Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended Wantok Radio Light for its enduring role in spreading positive, faith-based messages across Papua New Guinea, describing it as an “instrument of hope” that uplifts hearts and guides young people toward productive and meaningful lives.
Speaking during a visit to the Wantok Radio Light studios on the occasion of its 24th anniversary, Prime Minister Marape highlighted the vital importance of media that nurtures the moral and spiritual wellbeing of the nation.
“What our people hear, watch, and see influences their hearts and their direction in life,” Prime Minister Marape said. “That is why stations like Wantok Radio Light are so important — to make sure the right voices, the right music, and the right messages are heard.”
He cautioned that in today’s fast-changing world, young people are being shaped by secular and sometimes harmful influences online and on social media.
“We must fill the airwaves and digital spaces with good content that uplifts the soul,” he said. “Wantok Radio Light is doing exactly that — using technology to carry words that heal, inspire, and guide people back to faith and purpose.”
Government–Church Partnership for Youth Development
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting church-led and faith-based initiatives that build human capital and empower communities.
He said the Government will continue to back programmes such as Second Chance Education, Continuing Education, SME Training, and Labour Mobility Pathways, all of which align with the broader Christian and social development agenda.
“Many of our youth have dropped out of school or lost their way,” the Prime Minister said. “Stations like Wantok Radio Light can help us reach them — to tell them there is still a path forward through education, work, and faith.”
He noted that the Government’s partnerships with institutions and development partners, including Australia, are designed to open employment and training pathways for young Papua New Guineans both at home and abroad.
“When our young people go out to work, learn new skills, and come back home to serve their communities, that is nation-building in action,” he said.
Churches as Watchmen of Society
Prime Minister Marape described churches and faith-based media as the “watchmen of society,” guiding national conscience and moral direction.
While the Government cannot directly run every radio station, he said, it stands ready to support good initiatives that promote national values and positive content.
“Churches have always been our moral compass,” he said. “You reach into the homes, the hearts, and the minds of our people — often where government cannot. Our partnership must continue to strengthen the moral fabric of our country.”
He urged Wantok Radio Light and other Christian broadcasters to keep telling stories of faith, success, and national progress.
“Go out and share the good news of what’s happening in our communities — our young people succeeding, our families growing stronger, our nation moving forward,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Positive stories are the light that overcomes darkness.”
A Call to Build a Positive Nation
In closing, Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea’s progress depends not only on physical infrastructure, but also on the spiritual and moral foundations of its people.
“We must continue to speak life, hope, and faith into our nation,” he said. “Let us use every radio frequency, every social media channel, and every platform to share messages that unite and build up our people. Together — church, media, and government — we can shape a stronger, God-fearing Papua New Guinea for the next 50 years and beyond.”