By Robert Sayon Morris
Political Commentator

Dr. Samuel Ngaima

As the general and presidential elections in Liberia draw near, Dr. Samuel Kpehe Ngaima, a prominent citizen of Lofa County, has declared his intention to contest a senatorial seat for Lofa County.

Dr. Ngaima says he wants to become a Senator in order to "foster good governance and accountability in the Liberian Government, create a strong private sector, implement quality healthcare, an efficient educational system and a productive civil service."

Dr. Ngaima also plans to execute a "County Planning Council, which will undertake policy formulation, and strategic planning with maximum participation of all Lofa citizens in the cultivation of the County's natural resources."

Who is Dr. Samuel Ngaima?
What are his qualifications?
What are his experiences?

Dr. Samuel Kpehe Ngaima, Sr. formerly called Ngolo, was born on August 24, 1946 onto the union of the late elder John Ngaima and the late Madam Korpo Finda Ngaima, in Ndawuyalahun Town, Kalahun District, Lofa County, Liberia. His paternal grand father, the late old man Ndorlay Ndawuya was the most famous Blacksmith in the Gbandi Chiefdown. He made bows and arrows for ethnic wars, cutlass and hoes for cultivating the soil from hard rocks. His maternal grand father came from Kayia Beindu, Kissi Chiefdown, and Lofa County.

Dr. Ngaima is the first of his father's children and the only surviving child of his mother. He is married with several children. His first three daughters have bachelor's degrees in Nursing. Two of his sons have bachelor's degrees, one in computer technology and the other in marketing while others are in colleges expecting to complete soon.

Dr. Ngaima is commonly referred to as Sam Ngaima by his peers and colleagues. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Applied Management and Decision Science from Walden University in Minneapolis, Advanced Certificate in Public Administration at Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota- the first private university in the State of Minnesota.

Sam also holds a Master's degree in Business Administration with specialization in Accounting from Southeastern University, Washington D.C. and a Bachelor's degree in Education with specialization in Sociology from the University of Liberia, Monrovia Liberia.

Dr. Ngaima graduated from the Zorzor Rural Teacher Training Institute in Lofa County, with a High School and a Class A Teaching Certificate, after attending St. Cyprian Junior High School and St. Agnes Elementary Schools at the Holy Cross Episcopal Mission, Bolahun, Lofa County, Liberia. Sam financed his own education from the 8th grade to Ph. D. and he is therefore familiar with the struggle by the poor for education.

Prior to the civil war in Liberia, Dr. Ngaima held several positions of trust in Government, business, and private enterprises, including Financial Controller of the National Port Authority of Liberia, National Treasurer of the National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), Business Manager at the Office of the Vice President of Liberia, Financial Controller at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Regional Planning Officer, Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs.

He also served as Student Leader, and a Public School Teacher. While in the United States, he worked as a Realtor/Consultant for MSN Real Estate Ltd, Faculty/Instructor -Capella University, Administrator/CEO of Family Sources, Inc. all in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Case Manager, Little Flowers Children Services in Brooklyn, New York, and Management Accountant with the Episcopal Mission Society in New York City among others.

Dr. Ngaima began public service as a public school teacher for seven years, beginning in 1967, at one of the most remote rural schools, Poluma Public School in Waum Clan, Kissi Chiefdown, then Kolahun District, now, Foyia District. He was later transferred to Kolahun Elementary and High School in Kolba City, Kolahun District, Lofa County, Liberia.

Upon completion of his college education at the University of Liberia, Dr. Ngaima briefly worked at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs, from where he became Financial Controller for the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, under the progressive and dynamic leadership of Dr. Abeodu B. Jones as Minister. In this position, Dr. Ngaima assisted several Liberians including Lofa Citizens.

For those students who could not be employed at the Ministry of Health and needed help, Dr. Ngaima provided financial assistance from his personal resources in the form scholarships for them to obtain their education in several high schools and at the University of Liberia.

In 1985, Dr. Ngaima was appointed Financial Controller at the National Port Authority of Liberia, after obtaining a Master's Degree in Accounting. In this position, Dr. Ngaima did not only provide financial assistance to needy Lofa citizens but he again hired more than 20 Lofa Citizens in various positions ranging from departmental heads, supervisors, accountants and other positions. Many of these people are still working at the Port Authority and making important contributions to the economic development of Liberia. Some of these outstanding Lofa citizens are making meaningful contribution not only to Lofa County but also to Liberia. Dr. Ngaima is from a small town with less than 10 houses; hence, he believes that with sincere efforts and hard work anyone can make it to the top.

