The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has launched a series of staff engagement activities.
NaFAA launched the program in commemoration of “Mother’s Day” and in recognition of the invaluable contributions of women in the workplaces.
The launch was held under the theme: “Mothers Lead.” It is part of its employee engagement and workplace empowerment program.
The initiative, according to a release, seeks to celebrate and recognize the dedication, resilience, and leadership of women serving within the Authority, while creating opportunities to showcase female leadership and professional development.
The activities officially commenced on Monday, May 11, 2026, during NaFAA’s Senior Technical Staff Meeting.
The meeting was chaired by the Director General, Cyrus Saygbe.
A special session was dedicated to honor women and acknowledge the tremendous sacrifices they make in their homes, businesses, communities, and workplaces in sustaining families and contributing meaningfully to nation-building.
As part of the celebration, NaFAA, on Thursday, May 21, organized a special luncheon for all female employees, during which, women across the institution celebrated their achievements, and received branded appreciation gifts, the Authority’s Senior Management Team prepared.
In a landmark move to promote leadership inclusion, and experiential learning, NaFAA has designated Monday, May 25, through Friday, May 29, as “Mothers Lead Week,” during which, all departments, including the Office of the Director General, will be temporarily headed by women.
The initiative marks the first of its kind within NaFAA. It intends to provide a platform for recognition, professional growth, mentorship, and leadership exposure while identifying and nurturing leadership potential among women across all levels of the institution.
According to NaFAA Management, the program forms part of the Authority’s broader commitment to fostering a healthy, productive, inclusive, and professional work environment for all staff.
Women Take Leadership Roles Across NaFAA
Shortly after assuming the temporary role of Director General, the Authority’s Chief Inspector General, Ellen Teewon, described her designation as both “unexpected and inspiring.”
“I was taken by surprise when Mr. Saygbe designated me during the meeting.”
Mrs. Teewon said, during her one-week leadership role, she intends to prioritize inspection readiness activities, particularly strengthening technical preparations for the inspection of fisheries-related imports and products at the Freeport of Monrovia and designated fisheries landing sites.
“We are preparing the enforcement team for inspection activities, which will officially begin in June of this year.”
Also, Magdalene K. Flomo, Manager for Fisheries Subsidies, expressed gratitude about the initiative.
Madam Flomo was designated to temporarily serve as Deputy Director General for Technical Services.
She described the opportunity as “exciting and meaningful,” noting that she is familiar with the role due to her prior experience serving as Chief of Office Staff in the department.
Similarly, Miss Fenda Joseph, was designated under the initiative to temporarily serve as Director for General Services, a role occupied by Director Samuel Torh Tugba.
Miss Joseph said, she was delighted by the opportunity, and committed to work collaboratively with staff within the department to effectively carry out her temporary responsibilities.
Another participant, Delpanie T. Dassin-Ware, Gender Focus Person in the Human Resources Department, temporarily assumed a departmental leadership role.
Madam Ware described the experience as “empowering.”
“I feel so excited to be entrusted by senior management leaders based on my ability to perform, and to me, this temporary role is a pathfinder for permanent future opportunities. I am glad to serve. This is the month of May, and this is our way of celebrating the women of NaFAA.”
Meanwhile, Gleneda Teta Yealue, of the Research and Statistics Team, an experienced researcher, who has worked extensively with fisheries enumerators in various landing sites, welcomed the opportunity to lead during the week-long initiative.
“I feel great leading my male counterparts and will collaborate with my colleagues to improve our working outcomes this week,” she noted.
Looking Ahead
NaFAA has disclosed that on Monday, June 1, 2026, the Authority’s Senior Management Technical Meeting will feature presentations, experiences, and reports from participants of the “Mothers Lead” Initiative, allowing female staff to reflect on lessons learned, leadership experiences, and recommendations for future institutional empowerment initiatives.