Liberia: Former NPA MD Motivates UMU Student Leaders

The former managing director of the National Port Authority (NPA), Madam Matilda Parker, has urged the student leadership of the United Methodist University (UMU) never to give up on things of value to them.

Speaking at the student leadership induction and fund-raising program of the Bishop John G. Innis Graduate School of Theology at UMU recently, Parker said no matter how difficult it is, they (students) should all always remain focused on their dreams.

“No matter how difficult it is, no matter how stressful it is. Never, never, never give up on things of value. Never, never, never give up on things that are important to you,” Parker told the student leadership.

According to her, leadership is often based on a mission, while management is often based on a specific task being completed.

She said, “I am here to share that the only effective and reliable weapon to use in leadership is prayer. Because when you pray, God will take care of your problem.”

Parker further urged the newly inducted leadership of the Bishop John G. Innis Graduate School of Theology to stay focused on the problem but focus on innovative solutions.

“UMU leaders, I am encouraging you to stay there when things are difficult. Stay there, despite the discouragement. Stay there and behave with integrity. Stay focused on the problem, but focus on innovative solutions,” she said.

Parker, who is described as a senior executive and philanthropist, told the students that leadership is often based on a mission, while management is often based on a specific task being completed.

“UMU Student Leadership: It is always too soon to give up. We give up on our dreams too soon. We give up on our marriages too soon. We give up on our children too soon. We give up on our business too soon. We give up on our friends too soon. We give up on our organizations too soon,” she concluded.

Meanwhile, those inducted are: Rev. Peter Logan, president; Emmangie P. Capehart, vice president; Pastor Fayiah Tamba, secretary general; Bro. Francis Quashie, Sr. financial secretary; Pastor Willimena W. Bans, chaplain; and sister Myrma Diggs Siafolo, treasurer.