Since the civil war began in Liberia, Sam has sponsored and brought into the United States more than 37 Liberians, most of whom are not his biological relatives. The majority of these Liberians are in the State of Minnesota, United States of America. He has personally paid fares, filled affidavit of support, provided room and board for many of these people. As a refugee in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Dr. Ngaima rented a six-bed room house, where he hosted and fed many Liberian families, single, old and young Liberians, many of whom were from Lofa County. Citizens in Minnesota and Liberia are aware of this sponsorship and humanitarian act of Dr. Ngaima.

After the 1997 General and Presidential election, which brought Mr. Charles Taylor to power, hopes for peace and stability led Dr. Ngaima to acquire more than 850 books for the students of Kolahun Public High School. He personally paid for the shipment of these books from Minnesota to Kolahun free of charge to the students. When Dr. Ngaima obtained his Ph.D in 2002, again, he shipped in partnership with Dr. Harry Fomba Moniba, more than two thousand (2000) elementary, high school and college books to be distributed by the Kolahun University Students Association at the University of Liberia. As Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Lofa Citizens in Minnesota, Dr. Ngaima has obtained more than 25,000 books for the students of Lofa County. The books are now being packed and are awaiting shipment by the Association of Lofa Citizens in Minnesota.

In its recent convention in Detroit, Michigan, members of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Lofa County Associations in the America unanimously elected Dr. Samuel K. Ngaima, Sr. as the National Chairman of the Board of Directors. In this position, Dr. Ngaima has a great vision for the reconstruction of the infrastructures and building of human resources of Lofa County. Since his election as National Chairman of the Board of Directors, he has embarked on negotiations with several American cities for sister-city relationship with cities in Lofa County. Examples of such initiatives in progress include sister cities' relationship between Detroit and Kolba City, Minneapolis and Voinjama city, St. Paul and Zorzor city to name a few.
Dr. Ngaima is the only child of his mother. He strongly believes that brotherhood is not only for those from the same mother. He is therefore open to all alike.

Dr. Ngaima is involved in various social and philanthropic activities in Liberia, and the United States for the benefit of Liberians, especially Lofa citizens. Over the years, Dr. Ngaima has made financial contributions to religious and other philanthropic organizations including but not limited to St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Bolahun, Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Kolahun, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church all in Liberia. The Universal Ministries Church, Victory Chapel of God in Christ and St. James's Episcopal Church all Liberian based churches in Minnesota. Others include Lofa County Refugees Association in the Refugee Camp in Ghana, Books For Africa, Lofa County Women Association, and the Liberian Project, a United States philanthropic organization in the Washington DC Metro-area, which has shipped many needed materials and supplies to Lofa County since the civil war.

Sam began his political career as a student leader, President of the Lofa County University Students Association at the University of Liberia between 1975-1976. During his administration, university students nation wide, for the first time in the history of the True Whig Party, officially participated in the National Convention of that party, which was held in Voinjama City, Lofa Couty, Liberia, with the hope of introducing important changes and modifications in the Party's Platform. Shortly after obtaining his master's degree, Dr. Ngaima offered his professional and accounting services, without financial compensation or any economic rewards, to the National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), and he was later elected National Treasurer of the Party, again with the hope of advancing practical changes in the policies, activities and platform of the party for good governance. He, therefore, did not accept a salary for this position.

Although, his parents were killed by forces loyal to Charles Taylor in the Liberian civil war, Dr. Ngaima refused to join any warring faction or support any one who engaged in the destruction of our Country, Lofa in particular and Liberia in general. Sam Ngaima's vision is characterized by general "Neutrality", throughout the difficult period and history of the Liberian civil war. While he may have been approached by several leaders of warring factions and had the resources to support or to join them, Dr. Ngaima rejected proposals for joining any group to kill our people and therefore, he remained neutral. He therefore believes that we should forgive each other as Liberians and that the guns cannot solve our problems.

Dr. Ngaima has published the following:

"Factors in the Liberian National Conflict: Views from Liberian Expatriates,"
doctoral dissertation, Walden University, 2003
"Principles of Social Systems," Minnesota Futurist, A division of the World
Futurist 26 (2002)

The Senatorial Candidate has received
the following awards and honors:

* Special Father of the Year, Victory Chapel Church, 2004
* Outstanding Contribution to Humanity, Liberian Association in Minnesota 2003
* Outstanding Scholastic Doctoral Writing Award, Minnesota Futurist, 2002
* Father of The Year, Christ Universal Ministry Church, Minnesota 2001
* Student Leadership, Lofa County University Student's Association, 1975

What does Dr. Ngaima intend
to do when he is elected Senator?
What is his vision for Lofa County?

