Latest news with #JuliusMaadaBio
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Labour minister reviews ties with Sierra Leone's president, minister
QNA Freetown President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio met Minister of Labour HE Dr Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri in the Sierra Leonean capital, Freetown, on Tuesday. Discussions during the meeting dealt with bilateral cooperation between Qatar and Sierra Leone in the labour sector and means to support and enhance them. The Minister of Labour also met with Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security of Sierra Leone Mohamed Rahman Swaray. During the meeting, they discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in the labour sector and identified opportunities to further support and develop partnership ties between the two countries.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio Hosts Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bank Delegation, Commits to Strengthen Regional Investment Collaboration
The President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Dr George Agyekum Donkor, has paid a courtesy visit on His Excellency, President Dr Julius Maada Bio at his state house office, where he noted that 'Your Excellency, all macroeconomic indicators have been doing well. A sign that your government is doing well. Congratulations.' The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development is the leading regional investment and development bank, owned by the fifteen-member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Introducing the delegation to the President, the Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, revealed that the team is in the country based on an initial engagement the bank president had with President Bio, where an open invitation was extended for his visit to Sierra Leone. In his address, the Bank President congratulated President Bio on his recent appointment as chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority. 'Your Excellency, I want to thank you for the warm hospitality my team and I received in Sierra Leone. I also want to formally congratulate you on your position in the high office at ECOWAS.' He said. 'Your appointment is an endorsement of your leadership to deliver and the quality you have to lead the region at a time like this, when it is volatile. But we are sure that you are going to deliver,' he assured. He confirmed the Bank's commitment and full support towards ensuring that President Bio succeeds during his tenure at ECOWAS. Dr Donkor revealed that since they arrived in the country, they have met with key ministers of government and have already started conversations on key areas, including roads, tourism, infrastructure, and education, among others, noting that during their stay in the country, they will also be engaging key sector ministers for tangible investment areas. The bank president pleaded with President Bio in his capacity as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Governance to assist the bank in ensuring it maintains its status as a non-political entity in the sub-region. This, according to the Bank, will help it develop and expand its reach, hence position itself to undertake more development projects in the sub-region. While welcoming the Bank President and team to Freetown, President Julius Maada Bio thanked the Bank President for fulfilling his promise made during their engagement on the margins the ECOWAS Summit, where he personally requested the visit in order for the bank to deepen its ties with Sierra Leone. The President expressed hope that during their visit, the bank will be able to engage several sectors, so it will identify outstanding issues that are within its scope. The President expressed his concern about regional economic integration for Sierra Leone and other countries in a wide range of areas because, according to him, 'West Africa has great potential, which we want to not only develop but also tap into for our future.' The President reaffirmed Sierra Leone's commitment to deepening its relationship with the bank, revealing that the University of Kono is one of the top priorities on his agenda, and needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. In terms of roads, President Bio said his government doesn't want to lead on mere physical infrastructure but rather, 'We want to look at both physical and digital infrastructure, as well as that of our ecotourism,' he disclosed. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
The Liberian Ambassador to Sierra Leone Bids Farewell to Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, After Three Years of Dedicated Service in Sierra Leone
The Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Madam Angie Lavela von Ballmoos, has officially taken leave of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio after three years of dedicated service in Sierra Leone. Reflecting on her time in the country, Ambassador von Ballmoos noted that it was with a heavy heart that she bids farewell, marking the end of a fulfilling tenure in what she described as a beautiful and welcoming nation. She expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality she received and remarked that she would greatly miss the people, the shared cultural heritage, and the local cuisine. Ambassador von Ballmoos also extended her heartfelt congratulations to President Bio on his recent election as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). 'Your appointment brings hope not only to Sierra Leone but to the entire sub-region and Africa at large,' she stated. 'We in Liberia are humbled and proud of your achievement, especially because of the personal and historical ties we share.' She further commended President Bio's leadership, particularly his role in the African Union's Committee of Ten (C-10), his commitment to human capital development, and his advocacy for gender equality. 'We are optimistic about what ECOWAS can achieve under your leadership. The people of the region stand to benefit immensely from your efforts in fostering peace and building capacity across the sub-region,' she added. In his response, President Julius Maada Bio thanked the outgoing ambassador for her outstanding service and contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries. 'Your service in Sierra Leone has been impactful. You have championed Liberia's interests with distinction, and as the exemplary public servant that you are, I am confident you will continue to make Liberia proud—and should be proud of yourself as well,' he stated. President Bio added that Ambassador von Ballmoos would be deeply missed and assured her that Sierra Leone, especially Freetown, would always be home. 'You are always welcome to return anytime,' he concluded warmly. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio Launches National Water Security and WASH Access Project, Calls for Collective Action on Clean Water and Sanitation
