His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has called for a renewed commitment to people-centred leadership, emphasising the need for trust, humility, and service in governance.
He made the statement Monday, 12 May 2025, during the maiden edition of the Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown.
The event, themed “From Vision to Impact: The People-Centred Leadership Model,” brought together government officials, diplomats, academics, civil society actors, and members of the public. It also marked President Bio’s 61st birthday, adding a personal reflection to the national discourse on leadership.
In his Keynote address, President Bio traced his journey from a young soldier to Head of State, noting that his leadership style has been deeply influenced by everyday encounters with ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
He recounted formative experiences with market women, farmers, and teachers—interactions that, he said, solidified his commitment to inclusive governance and human dignity.
“Leadership is not about the power of position but about the impact on people’s lives,” President Bio said, crediting his late mother and sister for shaping his values, particularly the importance of education, resilience, and service to others.
President Bio reiterated his government’s commitment to national unity and social cohesion, calling on Sierra Leoneans to rise above ethnic, religious, and political divisions.
He described education as the most effective tool for ending poverty and building a sustainable future, reaffirming his administration’s focus on free, quality education as a legacy initiative.
Vice President Jalloh Praises Bio’s Transformative Leadership
In his welcome address, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh commended President Bio’s visionary leadership and enduring commitment to national development, describing the President’s governance model as one rooted in human capital development, inclusivity, and the empowerment of youth and women.
“President Bio’s leadership goes beyond the exercise of authority—it is a call to action for all Sierra Leoneans to take ownership of our shared future,” Dr. Jalloh stated, adding that the President’s people-centred approach is creating opportunities and building a more equitable society.
Regional Praise for Bio’s Leadership Philosophy
The colloquium also featured a keynote address by His Excellency Dr. Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who commended President Bio’s leadership vision as a model for Africa.
Dr. Osinbajo described the President’s emphasis on inclusive development as vital for addressing poverty and inequality across the continent.
He praised the Free Quality School Education (FQE) initiative, noting its impact on more than two million children nationwide, and highlighted policies aimed at gender equality and social protection.
“Leadership that prioritises the poor and vulnerable is what Africa needs,” Dr. Osinbajo said, drawing parallels between Sierra Leone’s reforms and global best practices in social investment.
Nation Celebrates a Visionary Leader
Participants and well-wishers at the event praised President Bio for his dedication to democratic governance and national transformation.
As the colloquium concluded, many described it as a timely platform for dialogue on leadership, unity, and inclusive development.
The Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium is expected to become an annual event fostering thought leadership and public engagement on governance and nation-building.
