Rep. Kolleh Promises International Opportunity for Speech Competition Winner

By:Emmett Yarsiah Jr. Bong County Correspondent

Bong County Electoral District #2 Representative James M. Kolleh has pledged to support a young Liberian student with an opportunity to participate in an international expo in 2026.

The announcement was made during the Build Tomorrow’s Women Initiative High School Speech Competition, held at Bong County University in Gbarnga, Bong County.

Speaking at the event, Representative Kolleh disclosed that he plans to work with Cultural Ambassador Juli Endee to sponsor the winner of the speech competition to travel abroad.

According to him, the initiative will allow the student to gain international exposure and represent Liberia on a global platform.

“I will collaborate with Ambassador Juli Endee to ensure that the winner of this speech and public speaking tournament travels with her to either the 2026 Japan Expo or a European expo,” Kolleh said.

At the end of the competition, Yvonne T. L. Wilson, a student of Cuttington Campus School, emerged as the first-place winner. Her victory gives her the potential opportunity to represent Liberia at an international event.

If the plan materializes, the trip will expose the young student to global platforms that promote cultural exchange, trade, and innovation.

One of the events being considered is the Japan Food Export Fair, scheduled for June 24–26, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan. The event brings together food and beverage producers and international buyers from different parts of the world.

Other possible events include FOODEX Japan, which takes place annually in March, as well as trade-related activities linked to the Decarbonization Expo.

The initiative highlights ongoing efforts by national leaders and cultural institutions to empower young women through education, leadership development, and public speaking opportunities while giving them exposure to international experiences.

Credit: Bong Investigative Eye