It was a night of real pomp, pageantry and political purpose on Saturday, 10 October 2026, as members and supporters of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) UK & Ireland Region packed the City Pavilion in Romford for the inauguration of their new executive, led by the soft-spoken but astute and dedicated gentleman Alhajie Mohamed Jalloh, who now heads what is arguably one of the party’s most consequential diaspora regions.
The sold-out gathering brought together senior party figures, members and supporters for an evening of colour, music and speeches.
Beneath the celebration, however, ran a serious message: *peace, unity, inclusion, service and mobilisation towards 2028*.
The impressive gathering of distinguished guests reflected the critical importance of the UK&I within the SLPP’s national political landscape. Among the prominent participants were First Lady Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio; Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh; Deputy National Chairman Robert Kondema Kargbo; and National Secretary General Hon. Paran Tarawally.; National Women’s Leader Mrs. Hawa Foray; National Organising Secretary Mr. Alhassan George; National Young Generation Leader Ing. Mohamed Kallon; and former Speaker of the Sierra Leone and ECOWAS Parliaments, Hon. Sidi Yahya Tunis. Minister of Agriculture Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka and Minister of Lands Dr. Turad Senesie were also in attendance.
In a ceremony officiated by Mr. Robert Kargbo and Hon. Paran Tarawally, Chairman Jalloh was presented with the staff and chain of office, while members of his executive received certificates of induction and were admonished to uphold the rules, values and expectations of the party.
Dr. Turad Senesie stressed the need for unity and urged the executive to “bring everyone on board”, while Dr. Musa Kpaka highlighted the government’s sound policy initiatives, including practical strides towards improving the agriculture sector.
Hon. Tunis began with a glowing tribute to Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, praising her contribution to national development, particularly in the area of women’s empowerment and girls safety. He also spoke strongly about her positive representation of the nation at the highest levels of the international stage.
Hon. Tunis then delivered a passionate appeal for peace and party unity, cautioning members against allowing disagreements or legitimate ambitions to affect the cohesiveness of the SLPP political family. He called for dialogue over hostility, ideas over insults and respect even amid disagreement, challenging the diaspora to become a model of mature political engagement.
Deputy National Chairman Mr. Robert Kondema Kargbo reinforced the message of unity. stressing that the road to 2028 requires peace and inclusion.
The presence and participation of representatives of the APC UK & Ireland added a notable gesture of cross-party engagement.
The keynote speaker of the evening, Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, was warmly introduced by Ing. Mohamed Kallon. Taking the stage, in her composed confident style, she combined humour with a serious message about ambition, dreams, human empowerment and public service.
“*I bring you greetings from the most handsome man in the world*,” she began, referring affectionately to her husband, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.
Speaking largely in Krio, Mrs. Bio insisted that every human being has the right to dream and aspire. Reflecting on the pointlessness of living without ambition, she stressed that ambition gives birth to dreams and dreams, in turn, inspire action. To enthusiastic heartened applause, her message to women was emphatic: “*If you have a dream, don’t let anyone dim your light*.”
The First Lady praised President Bio’s expansion of opportunities for women, including the 30 per cent gender representation provisions and increased female participation in Cabinet, Parliament and other key national decision-making bodies.
Calling for the promotion of both sisterhood and brotherhood, Mrs. Bio described Sierra Leone as a green, white and blue umbrella capable of accommodating different shades of opinion and aspirations. She also initiated a fundraiser for the regional executive, to which she made a personal contribution.
For Chairman Jalloh and his executive, her central message was clear: leadership cannot simply be about titles or certificates. It must mean “*service to the people, not lip service.*”
The welcome message was delivered by Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh who had earlier set the tone for the event by observing that “*Unity does not mean that everyone must think alike. It means that even when we think differently, we remain respectful of each other and committed to a common purpose*”
The vote of thanks was conveyed by the dutiful and devoted regional Secretary General Mrs. Teresa Dizo Kamara
With 2028 gradually coming into political focus, the message from Romford was unmistakable: success must be anchored in *mobilisation, peace, dialogue, unity, inclusion, and a steadfast commitment to service*.
The staff and chain of office have been handed over. The speeches have been delivered. The enthusiasm has been unmistakably demonstrated.
*Now, the work begins.*
Abdulai M. Braima
Information Attaché