Aruna Turay, AYV News, September 30, 2024
First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has given a special acknowledgment, thanks and appreciation to Mr. Ziad Dalloul – Chief Executive Officer at Africell Group and Africell for their continuous and generous support towards the enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio said: “Your contributions to this event and so many others, have been instrumental in helping us pursue our vision of transforming lives, especially for the women and children of Sierra Leone. Your belief in the work we do is a source of strength that allows us to remain focused on making meaningful, lasting change”.
Dr. Bio was speaking during a high-level dinner she hosted on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, in New York, where she said: “The success of this monumental Act would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and support of so many, and today, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all”.
The first lady expressed profound gratitude to her husband, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for what she described as; “his steadfast support and leadership, commitment to advancing the rights of women and children in our country and your role in championing this cause”.
The first lady went on to thank colleague first ladies and supporters from across the globe for standing in solidarity with her, stating; “each of you has played a critical role in bringing global attention to the urgent need to end child marriage—a cause that is deeply personal to me.
“I must also express my sincere appreciation to the Sierra Leone UN Mission and every partner who has stood by us throughout this journey. Together, we made history by passing the Prohibition of Early Marriage Act with such urgency and dedication. Even without waiting for external funding, we moved swiftly because we understood the importance of securing a better future for our children”.
Born in 1953 in Soueida, southern Syria, Mr. Ziad Dalloul began his creative path early on in his life. At the age of sixteen, Dalloul nurtured his cultural and artistic talents, engrossing himself in art and writing, and exhibiting his first paintings and reciting his own short stories in his hometown’s cultural center.
Africell is the leading mobile communications and technology company in Sierra Leone. It launched its services in 2005 and have grown to become the nation’s most popular and trusted brand. In Sierra Leone, Africell offers a mix of reliable and affordable data, voice and SMS products.
On 2nd July, 2024, the President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio gave his assent to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, thereby midwifing into legal existence a specialised legislation which out rightly proscribes Child Marriage and also provides legal protection for victims of Child Marriage.
