Southeast Disabled Community Benefits Food, Non-Food Items Distribution from NLA

By: Ben TC Brooks | River Gee Correspondent

River Gee County | Dec. 24, 2025 | The National Lottery Authority of Liberia has officially launched a major humanitarian donation initiative targeting persons living with disabilities across Southeastern Liberia.

The simultaneous distribution exercise was carried out in Maryland, Grand Kru, River Gee, Sinoe, and Grand Gedeh Counties as part of the Authority’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, aimed at supporting vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Speaking during the distribution, Ms. Helena B. Dior, Assistant Director for Welfare at the National Lottery Authority, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the NLA’s core mandate to provide care, protection, and social support to vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities, orphans, the elderly, and public welfare institutions.

Ms. Dior disclosed that unlike previous years when donations were limited to a few counties, the current leadership of the NLA has expanded the program nationwide.

“Under the leadership of our Director General, Hon. Peter L. Solo, we have decided to extend this distribution to all 15 counties of Liberia, and it will now be conducted twice annually instead of once,” she stated.

She further noted that the initiative was fully sanctioned by the offices of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, reinforcing the government’s commitment to uplifting Liberia’s most vulnerable citizens.

She however assured members of the disabled community that their welfare remains a priority.

Dior revealed that the donation package includes over 800 bags of 25-kilogram rice, cooking oil, soap, and other essential items, with plans to extend similar support to hospitals, safe homes, and other social institutions in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Mr. Christian Cooper, Deputy Director General for Operations at the NLA, reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to improving the lives of marginalized communities.

He reminded beneficiaries that the NLA was established specifically to support vulnerable groups and described the exercise as only the beginning of sustained engagement.

“President Boakai deeply cares about the disabled community, and what we are doing today marks the beginning of long-term support,” Mr. Cooper said. “Our goal is to bring sustainable solutions that positively impact your lives.”

Cooper also disclosed that the NLA is intensifying efforts to reinstate the national Lotto system, which will serve as a sustainable revenue stream to ensure regular and consistent support for persons living with disabilities across the country.

Local government officials from Southeastern Liberia expressed appreciation for the gesture.

Harper City Mayor Abraham B. Jackson, Grand Kru County Administrator Alphonso Teah, and River Gee County Ministry of Internal Affairs Human Resource Officer Nyantee Wah, speaking on behalf of their respective counties, lauded the NLA for prioritizing the disabled community.

“We are grateful for this goodwill shown to our people and hope this initiative continues beyond a one-time intervention,” the officials jointly noted.

Beneficiaries including Oliver S.T. Baryoueh of Maryland County, Philip Saah Toe, Sunday Bannie of River Gee County, and Daniel Karmbor of Grand Kru County also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the NLA.

They acknowledged that previous assistance had made a meaningful difference in their lives and appealed for continued support.

“We are in desperate need of help, not only during festive seasons,” members of the disabled community emphasized. “We ask the national government and humanitarian partners to always remember us.”

However, the National Lottery Authority of Liberia is the statutory body responsible for regulating gaming, betting, and lottery activities nationwide.

Established by an Act of the Legislature in 2015, amending the 1982 law, the NLA’s mandate includes generating lawful revenue for national development while supporting charitable and social welfare initiatives across Liberia.