President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has broken grounds for a US$5.5 million project at the state-run Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS). The project, sponsored by the Chinese Government, is aimed at constructing a modern television and radio complex.
Speaking Friday, August 16, 2024, in Paynesville, President Boakai said the new television and radio expansion project represents a significant endeavor being made possible through the generous support of the People’s Republic of China.
According to the Liberian leader, the project is much more than the mere construction of a physical media facility but stands as a testament to Liberia’s unwavering commitment to a vibrant and free press, free and unfettered expression of views and access to information about the governance of the country.
He indicated that in a world where information is a powerful force, expanding the broadcasting capabilities will ensure that every voice can be heard, and every view can be expressed. He said the project will not only empower the citizens with the knowledge they need, but will also foster a well-informed citizenry, a cornerstone of a healthy and participatory democracy.
“I hold that information is the indispensable fuel of education. And as we all will agree, education is the bedrock of any nation’s advancement,” President Boakai said.
Boakai added that the expansion of the facilities as the means of the dissemination of critical information to the population evidently will play a crucial role in enhancing our ability to deliver quality educational content.
President Boakai indicated that by broadening the reach and according channels for feedback, Liberians can provide invaluable civics, agriculture, health, and education resources and support lifelong learning.
The Liberian leader said the project will help bridge interactional gaps between population centers and open new doors of opportunity for the people, driving forward the collective progress and personal development.
For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Yin Chengwu stated that in accordance with the relevant agreement between China and Liberia, the Chinese Government will aid the Liberian Government in refurbishing and expanding the LBS, describing the project as a milestone in the history of the media house.
Amb. Chengwu said the project will provide the LBS with more modern working environment and more functional equipment, improve its capabilities of program production, broadcasting and transmission. He narrated that the project will be a significant improvement of the LBS and will certainly be a landmark in the evolution of the station.
