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First Lady Fatima Maada Bio Joins NAMWA Cultural Dance Meet in North America
On September 27, 2025, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of OAFLAD, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, joined the North America Madingo Women Association (NAMWA) at their Cultural Dance Meet.
She described the occasion as a deeply moving experience, celebrating vibrant women who continue to preserve and promote Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage in the diaspora.
Her participation was more than a celebration of traditions—it was a reaffirmation of her commitment to cultural diplomacy, community engagement, and women’s empowerment worldwide. She emphasized that when women unite in strength and solidarity, they create lasting impact within their communities and beyond.
The First Lady extended her heartfelt appreciation to NAMWA for their warm welcome and for keeping Sierra Leone’s culture alive through music, dance, and sisterhood.
F.M.B
“SAFIRE” World Premiere in London: A Sierra Leonean Cinematic Masterpiece
Event Overview
Get ready for an unforgettable evening as SAFIRE a breathtaking Sierra Leonean epic and SMA nominee makes its highly anticipated UK debut. The premiere will take place on September 27, 2025, at Tramshred Art Ltd, located at 51-53 Woolwich New Road, London SE18 6ES.
This glamorous event will kick off with a red carpet ceremony at 5:00 pm, followed by the film screening at 8:30 pm. It’s a night to celebrate Sierra Leone’s storytelling, cinematic vision, and artistic talent.
Entrance Fee: £50
We invite cinephiles, cultural ambassadors, and supporters of African film to join us for this landmark occasion.
Why You Should Attend
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Cultural Showcase: Experience Sierra Leone’s rich heritage through a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story.
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Recognition & Prestige: SAFIRE has earned a nomination for the distinguished Special Movie Award (SMA), making this a landmark screening.
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Red Carpet Experience: Dress to impress and mingle with actors, filmmakers, and prominent guests.
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Networking Opportunity: A perfect occasion to connect with film professionals, creatives, and cultural communities.
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Exclusive Viewing: Be among the very first audiences in the UK to witness SAFIRE, in a top-tier cinema setting.
Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | September 27, 2025 |
| Venue | Tramshred Art Ltd, 51-53 Woolwich New Road, London SE18 6ES |
| Red Carpet | 5:00 pm |
| Screening Time | 8:30 pm |
| Ticket Price | £50 |
| Contact | +44 7984 460762 (UK) / +232 777 00347 (Sierra Leone) |
How to Secure Your Spot
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Reach out via phone or WhatsApp at +44 7984 460762 or +232 777 00347.
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Confirm your purchase with payment and reserve your ticket.
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Be there early to enjoy the full red carpet experience.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness SAFIRE in all its glory, on the grand stage it deserves. We can’t wait to welcome you to a night of cinematic elegance.
See you on September 27!
— AWUJOR
Major-General Ibrahim Babangida Emerging as Nigeria’s New Head of State After August 1985 Coup
Lagos, Nigeria On 1 September 1985, Major-General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (aged 44) was photographed leaving a session of the newly established Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) in Lagos, days after he successfully led a military coup that deposed General Muhammadu Buhari. The image, first reported by The Sunday Telegraph, captures Babangida’s composed and assured demeanor as he stepped into power amidst sweeping expectations and uncertainties. Wikipedia+3Facebook+3Wikipedia+3
The coup, carried out on 27 August 1985, replaced Buhari’s Supreme Military Council with the AFRC, positioning Babangida as Chairman and Head of State. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2 This photograph, taken just days into his leadership, symbolizes not just a shift in military hierarchy but the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s political trajectory. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
Key Context & Implications
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The 1985 Coup: Babangida, then Chief of Army Staff, orchestrated the takeover on 27 August 1985 because of widespread dissatisfaction with Buhari’s regime, both for economic mismanagement and perceived rigid military governance. Wikipedia+1
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Formation of the AFRC: Following the coup, Babangida established the Armed Forces Ruling Council as the country’s supreme governing body, holding both legislative and executive power, dissolving its predecessor the Supreme Military Council. Wikipedia+1
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Challenges Ahead: At the moment captured by the 1 September photo, the nation faced serious economic difficulties, societal expectations for change, and the need to balance military discipline with popular legitimacy. Babangida’s early days in power would be marked by economic reforms, structural adjustments, and political moves that sought to reshape Nigeria. Wikipedia+1
Why the Image Resonates
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A Symbol of Power Transition: The photograph embodies the transition of power within military ranks from Buhari to Babangida at a crucial moment in Nigeria’s history.
