– ALCOD Chairman Shares Award with ALJA, Praises Government’s Recognition of Diaspora Contributions
Greenbelt, Maryland, USA – Eminent Chairman of the All-Liberian Conference on Dual Citizenship (ALCOD), Mr. Emmanuel S. Wettee, has called on the Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) to take charge of telling the story of the diaspora and showcasing its contributions to national development, stressing that “nobody will sell our story better than us.”
Speaking early Saturday morning during the Business Session of the 13th National Convention of the Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA), Wettee said the Liberian diaspora continues to play a vital role in the nation’s growth through advocacy, remittances, and professional expertise, but remains underrepresented in global narratives.
“This award is not for me alone—it’s for all of us,” Wettee said as he shared the African Humane Order, he recently received from the Government of Liberia with ALJA members. “It shows that we in the diaspora can make a difference. But we must also tell our own story, because nobody else will.”
Wettee challenged ALJA to establish a dedicated diaspora news platform—a website or newsletter—to document and promote the achievements of Liberians abroad.
“There’s an opportunity out there,” he said. “People don’t really know what we’re doing. They only think we’re sending one cent or two cents home, but we’re doing far more—doctors, educators, businesspeople, and professionals are all contributing. If we don’t sell ourselves, nobody will promote us.”
He recounted a personal anecdote illustrating how branding and visibility shape public perception, recalling that when he informed someone about his mother’s passing, the person responded, “It’s not on TLC,” referring to the popular media outlet. “That’s the power of telling your own story,” Wettee added. “We need our own platform that tells the best story of the Liberian diaspora.”
Moderator Praises Wettee’s Advocacy
Following his remarks, the session’s moderator praised Wettee’s tireless advocacy for dual citizenship rights and the legal recognition of Liberians abroad.
“You have been very assiduous in making sure that Liberians receive their rightful status,” the moderator said. “Your award didn’t come overnight—it’s the result of dedication, hard work, and commitment.”
The moderator presented Wettee with a signed copy of his book, Becoming an Agent of Change, commending him as a “change-maker and freedom advocate” whose work has inspired a new generation of Liberians at home and abroad.
In Interview: ‘Replace Brain Drain with Brain Gain’
In a sideline interview with Sky Communications Online TV, Wettee reaffirmed his belief that the Liberian diaspora must transform from being merely remittance senders to nation-builders.
“If we don’t go back and build our country, nobody will do it for us,” he said. “That’s why we fought for dual citizenship—to replace brain drain with brain gain.”
He praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for engaging Liberians abroad and for his administration’s growing collaboration with diaspora groups through the Diaspora Affairs Office.
“We had a successful Diaspora Conference recently, and we’re planning another major Diaspora Return in December,” Wettee disclosed. “I want to thank President Boakai, the Diaspora Affairs Office, and all our advocates for recognizing the value of Liberians abroad.”
Wettee concluded his interview with a message of unity and gratitude:
“This honor is for everyone involved in the dual citizenship advocacy. I’m just the one holding it. But it belongs to all of us who believe in Liberia and continue to give back.”
Background
Mr. Emmanuel S. Wettee has long been one of the leading figures in the dual citizenship campaign that culminated in Liberia’s 2022 constitutional amendment allowing Liberians who obtained foreign citizenship to retain their Liberian nationality.
Through ALCOD, he has championed diaspora inclusion in national policy-making and worked with successive administrations and the legislature to advance the rights of Liberians abroad.
The 13th ALJA National Convention, being held in Greenbelt, Maryland, brings together journalists, media managers, and advocates from across the Americas to discuss issues of media sustainability, national development, and diaspora engagement.
