PAYNESVILLE CITY, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Friday, May 8th, declared that “Liberia is on the move and is not going to go back” as he officially dedicated the newly constructed state-of-the-art Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) complex in Paynesville, describing the facility as a major step toward strengthening national unity, public information, and democratic governance.
The modern broadcast complex, constructed with funding from the Government of the People’s Republic of China, marks one of the most significant investments in Liberia’s state media infrastructure in decades. The project includes fully equipped radio and television studios, digital transmission systems, an outside broadcast van, and upgraded technical facilities intended to modernize public broadcasting across Liberia.
Speaking during the dedication ceremony attended by senior government officials, lawmakers, diplomats, media professionals, and traditional leaders, President Boakai praised the enduring partnership between Liberia and China and emphasized the strategic role of public broadcasting in national development.
“Today, we proudly declare that LBS is back on track as a world-class broadcasting institution,” President Boakai declared. “This new facility aligns fully with my vision of transforming LBS into a truly public broadcasting service — one that informs, educates, and entertains while promoting culture, strengthening patriotism, fostering reconciliation, and encouraging unity, decency, and mutual respect among our people.”
The President also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to institutional renewal and governance reforms under the ARREST Agenda.
“We are here to say that this country is on the move and is not going to go back,” Boakai asserted to loud applause.
The ceremony carried deep historical symbolism as the new facility was dedicated in honor of slain Liberian journalist Charles Cornelius Gbayon, a former LBS news director and prominent broadcaster who was murdered during Liberia’s civil conflict.
“You may silence a journalist, but you can never silence the ideas of truth, liberty, and freedom,” the President said solemnly while paying tribute to Williams’ legacy.
President Boakai praised LBS Director General Eugene Lamine Fahngon and his management team for what he described as extraordinary efforts to transform the institution.
“Mr. Eugene Fahngon has given all his time since he took over, day and night, to make sure the project was completed,” Boakai noted. “We want this media institution to be a leading media entity — not just here, but a model of professionalism.”
The President further announced plans to formally honor the LBS Board of Directors for their role in revitalizing the institution.
“We will arrange a special dinner one day together with the board to say a big thank you and to show appreciation for what you’ve done to restore this entity,” he added.
The Liberia Broadcasting System, originally established in 1956 as the Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA)-inspired state broadcaster before evolving into ELBC and later LBS, has long served as the country’s principal public media institution. Over the decades, however, it struggled with outdated infrastructure, financial constraints, and operational challenges.
Officials at Friday’s event described the new complex as a turning point in Liberia’s broadcasting history.
The dedication ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, ribbon-cutting, and a guided tour of the facility led by President Boakai and Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu.
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