Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio Honored in Liberia for His Long-Term Military Prowess and Regional Statesmanship
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has been awarded the 'Distinguished Service Order' by His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, for his long-term military prowess and statesmanship in the region. The award ceremony took place at the country's 68th Anniversary Armed Forces Day celebration at the Barclay Training Centre in Monrovia.
Performing the honors, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai commended President Bio for his service to regional peace and international security, which, according to him, 'is a source of enormous pride that reflects distinct credit upon himself, his family, his country, and the men and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia'.
His Excellency Joseph Nyua Boakai Sr., President of Liberia, thanked President Bio for honoring his invitation to serve as Guest and Keynote Speaker of the country's 68th Armed Forces Anniversary celebration. He confirmed that since inception, President Bio was the first sitting president to have graced their celebration of their gallant men and women in the Liberia Armed Forces.
President Boakai, on behalf of his government and the people of Liberia, assured President Bio of his government's unflinching support for Sierra Leone, while calling on Liberians and local and international partners to support the military in consolidating peace and stability in the country and the region.
Giving his keynote address on the theme, 'Sustainable Peace and Security through Stakeholder Engagement: The Role of the Armed Forces,' President Bio reminded the gallant men and women of the Liberia Armed Forces that sustainable peace and security cannot be achieved without the steadfast commitment of professional and disciplined armed forces.
He stressed that the army protects national sovereignty and is a pillar of democratic governance. 'History has shown us that when the military aligns with democratic values, nations prosper; when it deviates, societies falter. Your commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights, and collaboration with civil institutions will strengthen Liberia's democracy,' President Bio noted.
The President informed the military that their positive contributions to their nation would set an example for the region and reassure the people of their unwavering commitment to democratic values. He encouraged them to remain steadfast, ensuring that their service is marked by integrity, patriotism, and a steadfast dedication to peace.
'Comrades, the people of Liberia look to you with trust. The region looks to you with expectation, and history will remember you for your steadfastness in upholding the principles of peace, justice, and democracy. Long live the armed forces; long live the Republic of Liberia; long live the Republic of Sierra Leone; long live the continent of Africa,' President Bio concluded.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio Joins Muslims in Observing Eid-Ul-Adha, Reaffirms Commitment to Peace, Transparency, and Service
His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio today joined Muslims across Sierra Leone and around the world in observing the Eid-Ul-Adha prayer, one of the most sacred festivals in Islam. The Eid sermon (Khutbah) was delivered by Sheikh Umar Chernoh Bangura, who centered his message on the themes of obedience and devotion to God. Drawing from the story of Prophet Abraham's unwavering willingness to sacrifice his son in fulfillment of God's command, Sheikh Bangura underscored the spiritual significance of sacrifice during Eid-Ul-Adha. He encouraged Muslims who have the means to sacrifice livestock, such as sheep or cows, as a symbol of their faith and submission to God's will. The Imam also emphasized the importance of integrity and the fight against corruption, applauding President Bio's government for its transparent handling of this year's Hajj process. He noted that under President Bio's leadership, previous issues related to the Hajj and the 'Haja and Alhaji Youyi Building' saga are now a thing of the past. 'The Muslim community must recognize and appreciate the President's sincere commitment to our faith and people,' he said. In his remarks, President Bio thanked the Muslim community for joining him at the Presidential Lodge to mark the auspicious occasion. 'Today, we thank God for the gift of life and the opportunity to worship together. As our brothers and sisters embark on the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, we pray for their protection and safe return,' he stated. Reflecting on the Imam's sermon, the President reiterated his government's commitment to transparency, accountability, and service to the people of Sierra Leone. 'The message today is one of dedication to duty and nation. I commend the Hajj Committee for their exceptional work, which reflects my administration's values of honest service and good governance,' he said. President Bio concluded with a prayer for peace, unity, and divine blessings for the country: 'May today's prayer bring lasting peace and prosperity to our beloved nation. Salamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio to Launch 830 Million New Leones (€34 Million) Solar Minigrid Project, Powering Sierra Leone's Green Future
