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Sierra Leone’s First Lady Hosts High-Level UNGA Event on Women, Children, Peace, and Security
As First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the First Lady hosted a high-level side event on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The event, themed “Peace and Security Through Her Eyes: Centering Women and Children in Global Peace, Stability, and Sustainable Development,” brought together African First Ladies, development partners, global philanthropists, civil society leaders, and other influential advocates dedicated to advancing the protection and empowerment of women and children.
Distinguished guests included H.E. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau and H.E. President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, both of whom delivered powerful remarks reaffirming their commitment to promoting women’s rights and girls’ empowerment across Africa and beyond.
As President of OAFLAD, the First Lady emphasized that peace and security are essential foundations for sustainable development, stressing that women and children must remain central to every global agenda. She also expressed gratitude to her husband, President Bio, for his leadership in Sierra Leone’s fight against gender-based violence and his efforts to promote equal opportunities for all citizens.
Source: F.M.B
Former Vice President Criticizes Government’s Focus on Revenue Amid Rising Loss of Lives
In a strong statement, Nigeria’s former Vice President has condemned the government for celebrating revenue targets at a time when citizens continue to lose their lives to insecurity and hardship.
He stressed that true leadership must place human safety and welfare above financial milestones, adding that celebrating figures while ignoring the suffering of the people reflects a misplaced sense of priorities.
The former Vice President warned that such governance style only deepens the pain and frustration of citizens, calling on the government to refocus its efforts on protecting lives and improving the well-being of the population.
Source: Former Vice President’s Statement
Happy 95th Saudi National Day! 🇸🇦
Today, Saudi Arabia celebrates its 95th National Day, observed every September 23 to commemorate the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz ibn Abdul Rahman Al Saud in 1932.
This year’s theme, “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature,” reflects the country’s deep connection to its natural environment and cultural roots.
The nation has declared today a public holiday, with schools, government offices, and businesses closed to allow citizens and residents to join the festivities. Celebrations will include city-wide fireworks, aerial and sea displays in multiple cities, cultural performances, and traditional folk dances.
Saudi National Day remains one of the country’s most unifying holidays—an occasion to reflect on its past achievements, reaffirm national identity, and look ahead to future goals under Vision 2030.
Sierra Leone Celebrated After Claiming Best Jollof Rice Title in Ghana Yet to Be Confirmed
Reports are circulating that Sierra Leone has won the Best Jollof Rice Competition held recently in Ghana, prompting jubilation among supporters and the broader community. Many are congratulating the team for “raising the flag” and representing national pride through culinary excellence.
However, as of this update, no major international or Ghanaian news outlets have published confirmed results of such a competition with Sierra Leone as the winner. Previous wins by Sierra Leone include the 2019 Jollof Competition in Washington, D.C. and their victory in the African Jollof War Festival 2023 in Accra.
If verified, this would add to Sierra Leone’s growing prestige in the Jollof rice rivalry across West Africa — a rivalry that celebrates national identity, cooking artistry, and shared cultural heritage.
Wike Family Celebrate Jordan’s Call to the Nigerian Bar
In a recent development, Jordan Wike, son of the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has been officially called to the Nigerian Bar. The Call-to-Bar ceremony took place in Abuja, where Jordan was among the aspiring legal practitioners formally admitted into the profession.
The Minister joined the Body of Benchers’ processional ceremony, accompanied by his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike, as the family marked this significant achievement.
His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, shared images from the event on social media with words of joy:
“Happy Dad and Mum. FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike, with their son, Jordan, who is to be called to Bar today.”
First Lady Bio Attends SDG4 High-Level Reception Hosted by Sarah Brown in New York
According to reports, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio recently attended the SDG4 High-Level Reception and Dinner held at 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, hosted by activist Sarah Brown. The gathering brought together leaders, activists, and humanitarians committed to advancing children’s rights.
In her address, First Lady Bio emphasized that universal access to quality primary healthcare and preschool education, along with strong family support systems, are essential investments—not mere aspirations. She advocated that ensuring these services for children is both a moral obligation and a practical foundation for sustainable development.
