By Samuel Borlay
FOYA – Francis Sakila Nyumalin, Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, recently presided over the induction of a new set of local leaders for Foya District, Lofa County.
At the well-attended induction ceremony that highlighted unity and progress, Minister Nyumalin emphasized the significance of community collaboration, urging the citizens of Foya to continue to unite and work together for the advancement of the region.
He expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the importance of the citizens embracing the appointed leaders for the overall development of Foya.
The Internal Affair Minister used the occasion to announce that Peter T. O. James would shortly be confirmed by the Liberian Senate, to serve as Foya District’s Statutory.
As a gesture of support and commitment to the local administration in Foya, Minister Nyumalin pledged five motorbikes that when provided would be used by the newly inducted officials, indicating that this is an initiative aimed at enhancing the mobility and efficiency of the local leaders as they undertake their responsibilities in Foya District.
Those inducted into various offices include Njaimena Saah Bornguie, District Commissioner; Joseph Fallah Mbokai, Assistant Superintendent for Development; and Josiah Saahkeh, City Mayor of Foya City, among others.
In separate remarks, the newly inducted officials jointly pledged to be dedicated to duty and work cooperatively in fostering unity and progress within the community.
They stated that their primary focus would be on consolidating their efforts to ensure that citizens of Foya Statutory District work toward a shared vision for development.
They expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in them, thanking President Joseph Boakai and the citizens of Foya, for the opportunity to serve and lead the people of Foya District.
The citizens for their part warmly welcomed the induction of their new leaders and vowed to be committed to collaborating with the new officials to bring about positive change and advancement in the region.
Meanwhile, Internal Affairs Minister Nyumalin used the occasion to appoint 42 local chiefs in Foya Statutory District.
The Minister’s appointment action, which sparked mixed reactions among citizens of Foya, witnessed the appointment of six paramount chiefs, 12 clan chiefs, and 24 sectional chiefs, marking a substantial increase from the previous number of chiefs in the region.
Before these appointments, Foya Statutory District had three paramount chiefs, six clan chiefs, and 12 sectional chiefs.
These latest appointments by Minister Nyumalin, have not only augmented the size of Foya’s local leadership but have also engendered a sense of contention among some citizens, who were replaced with new ones, while others who were brought on board the chiefdom hierarchy see this welcoming move.
The newly appointed chiefs, who were immediately inducted into office minutes following their appointment, were cautioned by Internal Affaiors Minister Nyumalin to always reflect on the importance of unity and peace within the district, with Minister Nyumalin urging all appointed chiefs to prioritize the values of unity and peace in their leadership roles.
Minister Nyumalin clarified that the newly appointed chiefs were selected based on feedback from citizens across the various districts within Foya Statutory District.
Foya Statutory District comprises three administrative districts: Tengia Administrative District, Waum Administrative District, and Rankollie Administrative District. With the recent appointments, each district now boasts of two paramount chiefs, four clan chiefs, and eight sectional chiefs.
In response to their appointments, the newly appointed chiefs, speaking through a few of their colleagues, expressed gratitude and stated that they were excited to be called upon to serve their communities under the Boakai-led administration.
As Foya Statutory District adapts to this expanded chiefdom and leadership landscape, the community eagerly anticipates how these changes will shape the future of the region moving forward.
Edited by Olando Testimony Zeongar.
