BudgIT Liberia, a youth-led civil society organization, has contributed L$100,000 to the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) in support of its long-awaited headquarters construction in Sinkor, Monrovia.
The donation, intended for the purchase of cement, represents the first contribution from a Liberian civil society organization toward the Union’s headquarters; a project that has faced years of financial delays.
Abraham Varney, Team Lead of BudgIT Liberia, who presented the check to the Union said, the contribution underscores the organization commitment to media freedom and institutional independence.
“The Press Union must not rely only on political actors to actualize this project, if we want a free and independent media, then civil society must lead the way,” Varney said.
“This headquarters is more than a structure; it symbolizes the Union autonomy and integrity. Democracy is weakened when the media is dependent on politics for survival.”
Varney then called on other CSOs, the private sector, and the general public to join in supporting the initiative, noting that a vibrant and independent press is essential for Liberia’s democratic growth.
PUL President Julius Kullie Kanubah, who received the donation hailed the gesture as “historic and exemplary.”
Kanubah described the donation as more than just financial support.
“This is a call to action. BudgIT Liberia has demonstrated that CSOs are not only watchdogs, but also nation-builders. Today, they are building the future of Liberian journalism,” Kanubah said.
He noted that the headquarters, once completed, will include administrative offices, a press center, training facilities, and serve as a safe space for journalists.
BudgIT Liberia, a non-profit civic-tech and advocacy group, has been in the forefront of promoting accountable governance, fiscal transparency and citizen participation.
The organization is also a member of government’s Fiscal Transparency Advisory Group.
By becoming the first CSO to support the PUL headquarters project, BudgIT Liberia has positioned itself as a leading advocate for press freedom in Liberia.