The Boe-Quilah Development Association was established in the early eighties in response to growing concerns within the Boe-Quilah community over the numerous unexplained and perhaps ritualistic deaths of its citizens. These unfortunate incidents created a strong desire among community members to come together, strengthen their relationships, and establish a system through which they could better identify, support, and protect one another.
A significant event that helped inspire the formation of the Association was the tragic death of Tommy Gbehro, who was struck by a moving vehicle while attempting to cross the street near Monrovia City Hall. His death deeply affected members of the community and highlighted the need for greater acquaintance, communication, solidarity, and mutual support among people from the various towns of Boe-Quilah chiefdom.
In response to these concerns, community leaders and concerned citizens came together and established the Boe-Quilah Development Association. One of its principal objectives was to enhance security, social cohesion, and unity among people from the various towns of the Boe-Quilah chiefdom through regular meetings, communication, mutual assistance, and collective community engagement.
The Association subsequently became an important platform for bringing together citizens from more than sixteen (16) towns, fostering unity and strengthening relationships among members. Through regular meetings and organized activities, and fundraisers the Association provided an opportunity for members to know one another, discuss community concerns, support one another, and work collectively for the welfare and development of their people.
Founding Members
The founding members of the Boe-Quilah Development Association included:
Mr. Edward Toweh — Founder
Mr. Wilmot Doegoliah — President
Mr. John Zamay — Vice President
Mr. James Gaye — General Secretary
Mr. James Doegoliah — Assistant Secretary
Mr. Moses Yeazahn — Business Manager
Mr. Isaac Nenlor — Chief of Protocol
Mr. Wilson Nenlor — Financial Secretary
Mr. John Zlahn — Advisor
Mr. Moses Kerper — Advisor
Mr. Diagor Karguo — Planning Manager
Mr. George Duo — Advisor
Ms. Sarah Koolu — Treasury
Mr. Jerry Gbor — Chaplain
Mr. Etike Toweh — Assistant Chaplain
Mrs. Lucy Diawon Toweh — Chairlady
The Leadership Legacy of Wilmot
The establishment of the Boe-Quilah Development Association in early eighties represented an important milestone in the history of the sixteen (16) townships comprising the Boe-Quilah chiefdom. What began as a response to tragedy and the need for security and integration among citizens, developed into an enduring organization dedicated to unity, fellowship, mutual support, and community development.
Today, many of the Association’s founding members have since passed away, and their contributions remain an important part of its history. However, their vision and commitment to their community laid the foundation for an organization that brought together disparate groups and created a lasting sense of self-identity and community.
Mr. Wilmot Doegoliah was elected and served as inaugural President of the Boe-Quilah Development Association from its inception and continued as President Emeritus until his departure from Liberia to Australia in 2008. Prior to assuming the helm of the association, Mr. Doegoliah served as an officer in the Liberian National Police from 1979-1990, serving and protecting Liberian citizens throughout the country. Compelled by the tragic fifteen-year civil war, Mr. Doegoliah’s departure created a significant leadership deficit and disrupted the organization’s activities.
To address this leadership vacuum, an interim leadership structure was established headed by the late Edward Yormie as President, with Jonathan Zulu serving as Vice President.
For more than four decades, Mr. Doegoliah provided dedicated, compassionate, and unifying leadership to the organization and the people it represented. His lifetime of service represented an extraordinary period of growth and exhibited an unwavering commitment to the Association and its members.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Doegoliah was known for his politeness, humility, concern for his members, and commitment to the development and unity of his people. He successfully brought together a cross-section of communities helping create greater unity throughout greater Nimba County Liberia.
Under his leadership, several sub-organizations were established to strengthen communication, representation, cooperation, and participation among members. These structures helped the organization function more effectively while giving communities and local groups opportunities to contribute to the overall development of their people.
Mr. Doegoliah’s leadership was characterized by unity, compassion, service, respect, and inclusiveness. His ability to earn and maintain the confidence of the people was demonstrated by their urging of him to continue serving as President beyond the organization’s required term of office. He continued to purvey his leadership in his adopted home of Melbourne Australia, helping establish and also serve as the Board Chairman of the Nimba Citizen Union of Australia as well as elder statesman for the Liberian Community in Australia.
His passing on August 22, 2026, marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of the Boe-Quilah Development Association. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to the organization’s survival and continued development during those early challenging years.
Wilmot D. Doegolia leaves behind a legacy of more than four decades of service, unity, organizational development, and commitment to his people.
He will be remembered not simply as a president, but as a founding leader, unifier, community builder, and devoted servant of his people whose leadership helped shape the Boe-Quilah Development Association and strengthen the bonds among his people.
Sincerely
Signed:
Kenneth M. Kwiwongbaye Approved:
Secretary General Emeritus C.Hendrix Grupee
Association of Boe-Quila Citizens (ABCUS) President Emeritus
in the United States Association of Boe-Quila Citizens (ABCUS)
