By Hassan Osman Kargbo
President Julius Maada Bio has officially coronated four new Paramount Chiefs from the Southern and Eastern regions of Sierra Leone, calling on them to play a central role in advancing his government’s flagship agricultural programme, the Feed Salone initiative.
The coronation ceremony, held in Koidu City, Kono District, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, and community representatives to witness the presentation of staffs of office to the newly installed chiefs.
The new Paramount Chiefs are Amy Mitta Myers Benya VI and Larry Bojohn Fangawa IV from Kenema District, Mohamed Kpakra Massally from Pujehun District, and Usmar Ansumana Waiir Puienun from the Eastern Region. Each was officially recognised as a key traditional authority within their respective chiefdoms, tasked with promoting peace, development, and national cohesion.
In his address, President Bio described himself as “a son of a Chief,” noting that he deeply understands the responsibilities that come with traditional leadership. He said the coronation was not just a ceremonial event but a reminder of the vital role traditional institutions continue to play in Sierra Leone’s governance and rural development.
“Being a Paramount Chief is both an honour and a duty,” President Bio said. “Your communities look to you not only for guidance but for leadership that brings peace, unity, and progress.”
The President urged the newly crowned chiefs to use their authority to mobilize their communities around the Feed Salone programme, which seeks to achieve food sovereignty by boosting local agricultural production. He emphasized that the success of the initiative depends on active participation at the community level.
“I want to challenge all of you to be champions of the Feed Salone initiative,” he said. “Support your farmers, encourage innovation, and help create a future where no Sierra Leonean goes hungry.”
President Bio further highlighted the importance of collaboration between traditional rulers and local councils, saying that development can only be achieved through collective effort. He called on the chiefs to serve as a bridge between the government and their people, fostering trust and participation in national programmes.
The newly installed chiefs, in their remarks, expressed gratitude to President Bio for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to work in unity to support his vision for food security and sustainable development.
