Liberia’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, has made a profound impact on the lives of two young Liberians, once caught in the grip of drug addiction, by offering them a chance at redemption and a brighter future through a personal humanitarian initiative.
Earlier this year, Dr. Nuetah took a decisive stand in the national battle against drug abuse, rescuing five disadvantaged youths from the streets of Sinkor, Monrovia.
The Minister personally arranged for their rehabilitation, enrolling them at the New Life Recovery Center in Lower Margibi County and covering all associated costs for their accommodation and recovery.
While three of the youths later left the program, two successfully completed the rehabilitation and have now been reintegrated into society with renewed hope and purpose.
On October 9, 2025, Dr. Nuetah welcomed the rehabilitated youths—Alphonso Sackor Buegar and Mark M. Morris—into his office at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia. During their meeting, Dr. Nuetah reaffirmed his commitment to their future, encouraging them to pursue educational opportunities and avoid falling back into the destructive cycle of addiction.
“You have been rehabilitated; now it’s your duty to remain determined and avoid narcotic drugs so you can make the difference society expects of you,” Dr. Nuetah told the young men.
“Go take the entrance exams of any technical or high school institution of your choice and bring the results,” he urged.
In a significant gesture, the Minister also pledged to sponsor their education, covering tuition fees for their vocational and secondary studies, while also providing US$720 to support their accommodation. This personal commitment will enable both youths to continue their educational journeys and break free from the cycle of poverty and addiction.
Alphonso Sackor Buegar, a 2017 graduate of Worldwide Mission School, expressed his desire to pursue higher education at the University of Liberia, while Mark M. Morris, a high school dropout, is determined to complete his high school education before continuing his studies at the same university.
Beyond offering educational support, Dr. Nuetah’s compassion extends to the broader rehabilitation effort. Recognizing the importance of sustainability, he also pledged agricultural materials to the New Life Recovery Center, enabling the facility to establish its own farm. This initiative will help feed the residents while also providing practical agricultural training to the youth, empowering them to rebuild their lives with valuable skills.
“The Ministry of Agriculture will provide the necessary materials to help the center grow its own food,” Dr. Nuetah said. “This will not only support feeding but also give these young people practical agricultural skills they can use to rebuild their lives.”
The Ministry’s involvement aligns with the broader national agenda of the Liberian government to empower citizens from all backgrounds, ensuring they have the tools to become self-reliant and contributing members of society.
The management of the New Life Recovery Center, as well as the rehabilitated youths themselves, have praised Dr. Nuetah for his life-changing intervention. One center administrator remarked, “Dr. Nuetah didn’t just talk about change—he made it happen. His support gives our beneficiaries hope and a second chance at life.”
What began as a compassionate act has evolved into a beacon of hope and national renewal, proving that with empathy, opportunity, and support, even those society has forgotten can find their path to redemption and contribute to the future of Liberia.
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