Monrovia – Liberia has successfully hosted the eighth edition of the Strengthening Families Conference, bringing together cabinet ministers, lawmakers, faith leaders, diplomats, development partners, and youth advocates from across West Africa for a two-day dialogue focused on strengthening families as the foundation for national development and social stability.
By Francis G. Boayue
Held June 19–20 at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia under the theme, “Strengthening Families, Empowering Youth, and Building Resilient Communities,” the conference was organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attracted thousands of participants both in person and online through livestreams and viewing centers.
The annual conference, which rotates among African nations, has previously been hosted in Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone. Liberia became the latest host nation, with organizers announcing that the 2027 edition will be held in Cotonou, Benin.
Opening the conference, Elder Prince Nyanforh of Area 70 in Liberia described the family as society’s first institution and most important safety net. He emphasized that strengthening families requires a collective effort involving governments, faith-based organizations, civil society groups, academia, and the private sector.
One of the conference’s most impactful presentations came from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Roberta Gbowee, who shared personal experiences to underscore the importance of empowering children through education, inclusion, and opportunity.
Drawing from her upbringing, Gbowee recounted how her father rejected cultural practices that limited opportunities for girls and instead prioritized education for his daughters. She also highlighted her foundation’s collaboration with Muslim leaders to support rescued girls in accessing higher education.
“Strong families create stronger children, and stronger children build stronger nations,” Gbowee told participants.
Representing the Africa West Area Presidency, Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran reflected on the long-term effects of Liberia’s civil conflict on family structures while praising the role of grandparents and extended families in supporting vulnerable children.
He identified four essential pillars for youth empowerment: values, mentorship, education and skills development, and a sense of belonging. Elder Ojediran also highlighted church-supported initiatives, including BYU–Pathway Worldwide, Succeed in School, and Gathering Place programs, which provide educational and developmental opportunities for both members and non-members.
Government officials echoed the conference’s family-centered message.
Speaking on behalf of First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai, Chief of Staff Foday E. Kape called on policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize legislation and programs that protect children and strengthen families.
Deputy Minister for Children and Social Protection Gahmie S. Tokpa cited a 2022 study conducted by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in partnership with UNICEF, which estimated that more than 366,000 Liberian children are engaged in street peddling. She outlined the ministry’s phased five-year strategy aimed at addressing the issue and improving child welfare outcomes.
Regional participation was also prominent. A representative of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Women Affairs delivered remarks on behalf of Minister Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stressing the importance of family cohesion, youth empowerment, mental health awareness, and responsible technology use.
Jennifer Hawks, Executive Director of Engage Now Africa, encouraged participants to embrace the African principle of Sankofa—learning from the past to build a stronger future. She urged communities to create supportive environments that offer protection, mentorship, and opportunity for young people.
Archbishop Gabriel Blamo Snosio Jubwe of the Archdiocese of Monrovia challenged participants to invest in vocational training, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, noting that Liberia’s youthful population presents both opportunities and responsibilities.
He encouraged families to reconnect through simple actions such as sharing meals without digital distractions, joining savings groups, and strengthening neighborhood relationships.
Former Deputy Minister of Information Kadiatu K. Broh urged parents and leaders to guide young people in the responsible use of technology.
“A smartphone without values becomes a distraction; technology guided by character becomes transformation,” she said.
The conference also provided a platform for youth voices. Abigail Freeman, the youngest speaker at the gathering, appealed to leaders, parents, and development partners to invest more deliberately in young people.
“One finger cannot pick up a stone,” she said, emphasizing the need for collective action.
Dr. Bridget C. Madrian, Dean of the BYU Marriott School of Business, addressed leadership development, describing effective leadership as a skill cultivated through mentorship, service, and positive example.
Panel discussions throughout the conference featured government officials, traditional and religious leaders, lawmakers, business executives, and development practitioners examining issues ranging from the erosion of family values and the influence of technology to pathways for building resilient communities.
The conference also recognized Abdul Manaf Kemokai of Defence for Children International–Sierra Leone as the recipient of the 2025 Family Values Award for his contributions to child protection and advocacy.
Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor participated as a panelist and special guest, while attendees were treated to cultural performances, musical presentations, and exhibitions showcasing Liberian businesses and community organizations.
Organizers highlighted the groundbreaking of the Duport Road Maternity Hospital in Montserrado County and a classroom construction project in Bong County as tangible examples of initiatives supporting stronger families and healthier communities.
As the conference concluded, speakers repeatedly returned to a common message: the future of Africa depends on strong families, empowered youth, and united communities.
The sentiment was captured in a Liberian proverb shared during the event: “One broomstick breaks easily, but a bundle cannot be broken.”
