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In a powerful demonstration of commitment to press freedom and democratic values, Budgit-Liberia a Liberian-owned, youth-led and civil society organization, on Monday, September 29, 2025, donated L$100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Liberian Dollars) to the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) toward the purchase of cement for the Union’s long-awaited National Headquarters Project in Sinkor, Monrovia.
This bold act marks the first donation by any Liberian civil society organization toward the PUL headquarters initiative, signaling Budgit-Liberia’s growing leadership not only in governance and fiscal transparency but also in defending media independence and institutional sustainability.
Presenting the cash donation, Budgit-Liberia Team Lead, Mr. Abraham Varney, described the contribution as part of the organization’s unwavering belief in the importance of an independent press. “We believe that the Press Union must not rely solely on political actors to build its headquarters. If we want an independent media, then we, as civil society, must take the lead in securing that independence,” Mr. Varney stated.
Varney emphasized that the headquarters project is more than a building; it is a symbol of the Press Union’s autonomy and integrity. He urged other CSOs and the public to step forward and join the effort, stating that “democracy is weakened when the media is dependent on politics for survival.”
“This donation is our way of saying that Budgit-Liberia stands for a free press, for truth-telling, and for national development driven by transparency and integrity,” Varney added.
Receiving the donation, PUL President Mr. Julius Kullie Kanubah lauded Budgit-Liberia for what he termed as a “historic and exemplary gesture,” that reflects the spirit of patriotism and partnership. “This is not just a donation; this is a call to action for the civil society community. It is a strong message that the future of independent media in Liberia matters,” Kanubah declared.
He noted that the contribution was deeply symbolic, coming from a youth-led, Liberian-owned institution committed to transparency, inclusion, and national progress. “Budgit-Liberia has shown that CSOs are not just watchdogs, we are builders. Today, they are helping build the future of Liberian journalism,” he added.
Kanubah expressed deep gratitude to Mr. Varney and the entire Budgit-Liberia team noting that their donation will help accelerate the PUL’s goal of owning a permanent space free from political interference and operational uncertainty.
The PUL Headquarters project, which has seen limited progress due to funding challenges, has now received a new wave of momentum, thanks to Budgit-Liberia’s timely intervention. The headquarters is expected to house offices, a press center, training rooms, and provide a safe space for media practitioners across the country.
Budgit-Liberia is a non-profit civic-tech and advocacy organization committed to accountable governance, fiscal transparency, and inclusive development. A member of the Government of Liberia’s Fiscal Transparency Advisory Group, the organization works across sectors to empower citizens and institutions to co-create a more sustainable future.
Over the years, Budgit-Liberia has led numerous initiatives that strengthen public financial management, promote youth participation, and bridge the gap between the government and the people through access to simplified budget and development information.
PUL President and an official receive the check
By stepping forward as the first CSO to donate to the PUL headquarters, Budgit-Liberia has once again demonstrated its leadership and practical commitment to institutional independence and democratic growth.
The organization is calling on all civil society groups, development partners, private sector actors, and individual citizens to join in supporting the PUL. “Let this be the start of a movement; a movement for free, fearless, and independent journalism in Liberia,” Mr. Varney urged.
As Liberia prepares for a new era of governance, development, and civic engagement, Budgit-Liberia remains committed to ensuring that no institution that upholds democracy is left behind.
“Independent journalism is not a luxury-it is a necessity. And it is our collective responsibility to ensure it thrives,” Budgit-Liberia concluded.