Jimmy Batilo Songa, National Chairman for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has urged diaspora party members to embrace unity, discipline and progress during his visit in London, United Kingdom.
In his address, he conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, the esteemed Leader of our great Party, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). He stated that the diaspora members hold a very special place in his heart. “I do not address you today only as your National Chairman, but also as someone who had the honour and privilege of serving as the first Regional Chairman of the UK and Ireland Region,” he said.
Batilo Songa expressed gratitude for the confidence and support they gave to him during that time. Adding that the Sierra Leone People’s Party was not built in a day but It was founded through the vision, sacrifice, and patriotism of our Founding Fathers Sir Milton Margai, Sir Albert Margai, and many others who dared to dream of a free, united, and prosperous Sierra Leone.
He urged them to carry that same spirit. Stating that they gave their time, their resources, and even their last strength to make this Region the strong pillar it is today. Sadly, some of them are no longer with us.
The National Chairman emphasized that the history of the UK&I Region is one of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. He noted that from as early as 2007, when many embraced the vision of their Leader, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, this Region became the engine room and the birthplace of the JMB Agenda.
He said through thick and thin, they have mobilized, advocated, raised resources, and stood firm. “It was here in this Region that the message of the New Direction was sharpened. And it was through your resilience that we sustained the fight until victory was achieved in 2018, when President Bio was elected Head of State,” he said.
Batilo Songa mentioned that the JMB Agenda was never just a slogan but a movement aligned with the SLPP’s core mandate to deliver our Leader into State House. Stating that having secured a second mandate for President Julius Maada Bio, we move forward with only one agenda: the SLPP Agenda.
“We move forward with unity and focus, with our Leader as the Captain and I, your National Chairman, helping to steer the ship with discipline and loyalty,” he added.
Chairman Songa recalled that at the recent National Delegates Conference, President Bio reminded that the SLPP is a family bound not only by history, but by a shared purpose: to deliver peace, progress, and prosperity to the people of Sierra Leone.
He emphasized that there is no separate agenda, no divided loyalty, and no time for personal ambition. As National Executive Members, we will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the President’s legacy or sow seeds of division.
He urged the UK and Ireland Region to remain as dynamic as it was during our opposition days. We have a higher mission now to secure an unprecedented third-term victory through free, fair, and democratic elections.