Monrovia, Liberia – Young Liberian journalist and media entrepreneur Simeon S. Wiakanty, Chief Executive Officer of the D-KANTY News Network, has left Liberia for the People’s Republic of China to further his education. He is set to pursue a Master’s degree in Rural and Urban Planning at the Suzhou University of Science and Technology, a program he described as both a personal milestone and a national responsibility.
Wiakanty, who completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Media Studies with a minor in Chinese Language at the University of Liberia in 2022, is no stranger to bridging cultures. His academic foundation was strengthened at the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia, where he gained early exposure to Chinese language and culture—an experience that he believes will be invaluable as he transitions into this new academic environment.
Reflecting on his journey before departure, Wiakanty expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, mentors, and institutions that have supported him. He paid special tribute to his uncle, Cllr. T. Negbalee Warner, whom he described as a pillar in his life. “He has been there for me over the years, and this cannot go unnoticed. Thank you, uncle, for everything you’ve done,” Wiakanty said with emotion.
Wiakanty also extended appreciation to Mr. Jerimiah Swen, Associate Director, Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Liberia Annual Conference the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC), “Swen played a pivotal role in this process and I am honored to mention him in this public minor. Swen is a great guy, and I think every young man must emulate him.”
He also recognized the role of the Liberian Observer Corporation, publishers of the Daily Observer Newspaper, where he honed his skills as a journalist. “While it is true that the Daily Observer did not take full responsibility of my process, it is important to stress that they made an impact that brought me thus far. I owe them a debt of gratitude,” he stated.
In addition, he extended appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Liberia office, acknowledging their contribution as vital to achieving his academic dream. According to him, support from institutions such as UNDP demonstrates the value of partnerships in nurturing young professionals whose skills can be redirected toward national development.
Looking toward the future, Wiakanty emphasized that his academic pursuit is not solely for personal advancement but rather for Liberia’s broader transformation. “Liberia is at a crossroads,” he remarked. “Our cities are expanding without clear planning, and rural communities are often left behind in development. My goal is to return home with the skills and knowledge to contribute to solutions that can transform the way we build our towns, cities, and rural spaces. Proper planning means better roads, improved housing, functional drainage systems, greener public spaces, and more inclusive access to services for all Liberians.”
Urban and rural planning, a discipline often overlooked in Liberia, is gaining increasing importance as the nation grapples with rapid urbanization, poor infrastructure, and unregulated settlement growth. Monrovia, the capital, remains overburdened with congestion and inadequate services, while rural areas continue to suffer neglect. By acquiring advanced training in China, Wiakanty aims to return with a wealth of knowledge that can be translated into practical policies and projects, ensuring balanced and sustainable development across the country.
Professionally, Wiakanty sees his dual expertise in journalism and urban planning as an opportunity to strengthen communication between policymakers, communities, and development partners. “As a journalist, I’ve learned how to amplify voices and bring issues to the forefront of public debate. With this new knowledge in planning, I will not only report on the problems but also propose evidence-based solutions that can guide national development,” he explained.
Colleagues in the media industry have described his journey as an inspiration for young professionals who want to merge academic pursuits with a passion for nation-building. His transition from reporting to studying planning demonstrates how interdisciplinary skills can be leveraged to address Liberia’s structural and developmental gaps.
Wiakanty concluded his farewell remarks with a pledge of service: “This opportunity is not just for me. It is for Liberia. Every lesson I learn in China, every perspective I gain, will be brought back home to contribute to our nation’s growth. My commitment remains to serve Liberia with impact.”
His story reflects a growing trend of young Liberians pursuing advanced studies abroad in fields that directly align with the country’s development needs. As Liberia works to address its infrastructure and urban management challenges, the expertise of professionals like Wiakanty will be critical in shaping more organized, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
By investing in education and human capacity, Liberia stands to benefit from a new generation of leaders—individuals like Simeon S. Wiakanty—who is determined not only to dream but also to transform those dreams into lasting contributions for his country.
