His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and his wife Dr. Fatima Maada Bio have paid tribute to the President’s late mother at her graveside in the United States of America.
President Bio said: “At intersections of life are moments of pause and pondering. These moments help us to reflect and review our life’s journey. My visit recently to the graveside of my dear mother, Yei Amie Lumba Navo Bio, was one such moment.
“Shortly before my scheduled public lecture at my Alma Mata, the American University in Washington DC, I made a stop at the Pleasant Valley Memorial Park – the final resting place of my beloved mother, who passed on 23 years ago in the US during the decade-long civil war in Sierra Leone.
“Visiting her graveside has become a tradition for me over the years, as it allows me to share some mother-and-child moments, but this time, it was different. As I stood there transfixed in time, my whole life journey flashed through – from my cradle to full bloom.
“Her ever-gentle voice was so clear, re-echoing those words that formed my mettle and fierce commitment to education. Her words provoked my unquenchable thirst for knowledge and my steadfast faith in the power of an unshackled mind. She instilled in me a brilliant and curious mind.
“Her voice, a gentle whisper, always did say, “God and Education are the light that will guide your way.” Though not educated herself, she helped me unfold through struggles and triumphs. She showed me the power that learning could yield. Though she’s gone, her spirit remains in the lessons she taught me, in life’s gentle reins. I’ll honour her memory in all that I do, for her love and her wisdom forever shines through”.
First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio said: “The most important part of my coming to the USA every year is the opportunity to visit the graveside of my beloved mother-in-law. My daughter is named after her. She is our guardian angel. Yea, may Allah continue to keep you in heaven, and may your spirit be with us in our journey”.
