PUNCH TV LIVE

02/07/2025

Punch News Reel @ 6:00 AM Thursday July 3, 2025. We will read your concerns

HEADLINES....

• Dead, but not forgotten: Gov’t Announces National Healing, Reconciliation, and Unity Program for Victims of the Civil War, Ebola, and COVID-19

• President Boakai to attend high-level summit on economic cooperation and regional security under the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump –Foreign Ministry confirms

• Liberia launches situation room for agricultural data and technical cooperation at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, after four decades of absence from the global stage

And away from home…

• Ugandan military helicopter crashed at the main international airport in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, killing five people on board.

02/07/2025

Assistant Mines Minister Vows Reforms After China Mine Rescue Training

Assistant Mines Minister Carlos Eddison Tingban has returned from China with a pledge to overhaul the country’s mine safety systems, following two weeks of intensive rescue training in Beijing.

Tingban, who attended the “Mine Rescue for Belt and Road Countries” program, said the experience left him “not just inspired, but armed” with life-saving strategies. “You haven’t just lit our path,” he told his hosts at the closing ceremony. “You have equipped us to light the way for others.”

The training, organized by China’s Ministry of Emergency Management, exposed participants to emergency response protocols, modern rescue tech, and real-life simulations in underground environments.

Back home, Tingban says his focus will be on early warning systems, rapid-response rescue teams, and centralized command structures. “This is not a one-off speech,” he said. “We’re going to act swiftly and decisively.”

The Assistant Minister praised China’s safety-first culture and proposed stronger cooperation between both countries, including joint emergency simulations and knowledge-sharing exchanges.

“We now share more than trade. We share a commitment to protect lives,” he concluded.

02/07/2025

CDC Issac Doe Writes…👇👇👇

President Boakai is amongst other African Heads of State invited by the Trump administration to atend Trump’s first African Summit—- this is a great news, but there is one little issue!

Although, this is not an official state visit for President Boakai, it is a good thing that he was included amongst the others to attend the summit. We have gathered that the issue of security, rule of law and Liberia’s recent voting records at the UN against the US will be a part of the discussion, it is nonetheless a good thing to invite our president.

But here is our issue and we just cannot allow these folks to continue to lie and fool our people anymore!!

1) President Ellen Sirleaf was invited to attend the same summit- that was not a big propaganda tool for Ellen.

2) President George Weah was invited by President Biden to attend the same summit- that was not the biggest propaganda news. We weren’t making Liberians to believe that Liberia’s problems were solved. We went about our normal activities. It was not that the “image of Liberia was being restored”. We didn’t say President Weah was fixing something because of the invitation. Facebook wasn’t upside down.. radio stations weren’t having CDCians on them talking all day about it… no.. no

Now, here comes the Rescue mission with 10 pounds of Lies…

3) President Trump invites President Boakai- u will hear this at every corner of Liberia. On every radio station. At every hospital, in every market, by the road side… on every rescue pages, TikTok, instagram, etc. and then, they will want Liberians to see it that Boakai is fixing something or that some kind of “image is being restored”.

When will rescue get serious?

You can lie to win, but you can not lie to govern!

02/07/2025

UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa addresses the press

02/07/2025

Breaking News!!!

Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is among five African heads of state invited by U.S. President Donald Trump to attend a high-level summit in Washington, D.C., from July 9 to 11. The summit, which is shaping up to be a major foreign policy event by the Trump team, is expected to focus on economic cooperation and regional security.

Details are emerging.

02/07/2025

PRESS STATEMENT

NOCAL Empowers Liberia’s Future Leaders at 2025/2026 Scholarship Awards Ceremony –Twenty Outstanding Students Awarded Full University Scholarships in Landmark CSR Initiative

Monrovia, Liberia – July 2, 2025 – The National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) today reinforced its dedication to national progress and youth empowerment by hosting the 2025/2026 Scholarship Awards and Signing Ceremony at its Monrovia headquarters.

Twenty high-achieving Liberian university students were awarded full scholarships under NOCAL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Educational Program, an initiative designed to cultivate academic excellence and leadership potential. The program underscores NOCAL’s long-term vision to nurture Liberia’s next generation of innovators and leaders. Attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education, LIPA, government officials, awardees’ families, and civil society stakeholders, the ceremony formalized a shared commitment between the scholars and NOCAL to drive transformative change.

In a keynote address, NOCAL President & CEO Hon. Fabian M. Lai hailed the initiative as a “strategic investment in Liberia’s greatest resource—its people.”

“Today, we are not just signing scholarship agreements; we are signing the blueprint for Liberia’s future,” declared Hon. Lai. “While our nation is endowed with petroleum resources, our true wealth lies in the talent and determination of our youth.”

The CEO highlighted the program’s alignment with the government’s ARREST Agenda, particularly its education pillar, and its role in advancing Local Content Development to ensure Liberians lead the country’s burgeoning energy sector. This year’s selection process was the most competitive to date, with 191 applicants from all 15 counties rigorously evaluated through a three-stage review (document screening, aptitude testing, and panel interviews). Notably, 33% of scholarships were awarded to female students, many pursuing STEM fields—a testament to NOCAL’s commitment to gender equity and inclusive growth.

Hon. Lai charged the awardees to embrace their scholarships as both an opportunity and a responsibility: “You are now ambassadors of NOCAL’s vision, the future leaders who will shape Liberia’s prosperity.”

NOCAL also unveiled plans to expand the program, including an alumni mentorship network and industry-linked internships, further bridging education and employment. Concluding with a call to action, Hon. Lai urged public and private sectors to prioritize educational investment: “The returns on educating our youth will outlast any oil discovery.”

The ceremony marks another milestone in NOCAL’s CSR mission to foster sustainable development through education.

Together, we are building a brighter Liberia!

