The 8th Annual Family Strengthening Conference, hosted annually in West Africa by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was held June 19 and 20 in Monrovia, Liberia.
Attendees participated in keynotes, presentations, and panel discussions focused on promoting family unity and building resilient individuals and communities.
Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran, a General Authority Seventy and First Counselor in the Church’s Africa West Area Presidency, spoke of his love for the Liberian people and testified about his family in his keynote address.
He acknowledged that Liberia has a story of “pain and courage” as its people have endured years of civil war, disease and economic hardship, weakening many family structures, the church’s Africa Newsroom reported.
“We must point out this reality with compassion and honesty, not with blame,” Elder Ojediran said. “Yet, we come together today because we believe in a deeper truth: Wounded families can be repaired, and young people shaped by hardship can become resilient leaders.”
Elder Ojediran read from “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” and called on conference attendees to utilize all available resources to strengthen families, empower youth, and build resilient societies.
“I humbly pray that Liberian families will be filled with love and peace, that young people will be given vision and strength, that communities will grow in unity and resilience, and that Liberia will continue to shine as a beacon of hope,” he concluded.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Strengthening Families, Inspiring Youth, and Building Resilient Communities.” The conference is held annually in a different country in the West African region.
Liberia’s First Lady, Khartum Yalta Boakai, also attended the meeting and joined Elder Ojediran in breaking ground on the Duport Road Maternity Hospital.
“Strengthening families is essential to building strong communities and stable societies,” she said. “Families thrive when they are rooted in love, respect, responsibility, and open communication. By strengthening each other, teaching positive values, and creating a safe and nurturing environment, families can overcome challenges and help each member reach their full potential.”
Elder Ojediran said the new hospital project is an investment in families, mothers, children and the future of Liberia. He also praised the president’s dedication.
“A nation prospers when its leaders prioritize their families,” Elder Ojediran said.
The First Lady said Liberians should leave the conference with a renewed determination to focus on families, invest in them and give them dignity and respect.
Other speakers and panelists included government officials and interfaith groups such as the Liberian Council of Churches.
Elder Prince S. Nyanfor, Area Seventy for Africa West Area, said strengthening families is a shared responsibility. “No individual or organization can do it alone.”
Elder Nyamfo encouraged those in attendance to ask, “What more can we do together to strengthen families and secure a better future for future generations?”
2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leima R. Gbowee spoke about her childhood, where 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 practice.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, said: “The strength of any nation begins with the strength of its families. Strong family systems foster responsible citizens, empower youth, promote social stability and create the conditions for sustainable development.”
The next conference will be held in Cotonou, Republic of Benin in June 2027.
