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First Lady Fatima Maada Bio Attends Knights of Saint John International 4th Biennial Bo Kenema Grand Commandery Convention
On October 12, 2025, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, joined the Knights of Saint John International at their 4th Biennial Bo Kenema Grand Commandery Convention in Kenema.
The event’s sermon, centered on the theme of gratitude and ingratitude, drew inspiration from the story of Jesus and the leper, offering a profound reminder of the importance of thankfulness in our daily lives.
In her address, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio reflected on her unique position as a Muslim woman married to a Catholic Christian, expressing how her life embodies the spirit of interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and unity. She highlighted her long-standing collaboration with the Christian community and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening interreligious understanding and cooperation.
“This year’s convention was truly amazing, and I’m grateful for the warm welcome. Thank you, Knights of Saint John International, for having me,” she said.
The First Lady’s participation once again demonstrated her dedication to bridging faiths and celebrating diversity, reinforcing her belief that collective gratitude and unity can drive lasting peace and progress in Sierra Leone.
📌 Source: F.M.B
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio Attends Africell Reception at Times Square Garden in New York
New York, USA Her Excellency First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio was a distinguished guest at Africell’s special reception held at Times Square Garden in New York, an event that brought together Sierra Leoneans and friends of Africa from across the diaspora. The evening was marked by cultural displays, networking opportunities, and powerful reflections on identity, unity, and collaboration.
The First Lady praised Africell for its continued efforts to connect Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad, describing the event as “a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and connection with Sierra Leoneans and friends of Africa in the diaspora.”
She highlighted that gatherings such as these play an important role in strengthening national identity while fostering meaningful global partnerships. “I am deeply grateful to Africell for creating spaces that not only promote our Sierra Leonean identity but also inspire collaboration that makes us stronger as a people and as a nation,” she added.
A Celebration of Culture and Unity
The Africell reception underscored the importance of cultural preservation and community ties within the African diaspora. Through music, art, and shared experiences, the event reminded participants of the richness of Sierra Leone’s traditions and the need to uphold these values on the global stage.
For the diaspora community, the event was an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, celebrate national pride, and exchange ideas on how Sierra Leoneans abroad can contribute to the country’s growth.
Diaspora as a Force for Development
The First Lady’s participation also highlighted the government’s recognition of the diaspora as an essential partner in nation-building. From remittances to skills transfer, Sierra Leoneans abroad play a critical role in advancing development goals.
Africell, as one of the leading telecommunications companies in Sierra Leone, continues to position itself as more than just a service provider. By hosting events like this, the company is fostering dialogue, investment opportunities, and stronger networks that can translate into tangible benefits for Sierra Leone’s economy and society.
Looking Ahead
As Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its global presence, events like Africell’s Times Square Garden reception showcase the powerful role of cultural diplomacy and diaspora engagement in shaping a brighter future.
The First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to championing causes that unify Sierra Leoneans while encouraging international partnerships that build resilience, prosperity, and hope.
Source Credit:
Compiled from Africell event reports and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s public statements, September 2025.
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
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.
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.
First Lady Bio Champions Women’s Empowerment at Sierra Leone-Canada Trade Show in Toronto
Recently, at the Sierra Leone-Canada Trade, Investment & Cultural Show 2025 in Toronto, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio delivered a keynote address under the theme: “Empowering Women for Inclusive Economic Growth: Strategies and Success Stories.” She stressed that women’s economic empowerment is not charity, but justice, strategy, and essential for a strong economy. (facebook.com)
She described Sierra Leone’s bold path under President Julius Maada Bio, citing legal reforms, free quality education, and her signature campaign “Hands Off Our Girls” as transformative steps opening up opportunities and smashing barriers for women and girls. (facebook.com)
The First Lady also shared inspiring examples from Sierra Leonean women entrepreneurs, farmers, health workers, and survivors who are making lasting impacts for their families and communities. She called for deeper Sierra Leone-Canada collaboration, highlighting Canada’s support for gender equality and human rights, to build global solidarity for women’s inclusion and empowerment. (facebook.com)
She urged that investing in women must be central to national development strategies, with inclusive leadership and intentional policies that leave no one behind. Her closing message was one of optimism: the future is within reach—and it will be shaped by empowered, included, unstoppable women. (facebook.com)
Sierra Leone & Türkiye Deepen Ties in New Diplomatic Meeting
Ambassador Yusuf Burak Rende of the Republic of Türkiye recently met with officials in Sierra Leone, accompanied by his team. The meeting focused on ways to strengthen bilateral relations, with key discussions centered around women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and other development priorities.
