MONROVIA, LIBERIA-In a remarkable display of compassion and leadership, Liberia’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, has transformed the lives of two young Liberians once trapped in drug addiction—turning their stories from despair to hope through a personal humanitarian initiative.
Earlier this year, Dr. Nuetah took a bold step in the national fight against drug abuse by rescuing five disadvantaged youths from the streets of Sinkor, Monrovia.
He enrolled them at the New Life Recovery Center in Lower Margibi County, personally covering their rehabilitation and accommodation costs, and though three of the young men later absconded, two completed the program and have since been reintegrated into society with renewed purpose and dignity.
On October 9, 2025, at his office at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, Dr. Nuetah met with the two rehabilitated youths—Alphonso Sackor Buegar and Mark M. Morris—and pledged his continued support to ensure their educational advancement and full reintegration into society.
“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. Go take the entrance exams of any technical or high school institution of your choice and bring the results,” Dr. Nuetah encouraged.
To reinforce this commitment, the Minister announced his personal sponsorship of their educational journeys—covering tuition at vocational and secondary institutions, and providing US$720 to support their accommodation.
Alphonso Sackor Buegar, a 2017 graduate of Worldwide Mission School on Newport Street, expressed his ambition to pursue higher education at the University of Liberia, while Mark M. Morris, a high school dropout, plans to complete high school and later enroll at the same university.
Dr. Nuetah’s compassion extends beyond individual rehabilitation. Recognizing the importance of sustainability, he pledged agricultural materials to the New Life Recovery Center, enabling the facility to establish a farm and grow food to support its rehabilitation program.
“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.”
This humanitarian gesture aligns with the Government of Liberia’s broader agenda to empower citizens—regardless of background or circumstance—to become productive, self-reliant, and contributing members of society.
The management of the New Life Recovery Center and the rehabilitated youths praised the Minister’s life-changing intervention, describing it as a model of leadership through compassion and action.
“Dr. Nuetah didn’t just talk about change—he made it happen,” said one of the center’s administrators. “His support gives our beneficiaries hope and a second chance at life.”
What began as a simple act of kindness has now evolved into a symbol of national renewal—a story that demonstrates that with empathy, opportunity, and support, even those society has written off can find their way back and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s future.