"As your Senator from Lofa County, we shall aggressively promote in the National Legislature rural transformation through political and fiscal decentralization
of the National Government and its resources, capacity building, physical and human development at all levels of the Liberian Government. We shall further ensure that county officials are accountable to the electorates in each county for their actions, the use and abuse of county resources and development programs entrusted to them, thereby giving the people some authority over the people who desire to serve them.

In every situation, peace and stability will be the priority. The focus of our
stewardship, and reconstruction initiatives will be the prerequisites for
seeking partnerships, cooperation, partners-in-progress and negotiations
with foreign governments, cities, organizations, investors, foundations,
establishments and institutions for the creation and establishment of
friendly relationships in rebuilding our broken down County. These
relationships will include but not limited to sister-city relationships,
grants or requests to foundations, investment initiatives and
establishment of sustainable human and physical infrastructural
developments in Lofa County. Our primary goal will be to ensure that
peace and stability can once more be achieved, which has not been
available to the people of Lofa County and Liberia in recent times.
In addition, we shall establish the below councils and committees to
formulate, design, and implement policies, plans, and projects for all
of the people of Lofa County, thereby leaving no citizen or community
behind.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND
RECONCILIATION COUNCIL:

The Liberian Civil War led to some unspeakable atrocities which have
resulted into divisions among our people on religious and ethnic lines. It is
our hope that distinct from national programs for reconciliation, Lofa County
should establish a Council for Reconciliation, which will listen to and hear
grievances, recommendations to bring together and rebuild families, and
social values and institutions thereby empowering local communities to take
charge of their own destinies.

This Council shall be responsible for resolving grievances, wrongs and
atrocities committed against individuals, families, communities and ethnicities,
in order to bring about genuine reconciliation, heal the broken hearts, and
unite combatants with their victims, as well as help the people of Lofa
County to put their differences behind them and energize the citizens of Lofa
County to come together. The Council shall also settle disputes between
ethnic, religious, and regional groups and encourage co-existence of the
various groups in the County.

The County Reconciliation Council shall consist of two members from
each District for a Six-year term. Furthermore, the Council shall monitor
the administration of the County, approve contracts involving the county,
county budgets, sale/disposition of county property, receive complaints,
petitions and dispose of matters brought before the Council against the
County administration, elected and appointed officers.

The Council shall establish committees to assist the Council in its task and it shall hold public hearings from time to time on matters affecting the public
interest, the county, and the conduct of county officers. These hearings shall
be rotated in each District Headquarter. Individuals or group desiring hearing
by the Council must submit a petition to the Council at least 30 days prior to
the hearing in order to allow the Council and accused persons to prepare for the
hearing.

Our reconciliation Council will bridge the ethnic, religious, political, social
and economic schisms and divisiveness that have emerged in Lofa County as a
result of an ignorant and unnecessary civil war, and will pay special attention to
victims of the circle of violence while prioritizing the needs of families and their loss of
lives, properties and values.

The terrible experiences of the civil war must serve as catalysts to reconcile our
differences in Lofa County, unite and redirect our passion with love for our
fellow citizens thereby enhancing genuine reconciliation, rehabilitation and
reintegration of all our citizens, including the young combatants and their
victims.

Part II:
SECTORAL RECONSTRUCTIONAL
POLICIES AND PLANS

Our vision and platform further provides for sectoral reconstructional policies and plans
as follows:

A. THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR RECONSTRUCTION COUNCIL (ASRC)

The objective of the Agricultural Sector Reconstruction Council is to formulate
policies, design and implement plans and projects for the comprehensive, equitable
and simultaneous provision of agricultural and infrastructural services for all of the people of Lofa County leaving no citizen or community hungry.

In particular, we shall establish a ten-year Restructured Agricultural Policy and
Programs geared towards obtaining reconstruction loans and credits for revitalization
of the agricultural or farming sector of Lofa County's economy, in exchange for direct trade with creditors in products, such as coffee, cocoa, palm oil, palm kannels and rice, which are the mainstream of the economy of Lofa County. These programs and investments are expected to improve the livelihood of all of the people in Lofa County.

