By: Destined Darlington Sehgbean Jr,
Civic discourse is the lifeblood of any democracy. It is the means by which citizens, especially the youth, engage with and challenge the status quo.
The idea of giving young people a platform to express their thoughts on national issues is, without a doubt, a step forward. But labeling it as a “debate” undermines its true potential. The purpose of this platform should not be to win a contest, but to question the government and offer new, actionable solutions to Liberia’s problems.
Both Martin K.N Kollie and Wantoe Wantoe, walked away as winners today, but not because they presented groundbreaking solutions. They won simply by being seen and heard on a national stage.
The real loser in this scenario is Liberia a country on the brink of collapse, in desperate need of innovative ideas to overcome its most pressing challenges. After watching this “debate,” ask yourself: Did Wantoe offer any solutions to health problems from mining such as chemical spills or harmful fumes, or provide better compensation and benefit pathways for Liberian workers?
Did Martin address the entrenched corruption that paralyzes the government and how that would not be the case if we were to bet on his idea of a solution? And more importantly, did either of them propose anything new, or are we just hearing the same rhetoric recycled by leaders past and present?
If your answer is no, then the future of Liberia remains as uncertain as it has always been, if not more .
The moderator asked critical questions, seeking clear, thoughtful answers. Questions like: “What’s missing in our governance?” “What would you have done differently in concession negotiations?” “What are your specific recommendations?” These are important questions, and they demand practical responses. Go back and watch the video. Then ask yourself—are their answers capable of solving the real issues we face? How would their policies impact employment, job creation, or your day-to-day life? Can we realistically expect any improvements if their ideas were implemented?
Let’s be clear: OKFM 99.5 & OKTV have an extraordinary opportunity to serve as platforms for meaningful dialogue among young people an opportunity to inject fresh, innovative ideas into the national conversation. But calling this a “debate” shifts the focus from the substance of the discussion to the spectacle of opposition. The goal then becomes to “win” by undermining your opponent, not by presenting new ideas that would make Liberia work better. If the intent is to find solutions to Liberia’s challenges, we need to stop pretending this is a debate. It’s a conversation a dialogue, an exchange of ideas.
Let’s not forget: There are countless young people out there with creative, practical solutions to Liberia’s most urgent problems. But framing this as a debate will only intimidate many of them, creating an environment where fear of failure or public humiliation outweighs the desire to contribute. We need an atmosphere where young voices can thrive, not one where they feel pressured to defeat an adversary.
So, here’s the challenge: Let’s redefine the conversation. Instead of debating, let’s dialogue.
Let’s create a space where young people can offer new perspectives and challenge the government without the pressure of “winning” or “losing.” After all, the stakes are far too high for games. Liberia’s future depends on it.
