Cletus Wotorson facts for kids

Cletus Segbe Wotorson (born March 13, 1937 – died August 13, 2024) was an important person in Liberia. He was a politician and a geologist. A geologist is a scientist who studies rocks and the Earth's history.

Cletus Wotorson served in the Senate of Liberia. The Senate is like a big council that helps make laws for the country. In 2009, he was chosen by other Senators to be the President Pro Tempore. This is a special leader within the Senate. He held this important role until 2012. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 87.

Cletus Wotorson's Career Journey

Cletus Wotorson had many different jobs throughout his life. He used his knowledge of geology and his skills in leadership. Let's explore some of the key roles he held.

Starting as a Teacher

Cletus Wotorson began his career in education. He worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of Liberia. Here, he taught students about geology and geophysics. Geophysics is a part of geology that uses physics to study the Earth.

Working with Earth's Resources

After teaching, he moved into roles that focused on Liberia's natural resources.

• Director of the Liberian Geological Survey (1973–1975): In this job, he led a team that studied Liberia's land. They looked for minerals and other resources hidden in the ground.
• Founder of West Africa Consultants (1975–1978): He started his own company to give advice. This company helped others understand and use resources in West Africa.

Serving in Government

Cletus Wotorson also held high positions in the Liberian government.

• Minister of Lands & Mines (1978–1980): As a minister, he was in charge of a government department. This department managed all the land and mining activities in Liberia. It was a very important job for the country's economy.
• Chairman of the Liberian Petroleum Refinery Company (1978–1983): He led the company that processed oil in Liberia. This company turned crude oil into useful products like gasoline.

Leading Mining Companies

Later in his career, he continued to work in the mining industry.

• President of Nimba Mining Company (1988–1990): He was the top leader of a mining company. This company was involved in digging up valuable minerals from the Earth.

Running for President

In 1997, Cletus Wotorson decided to run for president of Liberia.

• Standard Bearer of the Alliance of Political Parties (1997): In an election, a "Standard Bearer" is the main candidate for a political group. He represented the Alliance of Political Parties. He was one of many people who wanted to lead the country. He finished fourth in the election.

Cletus Wotorson's life shows how one person can contribute to their country in many ways. He used his scientific knowledge and leadership skills to serve Liberia.