MONROVIA, LIBERIA — August 13, 2026: The Manager of the National Road Fund of Liberia (NRF), Mrs. Joseta Neufville-Wento, has encouraged young Liberians to remain disciplined, intentional, and committed to their professional development as they prepare to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Mrs. Neufville-Wento made the statement on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when she addressed a cross-section of young people at the official launch of the National Youth-Government Dialogue, a flagship initiative of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY).
Held at the Monrovia City Hall in observance of International Youth Day, the event was organized under the theme: “Closing the Gap: Building Trust Between Young People and Government.”
The National Youth-Government Dialogue was established to create a continuing platform where young people can sit directly with government officials, ask questions, share their experiences and ideas, identify challenges, and collaborate on practical solutions to issues affecting their lives and communities.
Mrs. Neufville-Wento, who served as the initiative’s maiden guest, urged young people to approach their education, careers, and leadership responsibilities with purpose and consistency.
“Be disciplined and intentional about your professional development,” she encouraged the participants, stressing that career advancement requires preparation, continuous learning, integrity, and the willingness to accept responsibility.
During an interactive question-and-answer session, the NRF Manager responded to questions from participants and discussed the relationship between road financing and youth development. She highlighted how roads influence young people’s access to education, employment, healthcare, markets, businesses, and other economic opportunities.
She explained that the work of the National Road Fund extends beyond financing and managing resources for road maintenance. According to her, improved road connectivity can expand opportunities for young entrepreneurs, reduce transportation difficulties, strengthen access to public services, and support inclusive national development.
Mrs. Neufville-Wento also encouraged young Liberians to take advantage of internship, mentorship, and professional-development opportunities. Drawing from her own career journey, she noted that she benefited because someone was willing to recognize her potential and take risk with her.
She pledged to continue supporting young people through the NRF S.T.E.A.M. Internship Program, which provides young Liberians with opportunities to gain practical workplace experience, strengthen their professional skills, and prepare for future careers.
The NRF Manager emphasized that institutions must deliberately create opportunities for young people to learn and grow. At the same time, she challenged young beneficiaries to demonstrate discipline, humility, commitment, and a willingness to learn when such opportunities are presented.
She applauded the Federation of Liberian Youth, under the leadership of its President, Mr. Ernest Duku Jallah, for launching the National Youth-Government Dialogue and creating a constructive platform for meaningful engagement between young citizens and public officials.
Mrs. Neufville-Wento pledged the support of the National Road Fund for the initiative and expressed the NRF’s willingness to participate in future editions of the dialogue whenever its schedule permits.
She described open engagement with young people as essential to building public trust, strengthening accountability, and helping government institutions better understand the expectations and concerns of Liberia’s youthful population.
The launch brought together young people, youth leaders, government representatives, and other stakeholders. Participants shared their experiences, raised questions, and proposed ways public institutions could become more accessible and responsive to young Liberians.