “major milestone for Liberia’s tourism revival,” adding that it reflects President Boakai’s commitment to repositioning tourism as a key pillar of national development.

“Liberia’s story is one of renewal, resilience, and rediscovery,” she said.

Full membership grants Liberia access to UN Tourism programs, policy forums, and funding opportunities, as well as training, marketing, and development support. It also opens new avenues for international visibility, investment, and partnerships in the tourism sector.

With this reinstatement, Liberia will once again participate in the upcoming UN Tourism General Assembly, standing shoulder to shoulder with its global peers — awakening what officials call the nation’s “sleeping giant.”

The post Liberia Regains Full Membership in UN Tourism After 13 Years first appeared on OK FM.