The African Young Leaders’ Convergence (AYLC) joined Sierra Leoneans, international dignitaries, and well-wishers in celebrating the birthday of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio through a high-level youth-led convergence themed: “From Potential to Power: Unlocking Youth Agency for Africa’s Transformation” on Tuesday, 12th May 2026 at Freetown International Conference Centre.
The event formed part of the second edition of the Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium, an initiative aimed at institutionalizing leadership dialogue, strengthening collaboration across Africa, and promoting innovative solutions to the continent’s pressing challenges.
This year’s colloquium brought together young leaders from various African countries, alongside youth representatives from across Sierra Leone, to engage in discussions on leadership, innovation, governance, and youth empowerment. The conversations focused on equipping young people with the tools needed for transformational leadership while fostering stronger cross-border collaboration.
Delivering an overview of the colloquium, AYLC Brand and Media Consultant, Kingsley Okeke, stated that President Bio chose to dedicate his birthday to celebrating African youth and sharing his leadership journey as a source of inspiration for the next generation.
Welcoming participants, Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, described President Bio as a champion of youth transformation, peace, and regional cohesion. He noted that the gathering reflected the growing recognition of young people as key drivers of Africa’s future.
President of the Ethiopian Youth Council, Hon. Fuad Gena, called for stronger partnerships, exchange programmes, and youth-led collaboration across the continent, emphasizing that Africa’s future must be shaped by Africans themselves.
His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri Kingdom in Nigeria, commended President Bio’s investments in young people, describing youth empowerment as one of the most consequential decisions African leaders can make.
During a fireside conversation on leadership and governance, President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to democratic leadership, stating that he would peacefully hand over power to the next democratically elected president at the end of his tenure.
Reflecting on his role during the conflicts in Sierra Leone and Liberia, the President described leadership as service and sacrifice in the interest of peace, democracy, and national stability.
President Bio emphasized that Africa’s future depends largely on the investments made in young people today, particularly in the areas of education, technology, innovation, and skills development. He encouraged African youth to take bold, informed, and patriotic actions in shaping the future of the continent.
The President also highlighted his administration’s efforts toward youth and women’s empowerment, reaffirming his commitment to creating equal opportunities and strengthening legal protections for women and girls. He praised the work of First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio through the Hands Off Our Girls campaign.
First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio also engaged young leaders during the convergence, emphasizing the importance of empowering and protecting women and girls across Africa. She spoke about the impact of her Hands Off Our Girls campaign in promoting girls’ education and combating sexual and gender-based violence.
She further encouraged young people, especially young women, to embrace leadership, innovation, education, and civic responsibility in shaping Africa’s future.
Notable contributions were also made by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland and a panel of young leaders from across Africa. The sessions were moderated by Benjamin Ubiri and Isha Sesay.