JAMES YOKA- The Heart of a Patriotic Entrepreneur
James Yoka (left), Christina Kewa-Swarbrick (right), Kina Belo (right back) -as Yoka shares a patriotic moment and shares his vision for PNG's reset
The Jubilee Billboard That Honours a Nation’s Leaders
James Yoka — The Man Who Built a Monument of Gratitude to Honour a Nation’s Leader.
A towering billboard now stands in Port Moresby — not as an advertisement, but as a declaration of respect. It bears the faces of Papua New Guinea’s eight Prime Ministers and other founding fathers like Sir Yano Belo, each framed under one man’s vision of honour.
The Billboard is not for commerce or politics, but to honour. Its creator, James Yoka, did not build it for recognition or applause. He built it because, in his own words, “It was time to honour them.” He enforced national gratitude. His work caught my attention as we prepared to launch Trigger 555, a National Magazine that honours the eight Prime Ministers in Print.
In an age where many chase recognition, Yoka has chosen remembrance. His billboard stands as a lesson to young Papua New Guineans: that greatness begins with honour, and transformation begins with family.
Through vision, courage, and personal sacrifice, he reminds a nation that progress is not only about building cities — but about building people who remember where they came from.
A Patriotic Vision Comes Alive
I met James Yoka and his children this week (6th October 2025) at Airways Hotel alongside Kina Belo. His energy filled the room — sharp, clear, passionate. A proud son of Papua New Guinea, Yoka is a businessman whose patriotism runs deeper than profit.
He spoke passionately about his dream to help change Papua New Guinea. His voice carried conviction — not the language of politics or business, but of gratitude and purpose. He believes that honouring past legacies is essential to inspiring future generations.
“Every Prime Minister faced battles we will never see,” he said. “But they stood for something — and we must remember that.”
For Yoka, remembrance is not just reflection; it is a form of national reset — a moral compass and foundation for the next generation.
The billboard, now an unmistakable sight in the nation’s capital, is more than a display — it is a national mirror. For James Yoka, it is his personal contribution to the 50-year Jubilee of independence — a gesture of respect that links the past to the future.
The Heart of a Patriotic Entrepreneur
Born in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province, Yoka has built his brand through perseverance and community vision. He believes that true business success is measured not only by profit but by the impact one leaves on people and society. Known among peers as a community enforcer and bridge-builder, he advocates for safe, peaceful, and economically empowered communities. “Business must serve people,” he says. “If your success does not lift others, then it has failed its purpose.”
Building a Legacy of Empowerment and Generational Success
Sitting across from James, one senses that his dreams reach far beyond buildings or balance sheets. His vision is generational. “One of my greatest desires,” he shared, “is to transfer entrepreneurial knowledge and economic power to others — to help them become independent, and it starts with your own children and family. His teachings of success begin at home.
“The power to reset a nation,” he said, “must start at home — with your own children and family — by empowering them to succeed alongside you.”
The Power Begins at Home
One of the most striking moments in our conversation came when he spoke about his family.
“You do that by starting off with your own children and family. And that’s what I have been doing,” he said.
He introduced his children with visible pride, explaining how he mentors them in business and responsibility. For him, legacy is not about inheritance, but transfer of knowledge.
“The power to reset a nation,” he said, “must start at home — with your own children and family — by empowering them to succeed alongside you.”
This is not theory for James Yoka. It is his daily practice — teaching, guiding, and positioning his children to become contributors to the nation’s economic and moral renewal.
A Patriotic Blueprint
Beyond business, Yoka is known as a community enforcer — one who believes in safe, peaceful, and productive communities. He speaks openly about his commitment to help others build independence through hard work and entrepreneurial discipline.
His message is clear: build the next generation from the inside out. Start with family, empower communities, and honour those who laid the foundations.
The billboard in Port Moresby is not just a structure. It is a statement — a reminder that gratitude and nation-building walk hand in hand.
Through it, Yoka has not only honoured the men who built the nation, but has challenged every Papua New Guinean to build something that outlives themselves.
The Yoka Belief System- success begins at home.
James Yoka believes that honouring the past is the key to empowering the future generation to believe in themselves. For him, every Prime Minister carried the nation on their shoulders, and their contribution must never be forgotten.
He is a successful businessman and a strong community enforcer who believes in safe, peaceful, and prosperous communities. His life reflects true patriotism — the belief that a nation rises when its people rise together.
Sitting across from him, I realised that the heart of his message is simple yet powerful. He believes the transfer of knowledge and economic power must begin at home.
“And you do that by starting off with your own children and family. And that’s what I have been doing,” he said.
He introduced his children to us — not as dependents, but as partners in vision. He demonstrated how important it is to teach and empower them early.
“The power to reset a nation must start at home, and with your own children and family — by empowering them to succeed alongside you.”
Those words carried weight. In them, you hear not just a businessman’s success, but a father’s conviction and a patriot’s heart. For James Yoka, legacy is not built in speeches or profits — it is built in people, beginning with your own household.
His words were not rehearsed; they came from a place of deep purpose.
He believes that honouring past legacies is not just about looking back, but about reminding the next generation that greatness already runs in their blood.
“We must show the youth that leadership is not easy,” he said. “But it’s worth it. They carried the country; now it’s our turn to continue what they began.”
Yoka introduced his children to us and gave them a voice at the table to express their views. A powerful observation. On the left- Yoka sits in-between his children and engages them in conversations.
Business as a Platform for Change
James Yoka is a successful businessman and a respected community enforcer. His work is guided by a belief system that business must serve people — that success means nothing if it doesn’t help others rise. He is known for promoting safe, peaceful, and progressive communities. For him, being an entrepreneur is not about accumulation, but activation — transferring knowledge and capacity to others.
“One of my greatest passions,” he said, “is to empower others to stand on their own feet — to help families and communities become independent.”
“The power to reset a nation must start at home, and with your own children and family — by empowering them to succeed alongside you.”
To Yoka, legacy is not something you leave behind — it’s something you live and teach daily. His children are learning not just how to succeed, but how to lead, give, and build themselves and others.
ENDS
Recent Comments