By Christian Appleton
Harper, Maryland County – March 31, 2025 – The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has launched its second donation initiative in two years, providing essential food and non-food items to physically challenged individuals, elderly citizens, orphans, and public welfare institutions in the southeastern counties of Liberia. The counties benefitting from this gesture include Maryland, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Grand Kru, and Sinoe.
The initiative, which took place at a 15-minute handover ceremony in Harper, Maryland County, on March 31, 2025, witnessed the participation of key figures, including local officials, members of the disability community, and a delegation from the National Lottery Authority headquarters in Monrovia.
In his welcoming remarks, Mayor Abraham B. Jackson of Harper City expressed heartfelt gratitude to the National Lottery Authority for their continued support of Liberia’s less privileged citizens. “With all the goodwill brought to our people, I hope that this initiative continues and is not just a one-time occurrence,” said Mayor Jackson.
Ms. Helena B. Dior, Assistant Director of Welfare at the National Lottery Authority, underscored the NLA’s mission of providing care and protection to vulnerable groups in Liberia, including persons living with disabilities, orphans, the elderly, and public welfare institutions. She recalled the NLA’s previous donation in 2023, which also benefited the southeast, where they distributed food and non-food items to disabled individuals, orphans, hospitals, and safe homes. Ms. Dior highlighted that these efforts were sanctioned by the office of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting its most vulnerable citizens.
On behalf of the National Lottery Authority’s leadership, Ms. Dior assured the disabled community that under the visionary leadership of Hon. Reginald K. Nagbe, Director General of the NLA, the Authority would continue to prioritize their well-being. “This donation includes 100 bags of 25-kg rice, cooking oil, soap, and other essential items,” she stated. “Following this, we will extend our outreach to hospitals, safe homes, and other institutions.”
Deputy Director General of the NLA, Mr. Christian Cooper, echoed the commitment of the NLA to its mission of uplifting marginalized communities. He reminded the attendees that the NLA was specifically created to support vulnerable groups and reiterated that this exercise was only the beginning. “President Boakai cares deeply for the disabled community, and what we are doing today is just the start. We will continue to bring sustainable support to your lives,” he said.
Mr. Cooper also revealed that the NLA is working to reinstate the Lotto as a means of generating additional funds to support the disabled community more consistently. “This is part of our strategy to make the support to the disabled regular and sustainable,” he explained.
Mr. Oliver S.T. Baryoueh, representing the National Commission on Disability (NCD) in Maryland County, expressed deep appreciation for the ongoing assistance from the NLA, noting that last year’s support had made a significant impact on the disabled community. “We are grateful for the support, and we ask that it continues,” he said.
Maryland County Superintendent, Hon. Henry B. Cole, also expressed his thanks, emphasizing that the National Lottery Authority’s donations exemplify the meaning of giving back to the community. “Today, the people of Maryland County are benefiting directly from the generosity of the National Lottery Authority. This is truly a moment to celebrate,” said Superintendent Cole.
In a final note, Superintendent Cole mentioned that Maryland County had also allocated a portion of its development fund to support the disabled community and foster their participation in educational opportunities. “We are all in this together, and our efforts continue to make a difference,” he said.
This donation marks a continued effort by the National Lottery Authority to uplift vulnerable populations and ensure that people living with disabilities, the elderly, and orphans in Liberia have access to essential resources for their well-being.
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