The Royal Banquetting Hall, London.
Friday September 5, 2025.
“It is one of the best, if not the best, speech I have ever heard from a political figure, especially from a Sierra Leonean woman. And that is worth celebrating!”
That was the glowing verdict from Mr. Messeh Leone, a respected Commonwealth scholar, critical legal mind, and long-time observer of Sierra Leone’s political scene.
The evening had everything: elegance, energy, and elevating substance. The food was exquisite, the music uplifting, the smiles warm and infectious, and the speeches compelling.
And when it came to speeches, Sierra Leone’s First Lady and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, was at her absolute best.
Even before taking the mic, her radiant charisma had already filled the hall. Guests rose to their feet, eager for a handshake or photo opportunity with the woman who continues to reecho and redefine the female narrative on an African continent that is heavily characterised by its masculinity.
Her address was essentially a THANK YOU speech, infused with optimism and hope.
As founder of the internationally acclaimed “*Hands Off Our Girls and the SLPP JMB Women’s Wing (JMBWW), Dr. Bio expressed heartfelt gratitude to members and supporters worldwide for standing by the SLPP party and helping to actualise the national vision of her husband, H.E. President Julius Maada Bio.
With passion and pride, she praised Sierra Leonean women, declaring:
“When women stand together, we grow together, rise together, and succeed together”.
Reflecting on the SLPP women’s resilience, she noted that in times of struggle and quiet endurance, they were “*the backbone, the heartbeat, and the soul of the party*.”
She hailed the JMB Women’s Wing and reminded the audience of their “*unwavering support when resources were scarce and the campaign road was tough*” citing this as proof that “*when women unite, no challenge is insurmountable*”.
Throughout her address, the First Lady reinforced the theme of unity amongst the women:
“*We cannot afford distractions. We must stay focused.*”
She urged the women to remain strong for themselves and the nation:
“We are not here for personal glory or competition. We are here because we love Sierra Leone. We believe our children deserve good schools to learn, hospitals where healing is possible, and communities where peace is secured, and that is what President Bio has been focusing on to provide for the people of our great nation, she underlined.
Her words resonated deeply:
“No one understands these issues better than women. We carry life; We nurture families; We protect our communities; We know what it means to sacrifice so that others may thrive”.
Acknowledging what she described as “the long nights and unseen sacrifices”, she assured them:
“History sees you. The future sees you. One day, our daughters and their daughters will say it was SLPP women, especially JMB Women, who kept the vision alive”.
She urged solidarity: “Hold each other up, not tear each other down”.
Never one to avoid tough conversations, the First Lady addressed questions about her nationality:
“Yes, I am Gambian through my father’s heritage, but I am Sierra Leonean because my umbilical cord is buried deep in the soil of Kono”.
Hinting that it is possible for one person to acquire more than one nationality, she stated that her roots across Africa make her “*proudly African.*”
The speech was more than a thank-you. it was a call to unity, resilience, and purposeful drive. And judging by the standing ovation and glowing praise, Mrs. Bio truly owned the night by boldly standing up not just for the JMB women but for SLPP women and indeed for the women of Sierra Leone, as encapsulated in her resounding lines: “when women stand together, we grow together, we rise together, and we succeed together”.
Abdulai Braima
Information Attaché
SLHC- London