By Peter Kollie
The newly elected President of Salayea District in Lofa County, Edwin Lavelah has called for total unity and progress among the youth of the district. Edwin Lavelah was recently elected as Head of the Salayea District Youth following a highly contested election featuring four candidates of the Salayea District Youth Transformation Party, Reformation Youth of Salayea District, the Salayea District Youth Unification Party, and the One Salayea District Youth Movement.
Edwin Lavelah, representing the Salayea District Youth Reformation Party, emerged victorious with a total of 452 votes.
During his post victory media appearance on the Critical Talk Show on Alternative Youth Radio, President-Elect, Edwin Lavelah called for unity and progress among the young people of Salayea District. He expressed gratitude to his party members and the youth of Salayea District for entrusting him with leadership. The new president promised to empower young people by encouraging self-reliance, active participation in decision-making, and accountability.
“The youth of Salayea District must work together to move from square one to 95 percent,” Lavelah stated, underscoring the need for unity and collaboration.
President Lavelah outlined his immediate priorities upon assuming office, starting with the renovation of the youth facility in the district, with a promise to make the facility accessible to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to attract funding for youth development programs.
He said his administration also aims to fulfill campaign promises, including initiating clan-based farming projects and advancing technology opportunities for young people in the district.
Lavelah acknowledged the challenges facing the youth but expressed confidence that the challenges would be addressed through collaborative efforts. He, however, emphasized that his advocacy would focus on supporting law-abiding individuals, while ensuring that young people involved in drugs addiction and abuse of traditional norms are supported to disengaged and or refrain from the acts.
As the Salayea District Youth President-elect prepares for his inauguration, he is calling on all young people in the district to unite and work towards a shared vision of progress and transformation.