AYV News, May 13, 2025
Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has said that nation-building is neither abstract nor immediate, but requires patient leaders who think beyond the 5-year mandate.
The President was speaking at the maiden edition of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s Leadership Colloquium 2025 at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown yesterday, where he further revealed that leadership means service and that true service often goes unseen.
President Bio said, “By and in every indicator, Sierra Leone is far better today than yesterday, and it is going to be better tomorrow than today. Today, there are over 1.5 million pupils who would have never gone to school if not for the good initiatives of President Bio”.
He expressed profound gratitude to God for guiding him through 61 impactful years. “What an incredible day it has been,” he reflected. “I am truly humbled to celebrate this milestone by sharing ideas on leadership that can transform lives. It is an honour to stand alongside Professor Osinbajo and all our distinguished guests as we work together to inspire a new generation of leaders.”
He extended heartfelt appreciation to his family. “To my amazing wife, Fatima, and our wonderful children, your love and support are the foundation of everything I do. I thank you for being my strength and inspiration.”
The maiden edition of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s leadership colloquium 2025, convened with the theme: ‘From Vision to Impact: The People-Centred Leadership Model’, celebrated and reflected President Julius Maada Bio’s visionary leadership and commitment to fostering inclusive growth, good governance and sustainable progress in Sierra Leone.
Through insightful speeches and panel sessions, participants explored the profound impact of people-centred leadership in driving social and economic transformation.
The Colloquium featured President Bio as the Special Guest of Honour and His Excellency Professor Yemi Osinbajo as the Guest Speaker. The inaugural event also brought together thought leaders, policymakers, academics, representatives of civil society organisations and political parties, development partners and diplomats.
Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, said President Bio’s leadership philosophy has inspired a renewed focus on participatory governance and development initiatives that prioritise the welfare of citizens, adding that the Colloquium amplified these visionary principles by providing a platform for exchanging ideas and forging collaborative strategies that advance national progress.
He said the Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium 2025 embodies a commitment to cultivating visionary leaders and empowering Sierra Leone’s future.
Vice President Dr Jalloh said, “For President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, governance is a journey. He is getting young people to understand that governance is about the future and must continue”.
Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, said, “By and in every indicator, Sierra Leone is far better today than yesterday, and it is going to be better tomorrow than today. Today, there are over 1.5 million pupils who would have never gone to school if not for the good initiatives of President Bio”.
First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, said, “As a father, you’ve been a pillar to the children of Sierra Leone. Your commitment to national transformation, unity, and progress inspires countless citizens to believe in a brighter future. The respect people have for you is not just for the position you hold, but for the man of integrity and dignity you are”.
Speaking as one of the panellists in a session on Leadership for National Development, Anthony Navo Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Group, Council Member, Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce thanked His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for his great vision in establishing the ARISE Special Economic Zone.
He said: “Thanks to your cabinet and parliament for supporting this good initiative. Let me continue to assure you that we are going to provide thousands of lucrative jobs for our people. Let us continue to strengthen and partner with the private sector in Sierra Leone for more national developments”.
Guest Speaker at the event, His Excellency Dr Yemi Osinbajo, Former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria praised President Bio’s commitment to ethical leadership and people-focused governance.
He said, “The vision and model presented here today reflect a deep understanding of leadership that is not only strategic but also compassionate. I am honoured to participate in this historic event. Mr. President, your administration offers a compelling example of a bold strategic step to close the gender gap, and today, we honour you as a leader who has chosen to lead with purpose and with his people at heart”.
