Liberia lottery authority launches Independence Day food distribution in Montserrado
The initiative forms part of the authority’s social responsibility efforts to support vulnerable communities during the Independence Day period.
Liberia.- Ahead of Liberia’s July 26 Independence Day celebrations, the National Lottery Authority (NLA) has launched its annual food and non-food distribution programme targeting 180 institutions that care for persons with disabilities, orphaned children, elderly people and other vulnerable groups in Montserrado County.
The programme was officially unveiled on Tuesday, July 14, at the NLA’s conference room, with distribution scheduled to run from July 15 to July 25.
According to the NLA, the beneficiaries were selected from its database of institutions across Montserrado County. Mohamed Sidi Kamara, who heads the authority’s social welfare unit, said the July 26 package includes bags of rice, cartons of cooking oil, Vita cubes, washing soap and other household essentials.
Deputy director general for administration Edith Nami noted that the initiative forms part of the authority’s social responsibility efforts to support vulnerable communities during the Independence Day period.
Representatives of disability organisations welcomed the programme but urged the NLA to expand its support beyond periodic food distributions.
Peter “PK” Fumoh, president of the National Union of Organizations of the Disabled (NUOD), acknowledged the authority’s continued assistance, including previous business empowerment initiatives and scholarships for some students with disabilities. He, however, called for stronger long-term collaboration focused on housing, livelihoods and other sustainable support.
Secretary general Sebesta Amamo also praised the programme while encouraging the authority to strengthen education and empowerment initiatives that could provide lasting economic opportunities.
Director general Reginald Nagbe confirmed that the NLA intends to expand its social programmes beyond food distributions. He said the authority plans to support projects such as schools, health facilities and technical institutions for persons with disabilities, while continuing tuition assistance for students enrolled in community colleges and state-run universities.
Nagbe reiterated that proceeds generated through the NLA’s regulatory activities are being reinvested into programmes that support vulnerable communities across Liberia.
