The Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Hon. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., PhD, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, served as special guest speaker at the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) Workers’ Day celebration. He delivered a powerful message centered on integrity, workplace culture, and the vital role of public servants in advancing national development.
The celebration, held under the theme “Sustaining Fisheries, Securing Livelihoods,” formed part of a week-long series of national events designed to honor staff commitment and highlight the fisheries sector’s contribution to Liberia’s economic growth.
Addressing NaFAA’s management and staff, Hon. Joekai praised employees for their dedication to safeguarding Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture resources, assets he described as critical to the nation’s economy and future.
“You are the heartbeat of NaFAA,” he declared. “Your resilience, sacrifice, and commitment ensure that one of Liberia’s most important national treasures remains protected.”
The CSA boss emphasized that strong institutions are built on healthy workplace cultures. He urged employees to foster respect, honesty, and collaboration, noting that NaFAA thriveswhen workers feel valued and supported rather than burdened by fear or unhealthy competition.
“You deserve a workplace where you are not weighed down by fear or unhealthy competition, but lifted by encouragement, cooperation, and trust,” Hon. Joekai asserted.
He further encouraged empathy and mutual respect among staff, underscoring the human side of public service. He reminded NaFAA’s leadership of their responsibility to prioritize employee well-being and promote a balanced work, life environment.
“No nation can rise if its workers are broken. No institution thrives when its people are exhausted.”
Speaking on personnel management, Hon. Joekai reaffirmed the CSA’s commitment to merit-based systems across the government. He cautioned that favoritism and political interference undermine institutional progress, stressing that promotions must be tied to competence and performance.
He also encouraged NaFAA to invest in continuous learning through training, certifications, and professional development, describing an educated workforce as essential for navigating global shifts in climate, technology, and international maritime regulations.
In closing, Hon. Joekai urged NaFAA staff to remain united, committed, and confident in their roles as custodians of Liberia’s blue economy. He reminded them that their collective efforts are indispensable to sustaining fisheries and securing livelihoods for generations to come.
Also in attendance were NaFAA’s Director-General Hon. J. Cyrus Saygbe and members of his senior Management Team.
Hon. Saygbe highlighted reforms, sustainability, food security, and youth empowerment, framing fisheries as a cornerstone of Liberia’s future.
Hon. Saygbe positioned NaFAA as a central player of Liberia’s economy renewal, stating that the sector is not just about fish, but about jobs, education, food security and sustainable growth.
NaFAA is Liberia’s autonomous government agency responsible for managing and developing the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.