Rapid agricultural and Infrastructural development in rural Liberia: We in Lofa County will establish new structures, agricultural policies and programs for infrastructural growth, hence, the ASRC will design policies, programs and structures geared toward
identifying, investing and forming local and foreign partners- in- progress for technical advancement and improved productivity in the mainstream of the economic sector of Lofa County (e.g. Coffee, Cocoa, oil palm, rice, and other cash crops and food crops
thereby making Lofa County a free zone investment locality in order to improve the livelihood of our Citizens. The Council will design programs for food production, in cooperation with agro-based trade with investors, foreign and local technology and importing companies, and for the creation and re-establishment of farmers-co-operative and encouragement of investors in commercial farming. The ASRC will promote a fast growing business sector and elevate the standard of living of our people, increase employment and bind families who will remain in supportive communities in the money market. Agricultural transformation and technological development well be intertwined with the development of a wood-based industry to compete in the value added and export market.

B. THE ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL SECTOR RECONSTRUCTION
AND REVITALIZATION COUNCIL (EISRVC).

The objective of the Economic and Industrial Sector and Revitalization Council is to formulate policies, design and implement plans and projects for the inclusive, comprehensive, equitable and simultaneous provision of economic and industrial infrastructural services for all of the people of Lofa County leaving no citizen and community uninvolved.

1. The Revitalization of AGRIMECO which before the Liberian Civil War established agricultural industries, construction industries, transportation industries and transformed Lofa County into the most significant Growth and Development Center and Model for the Republic of Liberia must be revived under our leadership. Lofa County can develop a profitable Cattle industry in which all of our citizens can receive benefits in preparing pastures, and barns, Cold Storage and transporting the cattle throughout Liberia to various markets.

2. The construction and pavement of the highway from Gbarnga to Mandicoma, Sierra Leone border in Lofa County should be a priority project simultaneously enhancing transportation, communication and investment industries.

3. The reactivation of the Wologisi Mines, Airports, food processing industry, development of materials for electricity and industrial power are projects for the activation of our industrial and manufacturing sector and the provision of jobs in our communities.

C. SOCIAL SERVICES SECTOR AND RECONSTRUCTION COUNCIL, (SSRC):

The objective of the Social Services Sector Reconstruction Council is to formulate policies, design, and implement plans and projects for comprehensive, and simultaneous provision of social services (Education, Health, Housing, etc.) for all of the people of Lofa County. Restructured Education, a Health Care and Housing Policies and programs with adequate investment are the foundation for sustainable human development. This Council shall consist of not less than 18 members (3 members from each District) and will create several committees for action and development of sustainable human capital in Lofa County, which shall include the following programs and actions:

1. Educational Reconstruction:

As we have already begun supplying books to Lofa County, we believe that education plays a critical and important role in the economic, social, political and religious development of Lofa County, like any other region of Liberia. Education inspires patriotic obligations and opportunities of citizens to preserve social and political tranquility and promote economic viability for all Lofanians.

This Council shall plan and establish an educational system that will ensure quality education and academic excellence at all levels of educational institutions in Lofa County, and establish genuine partnership for private, public, government and donor agencies to invest in our students, teachers, and educational institutions and not in ARMS.
As your Senator from Lofa County, we shall propose to restructure and promote an educational policy of "No Citizen Left Behind In Education" in order for all Lofa children and adults to receive maximum benefits, opportunities, better services from the value of their tax dollars in conducive and modern environments for learning.

Our educational programs will ensure that Lofa County continues to top the
graduation list in every higher institution of learning in the Country,
guarantee that Lofa County students shall remain prosperous and competitive
in the global market, and will build the foundation upon which the future
generation of our county will depend. To accomplish this goal, we shall establish genuine partnerships between Lofa County officers and private providers, donors institutions, foreign investors, and friendly governments, so that together we shall once again invest in students, teachers, books, educational institutions and not in AMOURIES.

We shall advance a successful system of educational assessment and national evaluation for both students and teachers to ensure success and quality education. We shall establish safe neighborhood community programs in partnership with community residents and county leaders (elected and appointed administrators) to ensure co-existence and prevent crimes throughout Lofa County.

2. Health- Care And Safety Committee:

The vitality and productivity of Lofa County depends on the type of health care
the citizens receive, hence, the health needs of all Lofa citizens must be our
utmost priority during our tenure as your senator.

We shall establish a program of revolving funds in each District within Lofa County, which has been experimented in Kolahun District by Dr. Andrew Cole, prior to the civil war. The revolving fund system will be used to supplement the national health care delivery system with a focus on preventive services for the control and prevention of diseases, while curative measures and treatment will be provided. We shall promote and seek assistance to implement food and nutritional services, especially for pre-school age and K-12 students in all sections of Lofa County.