In a landmark step toward sustainable development and inclusive energy access, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is set to officially launch the Salone Off-grid Renewable Energy Acceleration Initiative (SOGREA), a €34 million (approximately 830 million New Leones) solar minigrid project that will significantly advance Sierra Leone's green energy future. Hosted by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the initiative is a collaborative effort between the Government of Sierra Leone, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). SOGREA aims to increase energy access in rural communities across the country by 2027, deploying at least 5.2 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar generation capacity through the installation of minigrids. The project is set to benefit 25,000 households and 2,800 businesses across approximately 60 communities, offering them reliable, clean, and affordable electricity for the first time. To brief the President on the status and next steps of the project, EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, accompanied by Dr. Kandeh Yumkella and other private sector partners, visited State House today. The high-level delegation engaged President Bio on the technical, regulatory, and financial readiness of the initiative, and reaffirmed their collective commitment to ensuring its success. Speaking during the meeting, President Bio expressed deep appreciation to the EU for their steadfast partnership and support in fulfilling his administration's promise of inclusive development across Sierra Leone. 'Taking energy to the people is key,' the President emphasized. 'This project is a significant milestone. It demonstrates mutual trust and confidence with our partners, especially at a time when development assistance is dwindling globally. This shows we still enjoy goodwill.' He further assured the visitors of his government's commitment to building the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks: 'I am aware of the revised regulations for the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC), and my government will ensure Parliament sets the required legal framework to support implementation.' The President added, 'Together, we will make electricity accessible to all and no one will be left behind.' At the heart of SOGREA's success is its catalytic investment model, which blends public and private sector support to create a sustainable ecosystem for minigrid development. Energy Sector lead, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, a driving force behind the initiative, explained that over the last two years, critical groundwork has been laid, including the revision of existing regulations under the EWRC Act and the design of investment incentives to attract private developers. He confirmed that implementation agreements have been signed and that President Bio will officially launch the project. Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, Head of the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone, underscored the importance of the initiative as a major milestone in the country's pursuit of clean energy and rural transformation. 'We are proud to support a project of this magnitude,' he said. 'The EU's total investment stands at €34 million, including €22 million in direct investment support and technical assistance, while the Government of Sierra Leone is contributing 50 million Leones.' The project was developed in partnership with UNOPS, with a focus on enabling private sector entities to develop, finance, own, and operate solar minigrids. Ambassador Jankowski noted that the investment model includes reimbursement schemes, leveraging of additional financing, and regulatory mechanisms to bridge the gap between tariffs and what rural communities can afford. He highlighted the strategic involvement of key institutions such as SLEWRC and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Unit, which will guide implementation and ensure long-term regulatory stability. Beyond powering homes and businesses, the SOGREA initiative is expected to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and empower women and youth, particularly in off-grid and underserved regions. By supporting President Bio's 'Big Five Game Changers', especially in technology and innovation, the initiative reinforces Sierra Leone's commitment to becoming a hub for green investment and renewable energy development in West Africa. As the country moves steadily toward universal electricity access, the launch of SOGREA marks a defining moment in Sierra Leone's journey toward climate resilience and inclusive growth. With strong international partnerships and a forward-looking energy policy, Sierra Leone is lighting the path to a sustainable, empowered future, one solar grid at a time. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Arabian Post
11-05-2025
- Arabian Post
Liberian Students in India Receive Safety Assurances Amid Regional Tensions
Liberia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Liberian students residing in India are not currently facing any immediate threats to their safety, despite escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan. This assurance follows bilateral discussions between the Liberian Ministry and the Embassy of India in Monrovia. The Indian authorities have conveyed that no Liberian nationals are located in the regions affected by the recent conflict, particularly the Kashmir area, which has been the focal point of the hostilities. The Ministry has also been in direct contact with the President of the Association of Liberian Students in India, who corroborated the Indian Embassy's statement, affirming that Liberian students are not in harm's way. Nonetheless, to ensure the well-being of its citizens, the Ministry plans to dispatch a delegation to India to conduct a firsthand assessment of the security and living conditions of Liberian students. Concerns had been mounting among the Liberian student community in India, with reports indicating that over 2,000 Liberian students are enrolled in various academic and technical programs across the country. The students had expressed apprehension over the potential spillover effects of the India-Pakistan conflict on their safety and had called for immediate intervention from the Liberian government. In response to these concerns, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of Liberians abroad. It highlighted ongoing consultations initiated in 2024 regarding the establishment of a Liberian diplomatic mission in New Delhi, aimed at providing consular services and support to Liberian nationals in India.
