By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia – The Royal Empire Institute International (REII), a non-governmental organization dedicated to the well-being of elderly citizens, street children, and survivors of sexual violence, has launched its Old Folks Free Services Initiative. The program, which kicked off on March 22, 2025, aims to provide essential services such as medical care, pedicures, haircuts, grooming, and dressing to over 50 elderly individuals in Liberia.
The initiative seeks to uplift the spirits of older adults, reminding them of their importance in society and ensuring they feel valued and respected. According to REII, the program is designed to honor the elderly, who are often marginalized or neglected, and to celebrate their role as custodians of wisdom and blessings for the nation.
At the launch event, REII’s CEO, Prophetess Success, shared her heartfelt motivation behind the initiative. She revealed that her passion for helping the elderly stems from her own experiences during Liberia’s civil war, where she lost her mother at a young age.
“When I see people insulting their mothers, it hurts me deeply because I never had the chance to experience a mother’s love,” she said. “I want to extend the love I never received to other mothers and elderly women to restore their happiness.”
Prophetess Success emphasized that society often stigmatizes the elderly, labeling them as witches or burdens, and sometimes even their own children abandon them. “We are all women. It’s a blessing to grow old, and I pray that you all reach that age,” she told the audience.
She encouraged the elderly not to feel disheartened but to recognize their value and importance in society. “You are important. You have a role to play, and your blessings are needed for this nation,” she said.
Prophetess Success clarified that her initiative is not politically motivated, nor is she seeking a government position. Instead, she is driven by a personal commitment to make a difference in the lives of Liberia’s elderly and disadvantaged populations.
“I’m not running for representative or any government job. This is a self-initiated effort to help our elderly citizens,” she stated. “We shouldn’t always wait for the government to act. We can take steps ourselves to improve society, and that’s what I’m doing.”
She also shared that her organization, previously known as Royal Success International, has successfully transformed the lives of 700 prostitutes in Ghana and 200 “zogoes” (street youths) in Monrovia. She expressed her hope that the Old Folks Free Services Initiative will grow and continue to impact lives even after she steps back.
“I pray that you will keep me in your prayers. I need your prayers for strength and support to push this initiative forward. Tomorrow, I may not be here, but my team or my children will carry on this work,” she said.
Ambassador Julie Endee, CEO of Crusaders for Peace, praised Prophetess Success for her visionary initiative. She highlighted the importance of using one’s God-given gifts to serve others and expressed her commitment to supporting REII’s efforts.
“Everyone has a gift from God, and we should use it to the fullest. Prophetess Success’s vision for the elderly is a noble one, and I stand with her to ensure it succeeds,” Ambassador Endee said.
She also drew parallels to her own work during Liberia’s civil war, where she preached peace and disarmed soldiers on the battlefield. “God gave me a vision, and I saw it come to pass. I believe in the power of initiatives like this to transform lives,” she added.
Ambassador Endee called on the United Nations and other international organizations to support REII’s efforts, citing the United Nations Security Council Resolution on women’s participation and empowerment. “We are calling on the UN to listen to Queen Success’s story and provide the support she needs to expand this initiative,” she said.
Elderly beneficiaries of the initiative expressed their gratitude for the services provided. Many shared how the program had restored their dignity and given them hope.
“This is a blessing to us. We are grateful to Prophetess Success for remembering us and showing us love,” said one elderly participant.
Another added, “It’s time for more individuals to take up such initiatives. God will continue to bless her for the work she is doing.”
The Old Folks Free Services Initiative marks a significant step toward addressing the needs of Liberia’s elderly population, who are often overlooked in national development agendas. By providing essential services and restoring dignity to older adults, REII is setting an example for other organizations and individuals to follow.
As Prophetess Success and her team continue their work, they hope to inspire a broader movement of compassion and support for the elderly, ensuring that no one is left behind in Liberia’s journey toward progress and inclusivity.
