By Morlu Freeman | Radio Kintoma 

In the quiet corners of Voinjama City, Lofa County, lives a young man whose story challenges everything we think we know about disability, entrepreneurship, and the spirit of innovation.

Born on July 27, 1995, Johnson Flomo’s life took an unexpected turn at the age of three when an illness left him with a disability that restricted his mobility. For many, such a challenge might have defined the limits of their potential. But not Johnson.

“WHILE OTHERS RAN, I WATCHED,” HE REFLECTS. “AND IN WATCHING, I LEARNED HOW TO BUILD.”

That perspective became the seed of transformation. With limited physical mobility but unlimited imagination, Johnson found solace—and power—in technology. He taught himself computer programming and back-end development, quickly becoming known for his skill and resourcefulness. One of his early milestones? Designing a website for a local radio station—an achievement that cemented his place as a rising tech professional in his community.

But Johnson’s talents didn’t stop at the keyboard.

Inspired by his mother, a hardworking single parent who sold garri to support their family, Johnson began to reimagine traditional business. She had a way of packaging cassava in neat, appealing portions—a skill that caught his eye even as a child. Years later, that memory became the foundation of Core Malaku Enterprise, a social venture Johnson founded to add value to cassava through modern packaging and creative flavouring.

“We started with just a small table on the roadside,” he recalls. “Today, we have a brand that stands for dignity, innovation, and inclusion.”

At Core Malaku, inclusion is more than a buzzword. Johnson employs friends—both with and without disabilities—proving that productivity and purpose know no physical limits. His business is a working model of how society can benefit when everyone is given a seat at the table.

“People often look at me and feel pity,” he says. “But I don’t need pity. I need platforms. I need people to see that we—persons living with disabilities—are not burdens. We are builders.”

Johnson is not only building a business—he’s building a movement. One that calls on governments, communities, and families to support and invest in the potential of those who are too often overlooked.

He also challenges able-bodied people to reflect. “What are you doing with the body and mind you have? Because while some of us are pushing boundaries with half the tools, others aren’t using the full toolkit.”

For Johnson Flomo, disability has never been the end of the road. It has been the beginning of a path filled with determination, innovation, and hope. His journey from a roadside vendor’s son to a tech-savvy entrepreneur is a powerful reminder that greatness often grows from the most unlikely places.

And that sometimes, the strongest leaders are the ones who’ve had to rebuild themselves—one challenge at a time.

By: Tokpa M. Tarnue- tarnue82@gmail.com

5/8/25

As part of the celebrations of this year’s International Red-Cross Day, the Liberia National Red-Cross Lofa County chapter, on May 8, 2025, identified with the Lofa County Health Team and the Voinjama Free Pentecostal Church Health Center.

The local chapter, through its leadership, presented cartons of maxed surgical masks, isolation grown, face shields, plastic googles, and boot covers.

Speaking during the presentation at the Lofa County Health Team, the volunteer and youth focal person Jerrime B. Kessellie said that the materials provided were the chapter’s way of helping to strengthen the health system of the county.

“This is not much but something that we believe will help to buttress the government’s efforts in addressing the health needs of our people,” Mr. Kessellie emphasized.

In separate remarks, officials representing the Lofa County Health Team and the Voinjama Free Pentecostal Church Health Center described the presentation as timely.

World Red Cross Day and Red Crescent Day a celebrations of the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The Day is also known as Red Crescent Day. World Red Cross Day and Red Crescent Day is celebrated on 8 May every year.

This date is the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, who was born on 8 May 1828 at Geneva, Switzerland, and died on 30 October 1910 at Heiden, Switzerland. He was the founder of (ICRC) 

By: Tokpa M. Tarnue Sr -tarnue82@gmail.com   

5/3/26

VOINJAMA,

In a heartfelt plea for assistance, Mr. Edmond Kolubah Johnson, a permanent son of Lofa County, has issued an urgent SOS seeking financial assistance to undergo advanced medical treatment abroad.

Mr. Johnson, who is an educator and the Public Relations Officer for the Unity Party in Lofa County, finds himself in a difficult situation that requires urgent attention.

He said, even though there are efforts to manage the condition, he now faces an immediate need for financial help to seek advanced medical treatment abroad.

“I was diagnosed with typhoid type h & o combined with pressure and diabetes as well, and the Free Pentecostal Clinic family has been doing their best to manage the situation,” he said.

Support and further information can be done through direct contact with Mr. Johnson at +231777748044.

If you are able to assist or share this message, please do so to help Mr. Johnson find the support he urgently needs.

Together, we can make a difference. Your support can bring hope to someone in need.