Representatives from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to mutual respect, collaboration, and shared progress. Among the topics were potential partnerships in educational exchange programs, capacity building for women’s initiatives, healthcare development, and possibly infrastructure or technical cooperation.
This diplomatic engagement fits into a broader pattern: since establishing embassies in one another’s capitals (Türkiye’s in Freetown in 2018, Sierra Leone’s Ankara mission more recently) the two countries have been gradually increasing cooperation in trade, scholarships, development assistance, and institutional collaboration.
As both sides express optimism, stakeholders expect that follow-up actions will include memoranda of understanding, resource allocation, and program initiation in the mentioned sectors.
📌 Source Credit: F.M.B
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio Returns Safely to Sierra Leone After UK Visit
Freetown, Sierra Leone Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has landed safely in Freetown following a successful journey from the United Kingdom. FMB shared the news with gratitude, saying “Alhamdulillah” upon her arrival, confirming her safe return. Facebook+1
According to official and social media announcements, the First Lady and her entourage arrived via Freetown International Airport shortly after their UK trip. Facebook+1 The UK visit reportedly involved meetings, engagements, or events in line with her roles in advocacy, public diplomacy, and development work. (Details of her schedule during the stay have not been fully published as of this writing.)
Her safe return carries significance for many in Sierra Leone, who view her activities abroad as not just diplomatic but also central to her ongoing campaigns — particularly around women’s empowerment, human capital development, girls’ education, and social welfare. FMB’s messages often generate interest because of her public roles, including leadership in national and pan-African initiatives.
What This Means:
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The First Lady will likely resume her national and advocacy priorities with renewed momentum following her international engagements.
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Stakeholders and followers may expect updates about what was achieved during the UK trip, including possible partnerships or initiatives announced or started there.
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Her return is a public reassurance of continuity in her advocacy work and international representation of Sierra Leone.
Source Credit:
Information collected from First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s social media posts and related announcements on Facebook by “Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone” and related Sierra Leonean public pages. Published recently (as of this week). Facebook+1
Fatima Maada Bio to Speak at AEGC 2025 in New York During UNGA80
New York, USA Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has been confirmed as a featured speaker at the African Economic Global Convergence (AEGC) Summit 2025, which will take place September 21–22, 2025, alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York City. Sierraloaded
The AEGC Summit is a prominent forum for African and international leaders to engage on the continent’s economic agenda. This year’s summit will focus on core issues such as trade, industrialization, innovation, sustainable financing, and ensuring inclusive growth. Sierraloaded
Dr. Bio’s participation is particularly noted for her advocacy and experience in human capital development and women’s leadership. She is internationally known for her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign and her leadership role with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), efforts that spotlight the protection, empowerment, and advancement of girls and women. Sierraloaded
Her appearance at AEGC also underscores Sierra Leone’s growing diplomatic engagement under President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, sending a message that the nation is committed to policies that leave no one behind. Sierraloaded
Key expectations from her address include:
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Emphasis on women’s economic empowerment as essential for national development.
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Call for investment in education, skills training, and human capital to strengthen workforce competitiveness.
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Stress on inclusive governance and policies that ensure marginalized groups benefit.
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Advocacy for partnerships between Africa and global actors in innovation, digital development, and trade expansion.
What This Means:
Dr. Bio’s presence at AEGC 2025 adds momentum to a narrative where Africa is not just a subject of global economic policy but a shaper of it. For Sierra Leone, it reinforces its image as an active participant in international development discussions. For women and youth across Africa, her role serves as a model of leadership and inclusion in high-level global forums.
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