The Inter-Ministerial and Agencies Steering Committee on Liberia 169th Independence Anniversary has released the Calendar of Events to mark the observance with unarguably Liberias only medical doctor, who is also a renowned biomedical research scientist, an inventor, and political activist at the same time, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, M.D., selected as this year’s National Orator.

Dr. Nyan, who hails from Killepo-Towroken, River Gee County, holds a degree in human medicine from the Humboldt-Universität-University zu Berlin Medizinische Fakultät – Charité in Germany. He completed his postdoctoral fellowships at the prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine in the United States of America. Trained in infectious disease research, Dr. Nyan has over a decade of experience working in public health systems in pathogen diagnostics and the development of affordable diagnostic tests for underprivileged communities.

As a career accomplishment, Dr. Nyan recently invented a rapid multiplex quantitative diagnostic test that can detect patogens such as Ebola, HIV, Zika, Plasmodum (Malaria), Yellow Fever virus, Dengue viris, Hepatitis B, C,  and E, and West Nile virus, just to name a few.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, this year’s anniversary will be celebrated in Monrovia, the nation’s capital, under the theme: “Consolidating Progress towards Transformation”.

Activities begin on Thursday, July 21, with the Golden Image Awards and Dinner which takes place in the Ballroom of the Monrovia City Hall, at 6:00 p.m.

On Friday, July 22, the Muslim community will host a Thanksgiving and Intercessory Prayer at the Jacob Town Central Mosque, Paynesville at 12:00 noon; while an Investiture Ceremony takes place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ C. Cecil Dennis, Jr. Auditorium at 4:00 p.m.; followed by a Reception for the Honorees hosted by the President of Liberia in the Foyer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On Saturday, July 23, there will be the turning over and dedication of projects in Monrovia and Paynesville, Montserrado County as well as Sinje, Grand Cape Mounty County. At 5:00 p.m., a Football Match featuring the Government of Liberia verses Civil Society takes place at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia.

On Sunday, July 24, at 11:00 a.m., a Thanksgiving and Intercessory Service will be held at the Trinity Cathedral Episcopal Church on Broad Street, Monrovia.

This will be followed by Street Soccer matches involving Zogos and Don Bosco Boys on Carey Street at 1:30 p.m.

The Liberia Community Health Assistants Program will be launched in Marshall City, Margibi County; while the Buchanan Water and Sanitation Rehabilitation and Expansion Project will be dedicated in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

On Monday, July 25, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will continue to tour and/or dedicate projects in Montserrado and Margibi Counties; then at 4:00 p.m., there will be an Interactive Youth Dialogue at the University of Liberia Auditorium on Capitol Hill.

On Tuesday, July 26, Liberia’s 169^th Independence Anniversary, programs begin at 6:00 a.m with the hoisting of the National Flag.

At 7:45 a.m. the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and President of the Republic of Liberia will arrive and review the AFL troops at the Barclay Training Center. This will be followed by Honors to the National Colors.

Official ceremonies in observance of the 169^th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Liberia takes place at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion on Ashmun Street, Monrovia.

Independence Anniversary activities continue on Wednesday, July 27, with the Launch of the Tourism Trade Strategy at the Monrovia City Hall at 11:00 a.m.; followed by a Children’s Socialization Day with the President at 12:00 noon.

On Saturday, July 30, the Liberian leader will continue her tour and dedication of various projects in Bomi and Gbarpolu Counties which climaxes this year's Independence Anniversary.