Public safety is vital to the working of modern democracy and must be restored and provided without preconditions, which are the responsibilities of officers of government. We shall advocate that public safety personnel be well trained to properly carry out their functions, and ensure that they must receive adequate pay based on graded compensation scale in order to prevent or minimize abuse of public trust.

3. Affordable Housing Program Committee:

This Committee shall put together a comprehensive plan for reconstruction and renovation of affordable housing, mortgage guarantee loan programs and financial assistance programs for residential housing development programs. The committee shall further provide through involvement by the national government action for the restoration of all public buildings, which were destroyed in the civil war. Our places of worship shall be restored through charitable grants and community efforts. It is time for Lofa County to have her own Community banks, colleges, universities and hospitals in each district.

PART III: CONCLUSION

1. This vision (Platform) is a comprehensive protocol for the reconstruction of policies, plans, and the implementation of the Agricultural sector, Economic and Industrial sector; and the Social Services Sector development programs designed to leave no citizen and community in Lofa County behind, and thereby empowering them to achieve their natural God-given abilities and capabilities after the Liberian civil war (1989-2003)

2. We shall create an environment in Lofa County where every Lofa citizen, wherever he resides, and whatever the person's circumstances might be can feel a part of and be a
stakeholder in the affairs of our County. Reconstruction of Lofa County must be the responsibility of all Lofa County citizens. Our County is devastated as a result of the
Liberian civil conflict, especially the last incursion in 2003, which made Lofa County the most destroyed political subdivision in Liberia. Some of our own brothers and sisters displayed actions and behavior that were uncharacteristic of the values, and spirits of Lofa County. These actions have not only divided our fellow Lofa citizens, but created animosities and hostilities among our people. We must reconcile, unite, and redirect our passion with love and genuine forgiveness, rehabilitate and reintegrate all of our citizens including combatants and their victims.

2. Our aim is to make Lofa County second to none in Liberia. With the support of our dynamic, progressive, intelligent and resourceful citizens of Lofa County, we shall transform our county into a model of Free-Zone Investment and a cradle of Liberian democracy and comprehensive development, prosperity, and unlimited progress not only for Lofa County but also for all of our fellow Liberians. We once had a beautiful Lofa County and we shall have another one for generations to come by rebuilding families, social values, and empowering local communities to take charge of their own destinies. Our vision is to once more have a vibrant, transformed county where a new dawn will come on all of the citizens of Lofa County to equally enjoy and preserve for future generations."

Dr Ngaima Receives Petition

Dr. Samuel Ngaima

Citizens of five districts in Lofa County (Kolahun, Foyia, Voinjama, Zorzor and Salayea) recently petitioned Dr. Samuel Kpehe Ngolo Ngaima to contest the Lofa County senatorial position in the ensuring General Election in Liberia next year. The Superintendent attested the petition.

The petitioners described Dr. Ngaima as a devoted husband, a good father, a divine humanitarian, Administrator/CEO, an Executive/Consultant, a University Professor, Specialist, Manager, Teacher, an experienced and dedicated Politician, and a renowned and true son of Lofa County.

They said Dr. Ngaima has made many financial contributions to religious and other philanthropic organizations, including contributions to churches, the donation of 850 Books to Kolahun Public Schools in 1997, more than 2,000 books shipped to Monrovia, with meager assistance from Dr. Harry F. Moniba, to be distributed to Liberian Schools.

Liberian Church Honors Dr. Samuel Ngaima

The Victory Chapel United Church of God in Christ in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota on Sunday, August 15, 2004 honored Dr. Samuel Ngaima as Special Father of the Year 2004-2005.

In a statement, the Church Administrator, Deacon Zephaniah W. Kaffey, indicated that Dr. Ngaima had been unanimously selected by the men of the church to be honored. Deacon Kaffey said Dr. Ngaima's selection was based on the honoree's " faithfulness and his many invaluable contributions to the growth of the church, the Liberian community and humanity in general."

Speaking earlier, Dr. Ngaima admonished Lofa Citizens to unite and rebuild their county. He said, "as a result of the Liberian Civil War, Lofa County is the most destroyed political sub division in Liberia."

He thanked God and the church for the honor bestowed upon him. He said as a son of Lofa County " this honor must first be attributed to the Great People of Lofa County."