The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) has graduated 515 recruits from its Joseph Boakai Training Academy in Foya, Lofa County after undergoing six weeks intensive training in immigration formalities.
The graduation ceremony was held over the weekend in Foya District, Lofa County. Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Minister of Justice/ Attorney General of the Republic of Liberia, appreciated authorities of the LIS for the successful training of 517 new officers.
He said the Government of Liberia considers the training of the new officers of the LIS as a major achievement undertaken by the current administration.
Minister Tweh urged the graduates to be professional in the execution of their official duties and responsibilities and assured LIS that the Government of Liberia will provide reasonable salaries and benefits including health care and insurance.
“We admonish, implore and beseech you to be loyal to your country and people; focus and wherewithal to accomplish and achieve your goals,” the Minister of Justice the LIS new officers.
He wants the officers to avoid violence and never be in defiance of the established rules of society; never disrespect their superior and fellow officers of the LIS, and never disrespect authorities to assert their rights or correct wrongs.
For his part, Senator Momo T. Cyrus, Chairman of the Committee on Defense Intelligence and Veteran of the Liberian Senate, told the LIS new officers that their task goes beyond enforcing immigration laws, but the safety of Liberia’s borders which is vital to Liberia’s security and prosperity.
According to Senator Cyrus, Liberia’s borders must not only be secure but also welcoming to legitimate travelers, investors, and returning citizens. He said when this is done, the balance between security and service will be crucial in the discharge of official duties.
Several local officials from Lofa County commended authorities of the LIS for the training in their county which according to them, is the first of its kind for such an occasion to take place in the county.
The new LIS officers received certificates in various categories ranging from certificates in basic immigration formalities to performance. The Acting Commissioner General of the LIS, Elijah F. Rufus, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Government of Liberia for the support given the LIS during the period of this training. He said the training was necessary and designed to replace officers expected to be retired by the Civil Service Agency (CSA) soon.
