–Departing Finance Deputy Thanks Colleagues, Reflects on Public Service and Urges Them to ‘Light Your Candle’
MONROVIA — Outgoing Deputy Minister for Economic Management Dehpue Yanpea Zuo has described his departure from Liberia’s Ministry of Finance and Development Planning as painful but said he is leaving with a renewed determination to use his new regional assignment to make a broader contribution to Liberia and West Africa.
Zuo spoke Wednesday, August 26, during a farewell ceremony held in his honor as he prepares to leave for Abuja, Nigeria, where he is expected to serve as Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture at the ECOWAS Commission.
Visibly emotional during his remarks, Zuo said he had not expected the scale of the farewell and was moved by what he described as the love demonstrated by colleagues, friends and supporters.
“I didn’t expect this, but the moment I entered I was moved to tears.”
But rather than allowing the occasion to become simply a farewell, Zuo used the moment to deliver what amounted to a message about perseverance, public service and the responsibility of individuals to make a difference wherever they find themselves.
‘My Departure Is Painful’
Zuo acknowledged the emotional difficulty of leaving the Finance Ministry after serving there since 2024.
“Mr. Minister, my departure is something, it’s painful. It’s painful.”
But he immediately framed his departure as a new opportunity rather than an ending.
“I need to go over with the candle. To go light our region and the world.”
The “candle” became the central metaphor of Zuo’s remarks.
He encouraged those present to keep their own lights burning and to use their positions, skills and influence to illuminate the lives of others.
“Shine a candle. For all to see. Seek out the good.”
Zuo said even a small contribution can have an impact far beyond the individual who makes it.
“The little light you put in the corner brightens the minds of all the children around the country.”
He said such contributions also encourage civil servants who continue to work despite low salaries and inspire leaders engaged in difficult public responsibilities.
‘I Will Leave the Ministry With My Empty Hands’
Reflecting on his entry into the Ministry of Finance in 2024, Zuo spoke candidly about the doubts and challenges that accompanied his appointment.
He recalled being told that he would leave the ministry with nothing, but said the relationships, experience and impact he gained proved far more valuable than material wealth.
“When I got to the Ministry of Finance in 2024, I was told something which is a fact. I’m going to leave the ministry with my empty hands.”
But Zuo said that even if he had accumulated financial wealth, it would not have been more rewarding than what his colleagues had given him.
“Even if I had a bank account, it wouldn’t have been more rewarding than what you have done for me.”
Credits ‘Pressure’ for Preparing Him
Zuo also reflected on the pressure associated with government service and acknowledged that his demanding experience at the Finance Ministry helped prepare him for his next chapter.
He recalled questioning why he had accepted the position after previously working as a consultant, where he had greater freedom over his time and assignments.
But he said the pressure ultimately strengthened him.
“The pressure cooker prepared me to come this far.”
Zuo apologized to colleagues who may have felt hurt by his approach at various points, saying his insistence and pressure were driven by his desire to achieve the objectives he had set for himself and the institution.
“For those of you who knew me and felt hurt in some of our activities, I like to say to you, I’m sorry. I was doing this for us to achieve what we have achieved today.”
He urged those who learned from him to redouble their efforts.
“For those of you who learned from us working together, I learned from you, too. But I encourage you to double your efforts.”
From Humble Beginnings to Regional Assignment
In one of the most personal sections of his remarks, Zuo reflected on his humble beginnings, describing himself as someone born in a village and recounting the difficult circumstances surrounding his birth.
“I’m a nobody. Born in the village.”
He attributed his journey to faith and the people who supported and believed in him along the way.
Zuo also thanked his colleagues, family and others who contributed to his development, emphasizing that his elevation was not solely an individual achievement.
He said his next assignment would require him to coordinate with ministries and agencies across the ECOWAS region and asked for continued prayers.
“The only difference between what I’m doing currently and the next position is that I’m going to be coordinating with other ministries and agencies in the … region. So, I need your prayer.”
‘We Are One’
Zuo ended his emotional remarks by returning to the theme of unity.
He thanked his family and colleagues before invoking a song associated with togetherness.
“We are one! We are one!”
His message to colleagues was ultimately one of continuity: although he is leaving Liberia’s Finance Ministry for a regional post, he does not regard the relationship as ending.
He said he expects to continue working with Liberian institutions and partners from his new position and to use his ECOWAS role to advance Liberia’s interests.
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