By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, has been recently honoured at a special congratulatory and welcome lunch hosted by Her Excellency Zinash Tayachew, First Lady of Ethiopia, in Addis Ababa. The event celebrated Mrs. Bio’s election as President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and bid farewell to the outgoing executive members.
The high-profile gathering brought together key figures from across Africa, recognising the efforts of the outgoing executives who have steered OAFLAD’s mission of advocating for women and children’s welfare. In her address, Mrs. Bio expressed deep gratitude to her Ethiopian counterpart for the warm reception and emphasised the importance of unity among African leaders in driving sustainable development.
“This occasion is not just a celebration; it reflects our shared vision and commitment to uplifting lives across Africa. I extend my sincere appreciation to the outgoing executives for their dedication, which has strengthened OAFLAD’s impact,” Mrs. Bio stated.
With a renewed sense of purpose, the First Ladies reaffirmed their commitment to tackling key challenges such as health, education, and women’s empowerment. The collaborative spirit evident at the event underscored the crucial role of unity in achieving these developmental goals.
As OAFLAD embarks on a new chapter under Mrs. Bio’s leadership, there is a strong emphasis on forging strategic partnerships and innovative solutions to enhance its impact. The First Lady expressed optimism about expanding OAFLAD’s influence and effectiveness in addressing the continent’s most pressing issues.
“Together, we have the power to create lasting change and uplift our communities,” she affirmed in her closing remarks, highlighting the collective resolve of African First Ladies to champion progress and transformation across the continent.
With the new leadership taking charge, OAFLAD is poised to set ambitious goals that reinforce cooperation among member states while ensuring tangible benefits for women and children in Africa. The luncheon not only symbolised a transition in leadership but also cemented the unwavering dedication of Africa’s First Ladies to the empowerment and development of their nations.