Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has described Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, as an “exceptional” professional.
Madam Sirleaf has meanwhile commended Yarkpawolo’s decision to serve Liberia despite having opportunities to occupy high-level positions elsewhere in the world.
She made the comments on Tuesday, September 1, when she visited the EPA headquarters in Monrovia, where she met with members of the Agency’s senior management team, and toured key technical facilities.
During the visit, Madam Sirleaf toured the EPA’s Geographic Information System Laboratory, and Environmental Laboratory, where she observed ongoing technical activities involving environmental monitoring, data management, research, and environmental decision-making.
About Yarkpawolo’s professional background, Madam Sirleaf said, his accomplishments were “exceptional,” and praised his commitment to national service.
“He could be in any high-level position, anywhere in the world. He chose to serve this country. That’s a tremendous message to every Liberian.”
Madam Sirleaf said, Yarkpawolo’s decision demonstrates the importance of putting national service ahead of personal comfort, and other opportunities available outside Liberia.
She also emphasized the importance of leadership with integrity, while commending the EPA staff for their passion, commitment, and determination.
Madam Sirleaf told the gathering how proud she was of Yarkpawolo, and the entire EPA team, urging employees to remain professional, and committed to excellence.
“Continue to be strong. Continue to be a professional.”
She also spoke of how national development requires collective responsibility, noting that even a president cannot develop the country alone.
“Not even a president can do it alone. A president will only succeed if the people do their part.”
Meanwhile, Madam Sirleaf has pledged her support to Yarkpawolo, and the EPA, particularly in promoting the Agency’s work internationally, and helping to mobilize resources needed to advance its mandate.
