District #5 Representative aspirant Stephen Mulbah Kerkula has reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment by donating L$20,000 to the Yequelleh United Youth Association, while former District #5 Representative Edward Karfiah delivered a compelling message urging the organization’s newly inducted leaders to embrace trust, integrity, and servant leadership.
The donation was made during the association’s induction and fundraising ceremony held in Gbartala, where youth leaders, community elders, local officials, and residents gathered in large numbers to celebrate a new chapter for the organization and reaffirm their commitment to community development.
Serving as Co-Launcher of the program, Kerkula encouraged the newly inducted officers to lead with vision, courage, and determination, emphasizing that effective leadership begins with a clear purpose and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
“No man fights beyond his strength,” Kerkula told the gathering. “As a leader, you need to be a person of vision.”
He challenged the youth to remain united and dedicated to initiatives that will promote sustainable development throughout Yequelleh District.
In a major highlight of the event, Kerkula presented L$20,000 to support the association’s fundraising efforts. The contribution drew loud applause from attendees, who described the gesture as a significant investment in the future of the district’s young people and a demonstration of Kerkula’s continued confidence in youth leadership.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme, “The Speed of Trust,” former Representative Edward Karfiah underscored the importance of trust as the bedrock of effective leadership.
“Leadership is about trust,” Karfiah declared. “When the people you lead trust you, they will stand with you. Trust is earned, not inherited, and it is the foundation upon which every successful community is built.”
He stressed that leadership is not defined by holding a title but by faithfully serving the people with honesty, humility, transparency, and accountability. According to him, when trust is broken, future leaders inherit weakened institutions and communities that become more difficult to rebuild.
Karfiah urged the newly inducted officers to remain accessible to the people, communicate openly with members, regularly visit their communities, listen to citizens’ concerns, and always place the public interest above personal ambition. He encouraged them to focus on building a better future instead of dwelling on the shortcomings of previous leaders.
He further reminded the youth that every leader’s legacy is measured by the lives they positively influence and the lasting impact they leave on their communities.
Karfiah pledged his continued support to the Yequelleh United Youth Association, promising to work alongside its leadership in advancing development initiatives across the district. He described the youth as the driving force behind Yequelleh’s future and encouraged them to become transformational leaders whose vision, integrity, and service will inspire generations to come.