She reaffirmed her role in pushing forward educational reforms in Sierra Leone, underlining that no society can thrive when its youngest members are left behind. The event served as a platform for her to call for greater global cooperation and solidarity in implementing SDG4 goals.
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio Wins AEMA Black Prize 2025 for Advocacy & Women’s Empowerment
In the latest development, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio was awarded the AEMA Black Prize 2025, recognizing her exceptional contributions to humanity and her tireless work empowering women and girls globally. This accolade followed her participation in the African Economic Global Convergence (AEG) Summit, held alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
Among her key advocacy efforts is her role in the passage of Sierra Leone’s Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024 (Act 5 of 2024), which was assented to on 1 July 2024 and came into force on 14 December 2024. The law makes it illegal to marry anyone under 18 years old in Sierra Leone and includes strong penalties for offenders, protection for victims, and mechanisms to ensure enforcement.
She also marked November 18 as the International Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence, underscoring Sierra Leone’s commitment to global child protection standards and women’s human rights.
First Lady Bio expressed gratitude to God Almighty, her husband President Julius Maada Bio, and the many women and girls whose resilience and courage inspire her advocacy. She dedicated the award to their continued empowerment and progress, emphasizing that justice, equality, and opportunity are non-negotiable for any society that wishes to flourish.
Black Couple Celebrates 78th Wedding Anniversary Married in 1947
According to reports, Thomas and Ernestine Price of Columbus, Ohio, recently celebrated their 78th wedding anniversary, having married on September 10, 1947, in front of their home. Their union has since grown into a family spanning five generations.
They first met in 1940 when Ernestine moved to Columbus as a child and Thomas took notice early. Their courtship moved through the years, including time apart during World War II when Thomas served in the Navy. Ernestine finished high school during that period.
The couple have three children one son and two daughters along with nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and fifteen great-great-grandchildren. Pastimes in earlier years included skating and movie nights; these days, they spend time simply enjoying each other’s company.
When asked about the key to their long-lasting marriage, Ernestine replied simply: “No secrets between the couple. That’s not going to work because everything comes out sooner or later.” Their bond remains strong, with Thomas saying he’d still marry her again, and Ernestine responding, “Oh, you would? I think I’ll keep you, too.”
Teacher Bae” Controversy Reignited Over Tight Outfits in the Classroom
Williams, widely recognized online as “Teacher Bae,” has ignited a fresh wave of debate after videos of her in tight, stylish outfits at school resurfaced online. The clips—recorded in classrooms and hallways—show her in fitted skirts, sheer dresses, and figure-hugging trousers, attracting millions of views across social media. (tori.ng)
Critics argue that her fashion choices are inappropriate for an educational setting, particularly in the presence of young students. Some have called for stricter enforcement of teacher dress codes, claiming that professionalism is being undermined. (nypost.com)
In response, Ms. Williams has defended her attire, stating that she complies with the school’s dress policy and accusing her detractors of body-shaming. She maintains that her teaching performance remains unaffected and that many students and parents support her. (eurweb.com)
The controversy underscores a broader conversation about professionalism, personal expression, and body image in the classroom—raising questions about where the line should be drawn in modern education.
9-Year-Old Aiden Wilkins Becomes Youngest Student Ever at Ursinus College
Recently, Aiden Wilkins, a 9-year-old from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, made headlines by becoming the youngest student to enroll at Ursinus College. Though still in high school, Aiden is taking college-level neuroscience courses while attending a local charter school.
Aiden first showed signs of exceptional ability very early: he was reading traffic signs by age two and was later identified as gifted. His biggest academic goal is to become a pediatric neurosurgeon, saying he’s inspired by seeing children his age with neurodisabilities and wanting to make a difference.
College faculty at Ursinus say they are impressed with Aiden’s curiosity topics he’s already diving into include glial cells, neuroplasticity, and even literature like Shakespeare.
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