April 28, 2021
By: James Kamara-Manneh
In his 60 yrs independence speech of Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio says the event marks a watershed moment, a turning point in the history of Sierra Leone.
He said this is time to craft positive change as citizens reflect on the good and period of history as it will help each and every one of us to work diligently towards a shared future of peace and prosperity that this nation deserves.
In suggesting solutions, the President said we must inject a bold new vision based on our collective desire as nation to make progress in being more resilient.
President Bio described Sierra Leone as still a diamond in the rough, and that we as a nation are still grappling to uphold the stunning site of our touristic natural habitat. He added that as a nation we have triumphed natural disaster like Ebola, Mudslide, Covid-19 and more.
President Bio appreciates those who have decided to return to the country to claim their root-African American and expressed optimism that more of them will return in order to boost the tourism sector. He stressed that for a nation to succeed in nurturing their valuable resources-inclusive and sustainable development must be felt by its citizens.
“For that purpose, we are investing heavily in Human Capital Development through inclusive quality education, food security, value-added agriculture, and quality healthcare infrastructure and training”.
He therefore called on the citizens, to refrain from any forms of violence and to respect the sanctity of life, enjoying equal protection under the laws of the land. He added that as a nation we must build an inclusive nation and equal society for the future of our children, girls, and women against sexual violence.
In conclusion, he reminded Sierra Leoneans that “our conduct, attitudes, and values affect other citizens and our nation directly and indirectly. It is our responsibility to respect all laws and support law and order at all times. We should not incite or participate in violent unrest. We all have an equal stake in a safe, peaceful, and progressive Sierra Leone.”