SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County — Deputy Director for Administration at the Agricultural and Industrial Training Bureau (AITB), Alphonso Paye Korto Sr., has disclosed providing more than LD$600,000 in financial assistance to students in Nimba County over the past two years.
Korto said that in 2025, he provided LD$177,050 in financial support to students of St. Mary High School in Sanniquellie.
According to him, the assistance has increased significantly this year, with LD$431,200 provided to students of the same institution.
He further disclosed that an additional US$500 will be provided during the current semester to support 10 students at Nimba University.
Korto said his decision to support students is driven by his belief in education and the need to create opportunities for young people, rather than seeking political recognition or public praise.
“What makes this meaningful to me is that I do not personally know, nor have I interacted with, many of the students benefiting from this assistance,” he said.
The AITB official, however, said that following criticism from some members of the public who have described government officials as “mean” because they do not publicize their contributions, he will begin making his educational support publicly known.
He said the decision is intended to ensure that his contributions are not misrepresented or dismissed without the facts being presented.
Korto emphasized that he remains committed to supporting students and contributing to the education of young people whenever he has the means to do so.
He added that records of his contributions are available and that anyone seeking verification can make inquiries directly with the respective educational institutions.
