First Lady and Church Leaders Break Ground on Hospital to Launch Eighth Strengthening Family Conference in Liberia

Liberia first lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai joined Elder Adeyinka Ojediran of the Church’s Africa West Area Presidency to break ground for the Duport Road Maternity Hospital on June 18, immediately preceding the eighth annual Strengthening Families Conference (SFC) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

While the groundbreaking served as a major highlight ahead of the conference, the main SFC event officially convened from June 19–20 in Monrovia.

“Strengthening families is essential to building strong communities and a stable society,” the first lady said. “Families thrive when they are rooted in love, in respect, in responsibility and open communication. By strengthening one another, teaching positive values and creating safe and nurturing environments, families can overcome challenges and help each member reach their full potential.”

Elder Ojediran said this project is an investment in families, mothers, children and the future of Liberia.

“We commend His Excellency President Joseph Boakai for his leadership and vision,” Elder Ojediran said. “His commitment reflects a powerful truth: When leaders prioritize families, nations prosper.”

The theme of this year’s conference was “Strengthening Families, Inspiring Youth, and Building Resilient Communities.”

“Strengthening families is a shared responsibility,” said Elder Prince S. Nyanforh, an Area Seventy in the Africa West Area. “No single individual or organization can do it alone.”

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During the two-day event, participants attended keynote addresses, presentations and panel discussions focused on promoting family unity and building resilient individuals and communities.

Elder Nyanforh encouraged attendees to ask each other, “What more can we do together to strengthen families and secure a better future for generations to come?”

Other speakers and panelists included government officials and interfaith organizations such as the Liberia Council of Churches.

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“The strength of every nation begins with the strength of its families,” said Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Nigerian minister for women affairs and social development. “Strong family systems nurture responsible citizens, empower young people, promote social stability and create conditions for sustainable development.”

Leymah R. Gbowee, a 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner, spoke about her childhood, when she learned the principles of faith and hard work. She said being allowed to make her own choices from a young age helped shape her activism.

In his keynote address, Elder Ojediran shared his love for the people of Liberia. He acknowledged that theirs is a story of “pain and courage,” as they endured years of civil conflict, disease, and economic hardship, weakening many family structures.

“We must name this reality honestly, not with blame, but with compassion,” he said. “And yet, we gather today because we believe in a deeper truth: families that have been wounded can be mended, and youth shaped by hardship can become resilient leaders.”

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Elder Ojediran read from the family proclamation and encouraged all to use the resources available in the country to strengthen families, empower youth and build resilient societies. He concluded his remarks with a prayer for blessings upon the nation of Liberia.

“I humbly pray that homes in Liberia will be filled with love and peace, youth will be empowered with vision and strength, communities will grow in unity and resilience and that Liberia will continue to shine as a beacon of hope.’’

First lady Boakai urged Liberians to use the conference as a wake-up call to focus on their families, invest in them and give them a sense of dignity and respect.

The next conference will be held in Cotonou, Benin Republic, in June 2027.