His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has officially launched the Water Security and WASH Access Project, a landmark $180 million, World Bank-funded initiative under the theme 'Securing Water, Enabling Dignity, and Advancing Development.' The 10-year Multiphase Programmatic Approach aims to reach 4 million people by 2035, achieving 90% national WASH coverage. In his keynote address, President Bio described the launch as a historic milestone in Sierra Leone's ongoing quest for equity, dignity, and sustainable development. He emphasized that access to safe water and sanitation is a fundamental right, not a privilege. 'My government is guided by the belief that access to safe water and sanitation is not a favour extended to the few, but a right guaranteed to all,' the President declared. 'That is why WASH is at the heart of our National Development Plan and central to our Human Capital Development agenda.' The President decried the daily challenges faced by citizens, stating that no child should have to walk miles for water before school, no mother should risk infection during childbirth due to lack of clean water, and no community should endure the indignity of open defecation or waterborne diseases in the 21st century. He affirmed that the new WASH programme marks a decisive step to break the cycle of deprivation. Structured in three progressive phases, the initiative provides a coherent roadmap to achieving water security and sanitation access nationwide. Each phase, he assured, will be robustly monitored, implemented with transparency, and tied to incentive-based delivery mechanisms. President Bio said the programme envisions a future where water poverty is eradicated, girls stay in school thanks to improved sanitation, health facilities are safe and functional, ecosystems are protected, and 5,000 jobs, including 2,000 for women, are created through a gender-responsive recovery. He also announced plans to establish a Water Administration House to consolidate oversight, regulation, and coordination within the sector. The President reaffirmed his government's support to strengthen the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, to enforce standards, attract investment, and coordinate stakeholders. 'This multiphase programmatic approach is a shining example of what is possible when national ownership meets international solidarity,' he said, adding that the project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for All. President Bio acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, the WASH sector public servants, GUMA Valley Water Company, SALWACO, EWRC, and the National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA), calling on all stakeholders to deliver with integrity and excellence. 'As your President, I reaffirm my full commitment to this agenda. We will ensure the programme is fully resourced and that every Sierra Leonean, in both rural hamlets and urban wards, feels the impact of this transformative investment,' he declared. 'Water is not just a development commodity; it is a symbol of justice, a foundation of peace, and a building block of national resilience.' World Bank Country Manager Dr Abdu Muwonge praised President Bio for his strong advocacy on behalf of the country, recalling how, President Bio personally made a plea in Washington for investment in Sierra Leone's WASH sector two years ago, which, he noted, resulted in funding this transformative initiative. Dr Muwonge urged a holistic and inclusive strategy, strengthening the capacity of sector institutions such as GUMA, SALWACO, and local councils, while calling for nationwide engagement in the stewardship of water resources. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Sao-Kpato Hannah Max-Kyne, described the occasion as a defining moment in delivering President Bio's development vision and called for national collaboration on implementation and the development of a clear, focused roadmap to address WASH sector challenges. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Parliamentary Leaders Hail Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio's Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Chairmanship in Historic Show of Unity
The parliamentary leadership of Sierra Leone's two main political parties, the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People's Congress (APC), paid a joint courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio at State House to formally congratulate him on his recent election as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The visitors were introduced by Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh, who explained that the Members of Parliament had come to express their appreciation for the President's efforts in elevating Sierra Leone's image on the international stage through his new leadership role in the sub-regional body. Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, thanked President Bio for granting the audience. He disclosed that the joint visit followed internal consultations between SLPP and APC parliamentary leadership, who unanimously agreed to formally congratulate the President on his election. Hon. Nyuma underscored the collaborative relationship between the Executive and the Legislature and appealed for more regular engagements with the President, not only on constitutional grounds, but also in recognition of the strong working relationship that currently exists between Parliament and the Executive. Speaking on behalf of the opposition APC, Hon. Abdul Kargbo congratulated President Bio for the international recognition and praised him for entrusting leadership roles to young people. 'We are proud as a nation of your achievement. As Members of Parliament, we recognise our roles, but we remain open and committed to the development of Sierra Leone,' he said. He noted that all government bills that have been tabled in Parliament and were in the national interest have been passed expeditiously. He attributed this to teamwork, political maturity, and shared patriotism, which have contributed to a relatively calm and productive parliamentary environment. In his response, President Julius Maada Bio thanked the SLPP and APC parliamentary leadership for their gesture, describing it as a demonstration of patriotism, unity, and national solidarity. 'Your coming together, across party lines, to congratulate me on my ECOWAS leadership shows maturity and a common commitment to Sierra Leone,' he remarked. President Bio reiterated that his successes were not personal achievements but national victories. 'What we've accomplished is not about me, it is about Sierra Leone. These milestones reflect the work we are all doing together,' he said. He expressed appreciation for the oversight role played by the opposition, acknowledging that constructive criticism helps sharpen governance and reinforces the democratic process. 'Your critical voice in Parliament keeps us accountable, especially on national development, peace, and cohesion.' President Bio encouraged Members of Parliament to continue leveraging their collective strength to advance national development. 'We are smart people. With diverse views from different political parties, we can take bold, effective decisions to keep development at the center of our national agenda.' He called for a readjustment of political ideologies towards cooperation and mutual respect, citing the importance of reducing political tension and promoting development-focused dialogue. The President proposed a national dialogue to define a long-term development agenda that every future administration would prioritize for the country's benefit. President Bio concluded by expressing gratitude for the visit and the congratulatory message from the Parliament. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
