“Don’t Be Greedy” Senator Duncan Urges Students to Embrace Brave Leadership, Patriotism

Layman Kollie

January 25, 2026

Monrovia, Liberia – January 26, 2026: Sinoe County Senator Crayton Duncan on Friday challenged Liberian students to reject greed, embrace brave leadership, and take pride in their country, as he served as keynote speaker at the inauguration ceremony of Calvary Chapel Mission High School.

Addressing students, faculty, and invited guests, Senator Duncan congratulated the newly elected student leaders and described their willingness to contest leadership positions as a sign of courage.

 He told the students that Liberia urgently needs leaders who are “brave enough” to stand up for the people, warning that too often voters later support leaders based on gifts and popularity rather than principles and vision .

“This is the beginning of leadership,” Duncan said, encouraging the student officials to see their roles as preparation for national service. He stressed that leadership requires courage, accountability, and a commitment to speak on behalf of others, especially the vulnerable.

The senator criticized what he called a culture of greed among public officials, arguing that many leaders forget the citizens who elected them once they attain power. He told the students that Liberia is not poor, but rich in natural resources such as gold, diamonds, iron ore, timber, and fertile soil—resources that, he said, have failed to translate into improved living standards because of selfish leadership and unfavorable agreements that leave Liberians with only a fraction of the benefits .

“They call it greed,” Duncan said. “When somebody is greedy, the rice in their bowl is never enough. They want the rice in somebody else’s bowl.” He urged the young people to grow into leaders who think beyond themselves and consider future generations.

Senator Duncan also appealed to students to be proud of Liberia’s history, reminding them that Liberia, along with Ethiopia, is among the few African countries that were never colonized. He encouraged them to value their identity and reject narratives that portray Africans as inferior.

“Be proud of being Liberian,” he said, noting that many national landmarks and institutions were built through Liberian efforts. He urged students to carry that pride into adulthood and to demand accountability from leaders.

Turning to the challenges faced by parents, including high school fees and limited government support for education, Duncan explained that the burden on families reflects weak public investment in schools. He called on future voters to be careful about who they elect and to support leaders willing to reform laws and policies in the interest of ordinary citizens .

As he concluded, Senator Duncan encouraged students to return home and engage their parents in conversations about voting responsibly and choosing leaders who are prepared to fight for the people.

“If you don’t take anything from what I said today,” he told the gathering, “take the pride of being a Liberian—and don’t be greedy.”

The inauguration marked a milestone for Calvary Chapel Mission High School, with administrators expressing hope that the senator’s message would inspire students to pursue integrity, service, and courageous leadership.