By Ramsey N Singbeh Jr in Margibi
Margibi, Liberia, August 27, 2025 – Following his recent induction, the new Superintendent of Margibi County, O. J. “Godfavor” Morris, Jr., is demanding scholarship from Firestone Liberia and ArcelorMittal-Liberia, two major concessions in the country.
His mandatory order, issued against two of Liberia’s biggest investment partners, has left many people in the country wondering if this is a compulsion for the companies.
In a very angry tone, Superintendent Morris threatened to go after Firestone Liberia and stop AML from passing through Margibi if both companies failed to provide scholarships for Margibians to benefit.
The young superintendent, who had come from a motorcyclist and militant background, had mounted the podium to make a remark at the 2025 Flag Day Program, organized by the Ministry of Education through the Margibi County School System.
The program was mainly focused on seeking support for brilliant students in the county and brought together the Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Public Works, A Samokai Dunnoh; former Margibi County District #4 Unity Party Representative Candidate, Joseph Jimmy Sankaituah; Supt Morris, and other officials of the Margibi County Administration.
Others in attendance included the leadership and some members of the newly opened Armed Forces of Liberia Barracks, Camp Jones in Kakaka, as well as students from various schools across Margibi County, the County Education Officer, Robert M. Zazai, and representatives of some Margibi lawmakers, among others.
A representative of Firestone Liberia had earlier been called to make a remark and launch the scholarship but said he was taking the message back to his bosses. However, this statement angered Supt Morris, who took the stage and sharply blasted at Firestone Liberia and ArcelorMittal Liberia.
He stated that the statement coming from Firestone was unacceptable and promised to hold the company accountable by ensuring that a communication is sent to them, making it mandatory for the company to provide scholarships for its citizens.
He also noted that the company needs to explain to his leadership how many scholarships the county has benefited from its operations in Margibi.
He noted that AML has launched a scholarship in Bong and Nimba Counties but has yet to do so for Margibi. According to him, if the company cannot do the same in Margibi, his leadership will prevent AML from passing through the county.
However, Superintendent Morris disclosed that AML has a pending meeting with him and also acknowledged that the company has rehabilitated the 26th Gate Road leading to Firestone, but stated that the road work is insufficient for his personnel.
“We’re coming after you; soon you’re going back to Firestone; my letter behind you. I’m now the Superintendent inducted, and I have to do the work of the President, to represent the people, to ensure their needs and wants are met, and so this academic year, Firestone must provide scholarships for Margibians to go to school.”
As for AcelorMittal Liberia, he said, “We have already taken note, and we have communicated with AcelorMittal. We are expecting a meeting with AcelorMittal. AcelorMittal uses our road, passing through Firestone and entering. We say thank you, AcelorMittal, for the partnership in ensuring you fix the road, but that’s not enough.” Editing by Jonathan Browne