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Public Perception & Leadership Persona: Babangida’s calm and confident posture projected an image of stability and control, which was essential for establishing his legitimacy among both the military and the populace.
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Legacy Beginnings: What followed this moment were years of leadership that would leave a significant and contested legacy economic restructuring (including the Structural Adjustment Programme), attempts at political reform, and navigating both internal dissent and international pressures. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
Source Credit:
Based on The Sunday Telegraph photograph and reports, Wikipedia’s entry on Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and historical records of the 1985 Nigerian coup and Armed Forces Ruling Council. Wikipedia+3Facebook+3Wikipedia+3
Trump Vows He Will Prevent Israel from Annexing the West Bank
Today, U.S. President Donald Trump stated unequivocally that he will not permit Israel to annex the occupied West Bank. Speaking from the Oval Office, he said to reporters: “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Nope, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen.”
Trump’s comments come amid rising calls from far-right elements in Israel’s government to formalize annexation of parts of the territory. Several Arab countries and international actors have publicly warned that annexation would undermine hopes for a two-state solution and provoke serious diplomatic consequences.
He also noted that he has discussed the matter directly with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, insisting that annexation plans must stop. “There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now,” Trump added.
Analysts suggest this marks one of the clearest limitations yet on Israeli policy from the Trump administration, especially given Trump’s historically strong alignment with Israeli leadership. The declaration may impact internal Israeli coalition dynamics, international diplomacy, and the peace process debates around Palestinian statehood.
First Lady of Sierra Leone Receives “Champion of Change” Award at UNGA80
The First Lady of Sierra Leone was honored with the Just Right Champion of Change Award at a high-level event on child marriage, organized by Just Right for Children (JRC) on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
This award serves as a global call to action, highlighting the urgent need to end child marriage and protect the dignity, rights, and future of children everywhere.
In her statement, the First Lady stressed that child marriage denies girls education, health, and equal opportunities, and called for deeper international collaboration to end such harmful practices. She reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to advancing child welfare and pledged to continue working with global partners to create a world where every child can grow up free from violence, discrimination, and abuse.
Source: F.M.B
Will Kylian Mbappé Ever Win the Ballon d’Or?
𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐄 🗳️: Will Kylian Mbappé ever win the prestigious Ballon d’Or? 🤔
The French superstar has already lifted the FIFA World Cup, dominated Ligue 1, and showcased his brilliance on the global stage. Yet, the Ballon d’Or—football’s ultimate individual prize—remains elusive.
Do you think Mbappé will add the award to his career achievements in the years ahead?
Share your thoughts and cast your vote below! ⚽🏆
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
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.
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.”
Citroën DS: The “Goddess” That Redefined Automotive Design
Recently highlighted in Nigeria, the iconic Citroën DS captured attention once again this time through an image of a man standing proudly beside the classic French automobile.
First unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, the Citroën DS stunned the world and earned instant iconic status. Designed by Italian sculptor and industrial designer Flaminio Bertoni, the DS carried a distinctive “teardrop profile” and sleek silhouette that set it apart from anything else on the road. Its name, “DS,” was a clever pun on the French word “déesse”—meaning goddess.
But the DS wasn’t just about looks. It was packed with technological firsts:
Front-wheel drive for better handling.
Hydro-pneumatic suspension, delivering unmatched comfort.
Hydraulic systems controlling brakes, clutch, gearbox, and steering.
The first mass-produced car with disc brakes, making it far ahead of its time.
Production continued until 1975, leaving behind a rich legacy. Today, the DS is celebrated not just as a car, but as a symbol of innovation cementing its place in automotive history as one of the most influential vehicles ever made.
D5 Creation