Cestos City, River Cess – January 18, 2026 — Even as Rivercess County mourns the passing of its only female General, Miss Martha N’Toe, a significant milestone in human capital development unfolded with the graduation of more than 100 students from the Tabitha Vocational Training Institute. The ceremony struck a balance between remembrance and renewal, underscoring resilience and forward movement amid collective sorrow.
The Tabitha Vocational Training Institute is the product of the vision and leadership of former Minister of Public Works, Madam Ruth Collins. Since Rivercess was granted county status in 1985 after its separation from Grand Bassa County, the institute represents the first vocational training center of its kind in the county, addressing a long-standing deficit in skills-based and technical education.
For many of the graduates, the program marked a critical second chance. Years after completing high school, financial constraints and limited institutional opportunities had denied them access to tertiary education. Through Tabitha’s practical, hands-on training across several disciplines, participants have now gained marketable skills that enhance their prospects for employment, self-sufficiency, and contribution to local development.
Madam Ruth Collins has been widely praised for advancing an initiative that rekindles educational opportunity in Rivercess, alongside commendation for the graduates whose perseverance transformed access into tangible success. As the county reflects on its history while investing in its future, the graduation serves as a compelling reminder that progress can persist—even in times of profound loss.
