..Urges National Unity Amid Criticism
By Amos Harris
Liberia’s Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, has defended the nation’s recently declared National Day of Prayer. He warned critics against mocking the country’s collective effort to seek divine guidance in the face of ongoing national challenges.
Minister Piah spoke at the ministry’s regular press briefing on Thursday, July 31, 2025, where he addressed growing criticism from some members of the public and media who have questioned the relevance of a day of prayer in the context of governance and development.
According to Minister Piah, the call for prayer is not a substitute for policy or action, but a spiritual complement to the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the country’s economic and social landscape.
“When the Head of State declares a National Day of Prayer, it is not to replace economic reforms or infrastructure development,” Piah stated. “Rather, it is a call for national unity and divine covering amid the many challenges we face.”
He described the public cynicism surrounding the initiative as “unfortunate,” especially from those he said “wake up every day drinking from the cup of negativity.”
“If we begin to make fun of prayer and the things of God, we are treading dangerous ground,” the Minister warned, emphasizing that the role of spirituality in national life should not be ridiculed or politicized.
Minister Piah criticized individuals and institutions he accused of using the occasion to score political points or undermine national unity. He noted that the prayer event was not a religious ritual for optics but a genuine national appeal for divine guidance in Liberia’s pursuit of peace, prosperity, and progress.
“We are not saying prayer should replace the work of the Ministry of Public Works or the economy teams—no! They continue their jobs, but as a nation, we also turn to God,” he clarified.
The Information Minister lauded various sectors, including the Ministry of Public Works, for continuing to deliver on their mandates while the country also sought spiritual reinforcement.
He praised Liberia’s faith communities, both Christian and Muslim, for responding to the call with unity and reverence. From choirs ministering at ELWA Junction to clerics gathering in mosques and churches, he said the prayer movement was a powerful reflection of Liberia’s spiritual fabric.
“We thank all the faithful who gathered across the country to intercede for peace, safety, and progress. Liberia belongs to all of us,” Piah said.
As part of the press conference, Minister Piah read a special message from Christine N. Omuton, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia. The message commended Liberia’s peaceful democratic transitions and hailed its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term.
“In a time when democratic setbacks are rising globally, Liberia showed the world that peaceful transitions are possible,” the statement read.
The UN Resident Coordinator described Liberia’s rise from post-conflict recovery to becoming a contributor to global peace as a significant milestone. She urged that the peace Liberia now enjoys be translated into inclusive development through education, agriculture, healthcare, sanitation, tourism, and good governance.
The UN message also acknowledged President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda as a robust national development blueprint and encouraged bolder investments in youth, women, and sustainable initiatives.
“Liberia’s future lies not in being viewed as a charity case, but as a capable partner, ready to shape its own transformation,” Omuton’s message concluded.
She reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s long-term development under the upcoming United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026–2030), which focuses on economic transformation, human capital development, and the rule of law.
Minister Piah, drawing from this message, reiterated the government’s commitment to responsible leadership and urged citizens to avoid distractions that undermine national development.
“Our country has a difficult history, but we must protect what we have achieved and continue praying while we work,” he concluded. “We are not suspending responsibility—we are reinforcing our journey with faith.”
The press conference ended with a renewed call for Liberians from all walks of life to engage in constructive dialogue, national unity, and consistent prayer as the nation continues on its path toward lasting peace and inclusive development.
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