02/07/2025

NEC Turns Over 500 BVR Kits to NIR to Support National ID System

MONROVIA – The National Elections Commission (NEC) has turned over 500 Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits to the National Identification Registry (NIR) under a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening Liberia’s national ID program.

The equipment, used during the 2023 voter registration exercise, was officially handed over Monday at the NEC headquarters in Monrovia.

NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah said the transfer supports ongoing institutional collaboration, while NIR Executive Director Andrew Peters said the kits will boost the registry’s technical capacity and help expand national ID coverage.

02/07/2025

Turning Over Ceremony: NEC Hands Over BVR Kits to NIR to Strengthen National Identification Efforts

02/07/2025

For Immediate Release

Ambassador Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr. Advocates for Youth-Driven Solutions at United Nations’ Fourth Financing for Development Side Event in Seville, Spain

Seville, Spain – July 2, 2025 – His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr. delivered an address today as the Honorary Guest Speaker at the United Nations’ Fourth Financing for Development (FFD4) Side Event in Seville, Spain. The event, themed "Youth-Driven Capital: Unlocking Innovative Financing for Africa’s Green and Digital Future", brought together global youth leaders, youth advocates, policymakers, and development partners to explore the transformative potential of Africa’s youth in shaping the continent’s sustainable future.

In his address, Ambassador Yorlay underscored that Africa’s youth – the world’s fastest-growing and youngest population – are a critical asset for the continent’s future. He highlighted that more than 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under the age of 30, emphasizing that, if properly supported, this demographic could drive significant growth and innovation. At the same time, he called attention to the pressing challenges that young people face, including but not limited to limited access to finance, scarce job opportunities, the digital divide, and the looming threat of climate change.

“Our youth are not just a statistic; they are the leaders, creators, and innovators of today,” Ambassador Yorlay declared. “From agriculture and technology to peacebuilding and entrepreneurship, young people are already driving change. It is time for us to equip them with not only resources but also the policies and systems that will allow them to thrive.”

Drawing from his own experience as the First Deputy Speaker of the Mano River Union Youth Parliament in Liberia, Ambassador Yorlay shared his work empowering youth through policy and economic opportunities. Under his leadership, the Parliament expanded from just four members to 30 dynamic voices across Liberia’s 15 political subdivisions. He also highlighted his role in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he supported youth-led peacebuilding projects that fostered civic engagement and social cohesion in conflict-affected regions.

The Ambassador emphasized the need for policies that promote youth entrepreneurship and innovation, pointing out the importance of sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and digital skills as key drivers of Africa’s green and digital transformation. He also called for increased investments in training, mentorship, and financing for young entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

“The financing gap for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is projected to reach $6.4 trillion by 2030. We cannot afford to leave Africa’s youth out of these critical efforts,” Ambassador Yorlay stated. “This is a call to action for all stakeholders – governments, businesses, and international partners – to prioritize youth-driven solutions in the global effort to achieve the SDGs.”

The Ambassador also voiced strong support for the African Union’s call for a Decade of Accelerated Action (2025-2035), which aims to address the urgent need for skills development and innovation across the continent. He stressed the importance of transforming policy frameworks to better support youth-led initiatives, particularly those focused on climate solutions and digital innovation.

“We must redefine capital,” he concluded. “It is not just about money; it is about trust, opportunity, and the belief that Africa’s youth can and will shape the future.”

Ambassador Yorlay’s remarks align with the goals of the Youth Financing Framework and the Sevilla Accord on Youth Financing for Development, which aim to channel resources into youth-led projects across the continent. He urged the African Union and its partners to ensure that these efforts evolve into sustainable policies that deliver long-term impact.

He concluded his speech with a powerful message for Africa’s youth: “You are not waiting to become leaders. You already are. As you lead the way, we must ensure that you have the tools, resources, and support to succeed. The future is already here, and it is green, digital, and in your hands.”

02/07/2025

National Oil Company of Liberia Scholarship Signing Ceremony

Disclaimer: We don't have a copy right to sound playing in the background.

02/07/2025

02/07/2025

After 44 Years, Liberia Reopens Presence at FAO with Situation Room Launch

ROME, ITALY – After 44 years of absence, Liberia has reestablished a permanent presence at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome with the official launch of the Liberia Situation Room.

The facility was inaugurated on the sidelines of the 44th Session of the FAO Conference, with Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah and Deputy Minister Antoinette F. Dukuly leading the Liberian delegation.

FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu applauded the move, describing it as a long-overdue step to reconnect Liberia with global agricultural systems. “President Boakai came here in 1981 as Minister of Agriculture. Now, as President, he saw Liberia had no presence at FAO after four decades and acted,” Dr. Qu said. “I congratulate Liberia, you made a good choice.”

The Liberia Situation Room will serve as a hub for real-time engagement, technical coordination, and policy alignment between Liberia and the FAO. It is aimed at improving the country’s response to food insecurity, strengthening data systems, and enhancing collaboration on agriculture and rural development.

Minister Nuetah said the initiative was driven by President Boakai's directive issued in October 2024 following his visit to the FAO headquarters. “He walked the halls and said, ‘I do not see Liberia’s presence here,’” Nuetah recalled. “That statement became a mandate, and today it’s a reality.”

Dr. Qu commended Minister Nuetah’s leadership and noted his international experience, including studies in China and fluency in Mandarin, as key assets in advancing South-South cooperation.

The Agriculture Ministry is also advocating for an expanded FAO presence in Liberia to support the rollout of national priorities, including food security, rural development, and sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Nuetah emphasized President Boakai’s longstanding connection to the agriculture sector and called for sustained technical support from FAO. “Agriculture is not just part of the President’s past, it’s his top priority,” he said.

By: Gibson Gee Gibson