Liberia’s Minister of Local Government, Francis Sakila Nyumalin, Sr., has arrived in Antwerp, Belgium, where he is serving as the Guest of Honor at activities marking Liberia’s 179th Independence Day celebration.
The celebration is being jointly organized by the United Liberian Association of Belgium (ULAB) and the European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA).
The Celebration is bringing together Liberians and friends of Liberia from across Europe to commemorate the nation’s independence and celebrate its rich cultural heritage.
Upon his arrival in Belgium, Minister Nyumalin received a warm welcome from officials of ULAB, EFLA, members of the Liberian community, and other invited guests.
His visit underscores the Government of Liberia’s commitment to strengthening ties with Liberians living abroad, while recognizing the important contributions of the diaspora to national development.
According to a dispatch, as Guest of Honor, Minister Nyumalin will deliver the keynote address highlighting Liberia’s democratic progress, national unity, decentralization, and the government’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive governance and sustainable local development.
The Minister’s participation forms part of a series of activities commemorating Liberia’s 179th Independence Day, which includes cultural exhibitions, community engagements, networking events, and recognition of outstanding members of the Liberian Diaspora.
Moreover, the event is also designed to promote patriotism, preserve Liberia’s cultural identity, noting that his participation reflects the government’s recognition of the vital role the diaspora continues ULAB and EFLA expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia for accepting their invitation and for demonstrating its willingness to engage Liberians living abroad.
They noted: “That the Minister’s attendance will add prestige to this year’s celebration and provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue between the government and members participants from Belgium and neighboring countries”. Beyond commemorating Liberia’s independence, the event serves as a platform for discussing issues affecting Liberians abroad, and strengthen bonds among Liberians residing across Europe.
However, organizers had described Minister Nyumalin’s presence as a significant honor, noting that his participation reflects the government’s recognition of the vital role the diaspora continues to play in Liberia’s economic growth, investment, peacebuilding, and national transformation.
Speaking upon his arrival, officials of both ULAB and EFLA expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia for accepting their invitation and for demonstrating its willingness to engage Liberians living abroad.
They noted that the Minister’s attendance will add prestige to this year’s celebration and provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue between the government and members of the diaspora.
The annual Independence Day celebration has become one of the largest gatherings of Liberians in Europe, attracting participants from Belgium and neighboring countries. Beyond commemorating Liberia’s independence, the event serves as a platform for discussing issues affecting Liberians abroad, encouraging investment back home, and fostering collaboration between Diaspora organizations and the Government of Liberia.
