AYV News, August 8, 2024
Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio has commended First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for her continued strides in promoting gender empowerment.
The first lady accompanied the president to grace the State Opening of the Second Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, reaffirming her unwavering support and loyalty to her husband.
President Bio acknowledged the first lady’s championing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, while maintaining that investing in women is a boost to the economy, and investing in girls and catching them young is a rise in the economy.
He maintained that the occasion was not just a ceremony but an important event that Members of Parliament should attend. “If we allow politics to overshadow our governance, we become a failure. Our people are out there waiting for deliverance.” He further said the service delivery of the people must be their focus.
He praised the leadership of Parliament for maintaining a progressive Parliament.
He commended the Independent, political party representatives, and other citizens for working tirelessly to ensure that there is a report that will be used to shape the electoral system of the nation going forward.
He called on other party leaders to be committed to this course with fairness and honesty. He further states that this is a way out of the midwifery electoral system and democracy gains.
Speaking to the status of the various developments across the country. He pointed at the Le10,000 agricultural loan with a ten percent interest rate. On human capital development, he mentioned the improvement in education with the support of development partners.
He said that his government has leveraged health finances by reducing costs for patients. He spoke about the five thousand health workers that have been recruited and maintained that they have brought an additional pair of hands to the development of the health sector.
“Sierra Leone has met the global standard of ensuring there are health facilities for children in every district.”
He commended Parliament for enacting key legislative changes, especially the passing of major Bills into law and transforming the nursing council into a commission.
He spoke on the economy, stating that the economy is now stabilised and that they are projecting to reduce the economy to four digits in 2024. He further said that they are determined to improve the fish harbour to ensure more economic development. “Meeting the Millennium Development Cooperation goal of 480 million United States dollars is an unprecedented milestone for the nation,” he noted.
In conclusion, President Bio reminded public servants not to take the patience of the people for granted, asserting that their legitimacy comes from the people and emphasising the need to always represent them well.
