Presidential Envoy Urges Diaspora to Pass Liberian Culture to Their Children

Capitol Hill, Liberia: Liberia’s Special Presidential Envoy on Tourism, Christopher Hayes Onanuga, has urged Liberians living abroad to intentionally teach their children Liberian heritage, ancestry, and culture as a way of sustaining diaspora engagement and strengthening national development.

Onanuga made the remarks while addressing hundreds of diaspora Liberians during a farewell program hosted by Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the Executive Mansion.

He stressed that long-term diaspora involvement depends not only on current returnees but also on how well cultural identity is preserved among children raised outside the country.

“We must train our children to understand heritage, ancestry, and culture, because that connection is what brings them back home,” Onanuga said.

Special Presidential Envoy on Tourism, described diaspora tourism as a vital component of Liberia’s national development agenda, urging Liberians living abroad to remain connected to their roots and contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth.

He emphasized the enduring bond between Liberians and their homeland, regardless of how far they travel or what they achieve abroad.

“Wherever we go and whatever we achieve, nothing is as powerful and as sweet as home,” Onanuga said.

He noted that while Liberia still faces development challenges, the country is making steady progress, supported by what he described as strong political will from the current administration, particularly in promoting tourism and diaspora engagement.

The envoy also encouraged diaspora families to preserve Liberian identity across generations by teaching their children cultural values, traditions, and moral responsibility, which he said are essential for long-term national cohesion.

“Diaspora tourism is part of the larger national tourism framework, and if we do it right, it will grow and deliver results,” he added.

The Diaspora Farewell Program forms part of President Boakai’s broader effort to strengthen ties with Liberians abroad, positioning the diaspora as key partners in economic development, cultural preservation, and nation-building.