AYV News, March 3, 2025
Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, Advocacy for Women and Socio-Political Activist has called on the newly inaugurated first woman elected President of the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS), Fiona Ngima, to be a Leader and not a Ladyin dispensing her duties as President.
Speaking in her capacity as the first ever Sierra Leone woman elected as President of a University Students Union government 31 years ago, Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden said: “To lead, you have to be firm and sometimes, even aggressive; Leadership is not the domain for Women who think they should be ‘ladylike’or act like ladies when engaging men. No! True Leadership is for Leaders, not Ladies. So be a Leader; Not a Lady. The men did not elect you to be their girlfriend or elect you to be a wife. They elected you to lead both men and women so go out there to be a leader and not a lady”.
Also speaking at the event was Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio who presided over the event. She expressed her pride in witnessing the historic occasion, which she described as a testament to the impact of President Julius MaadaBio’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment laws.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio said: “Madam Fiona Ngima’s coronation represents hope for many young girls who aspire to break barriers and achieve their dreams. It serves as a reminder that with support, determination, and the right policies in place, we can create a future where every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential.”
The first lady reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for policies that protect and empower women and girls across Sierra Leone and Africa. “Together, we can build a more equitable society that values the contributions of everyone,” she stated.
President Fiona Ngima, who was elected to lead NUSS in December 2024, made history as the first woman to hold the union’s highest office since its establishment. Her election is widely seen as a transformative step forward for gender inclusivity in student leadership and a reflection of Sierra Leone’s commitment to empowering women and girls.
During her inaugural speech, Ngima expressed gratitude to the student body for their trust and support, describing her election as a victory for equality and inclusive leadership. She outlined an ambitious agenda for her administration, focusing on key areas such as advancing student welfare, enhancing access to technology, improving learning environments, and fostering partnerships to create greater educational opportunities.
Ngima also called on students across Sierra Leone to embrace unity and work collaboratively. “Collective action and solidarity are vital to strengthening NUSS and achieving our goals,” she emphasized. Her vision for the union reflects a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by students while promoting a culture of inclusivity and progress.
