By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
The Second Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium, held at the Bintumani Conference Centre on 12th and 13th May 2026, brought together leaders, thinkers, and innovators from across Africa and beyond for a flagship Pan-African forum focused on youth empowerment, accountability, and transformation.
The event was chaired by Benjamin Ubiri, who formally opened the proceedings and delivered welcome remarks on behalf of Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh, Minister of Youth Affairs of the Republic of Sierra Leone. The colloquium, themed “Reimagining African Leadership: Courage, Accountability, and Innovation in an Era of Global Uncertainty,” was convened under the African Young Leaders Convergence.
The two-day forum attracted high-level participation, including President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, the Chief Minister, the Minister of Health, heads of government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and delegates from over 10 African countries. Participants engaged in plenary sessions and interactive dialogues aimed at translating Africa’s potential into tangible development outcomes.
In his remarks, President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening intergenerational dialogue and reshaping the narrative of Africa’s young people. He emphasized that youth empowerment and institutional reform remain central pillars of Sierra Leone’s national and continental development agenda. He further noted that the colloquium serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, partnership building, and the promotion of an inclusive, just, and rights-based society.
Her Excellency Baroness Patricia Scotland, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, delivered a reflective address on cultural heritage, personal development, and community support. She spoke about the importance of creativity, discipline, and innovation among young people, while highlighting the role of families, communities, and institutions in fostering sustainable development. She also called for stronger global collaboration in education and technology.
Delivering the keynote address, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), spoke on “Bridging Generations, Building Nations: Youth at the Heart of Africa’s Progress.” She described Africa’s youthful population as a major asset and called for increased investment in education, healthcare, vocational training, and digital skills. She also emphasized gender equality and inclusive development, urging young people to embrace education, entrepreneurship, and innovation while rejecting violence and drug abuse. She further called for integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership among Africa’s youth.
His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri Kingdom in Delta State, Nigeria, delivered a keynote address focusing on leadership transformation and institutional development in Africa. He stressed the importance of converting Africa’s potential into meaningful progress through strong institutions, quality education, and public-private partnerships. He also highlighted initiatives supporting STEM education and women’s economic empowerment through micro-enterprise development.
Throughout the colloquium, panel discussions reinforced the importance of investing in human capital, strengthening institutions, and leveraging technology for development. Speakers also emphasized cultural identity, community engagement, and leadership rooted in service and unity.
The event concluded with a collective call to action for governments, the private sector, and civil society to prioritize youth-centered policies and promote intergenerational leadership. Organizers indicated that the outcomes of the colloquium would inform future initiatives under the African Young Leaders Convergence.