CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — The Bong Diaspora Citizens Association (BODCA) has announced plans for its highly anticipated 2026 Annual Convention, a four-day gathering expected to bring together sons, daughters, and friends of Bong County from across the United States and other parts of the world. Scheduled for June 25 through June 28 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the convention will be held under the theme, “Bong Diaspora United in Purpose, Strong in Action.”
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
The annual convention serves as the flagship gathering of Bong County citizens residing abroad and remains one of the most important platforms for engagement among members of the Bong diaspora.
According to BODCA, the convention will provide participants with an opportunity to reconnect with one another, assess the progress made over the past year, identify challenges facing both the organization and Bong County, and develop practical strategies aimed at fostering sustainable development.
The gathering, according to BODCA, is expected to attract professionals, policymakers, educators, business leaders, development partners, and community advocates who share a common interest in supporting the future of Bong County.
A major highlight of the convention, BODCA said, will be a keynote address by Liberia’s Minister of Public Works, Roland L. Giddings. The minister is expected to outline development prospects for Bong County and discuss the role of infrastructure in driving economic growth and social transformation across the county.
BODCA added that the convention will also witness the formal launching of a Resource and Cultural Center to be constructed in Gbarnga. Organizers say the facility will serve as a hub for cultural preservation, educational activities, community engagement, and knowledge sharing. The center is expected to play a vital role in preserving the history, traditions, and languages of Bong County while providing opportunities for learning and cultural exchange.
Another significant component of the gathering will be the launch of a scholarship program designed to expand access to education for deserving students. The initiative aims to support primary, secondary, and higher education while easing the financial burden faced by vulnerable young people. Organizers believe the scholarship program will contribute to closing human resource gaps and preparing a new generation of leaders for Bong County and Liberia.
Delegates attending the convention will also participate in a Development Roundtable focused on critical sectors including education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and infrastructure. The discussions are expected to generate practical recommendations and foster partnerships capable of supporting long-term development efforts throughout Bong County.
In addition, a Networking and Cultural Evening will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bong County and Liberia. The event will feature discussions on language preservation, heritage education, and innovative approaches to helping Liberian children in the diaspora learn and maintain their native languages. Organizers believe these efforts are essential to ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots and cultural identity.
The convention will further host a Reconciliation and Unity Forum aimed at promoting healing, strengthening relationships, and fostering a shared vision for the future. Participants are expected to engage in frank discussions on ways to enhance cooperation and solidarity among Bong County citizens both at home and abroad.
Speaking ahead of the convention, BODCA President Dr. Victor Flomo described the gathering as a landmark event that reflects the growing commitment of Bong County citizens in the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to the county’s development.
Dr. Flomo said the convention is not merely a social gathering but a strategic platform for mobilizing ideas, resources, and partnerships that can create lasting impacts in Bong County. He emphasized that members of the diaspora possess immense expertise and experience that can be leveraged to address challenges and promote sustainable development initiatives across the county.
According to Dr. Flomo, this year’s convention represents an important opportunity for citizens of Bong County to reaffirm their commitment to unity and collective action. He noted that the strength of the association lies in its ability to bring people together around a common purpose and transform shared aspirations into tangible projects that benefit communities throughout the county.
The BODCA President further stated that the organization remains committed to preserving the cultural identity of Bong County while empowering future generations through education, mentorship, and community development programs. He stressed that maintaining strong connections between the diaspora and communities back home is essential for achieving meaningful and sustainable progress.
“Our convention theme, ‘Bong Diaspora United in Purpose, Strong in Action,’ reflects the spirit that drives our organization. We believe that when Bong County citizens stand together, regardless of where they reside, we can make significant contributions to education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic development. This gathering will allow us to strengthen that commitment and chart a clear path forward for our people,” Dr. Flomo said.
“This convention is about more than discussion. It is about action, accountability, and impact. We are launching initiatives that will directly benefit our communities, including the Resource and Cultural Center and the scholarship program. These are investments in the future of Bong County, and we are calling on all citizens and friends of the county to join us as we work collectively to build stronger communities and create opportunities for future generations,” he added.
Founded on principles of unity, cultural pride, service, accountability, empowerment, collaboration, innovation, and inclusiveness, BODCA continues to position itself as a leading diaspora organization dedicated to advancing the welfare of Bong County citizens. Through its programs and initiatives, the association seeks to preserve cultural heritage, facilitate knowledge transfer, mobilize resources, and strengthen development efforts aimed at improving lives across Bong County.
