His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio have joined Muslims across Sierra Leone and around the world to observe Eid al-Fitr prayer at the Presidential Lodge in Freetown.

Delivering the sermon, Sheikh Umar Chernoh Bangura emphasized trust in God, unity, and the spiritual significance of fasting during Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. He noted that fasting reflects obedience to Allah and the trust Muslims place in Him, while calling on Sierra Leoneans to embrace love, unity, and peaceful coexistence regardless of background.

The Imam also urged citizens to pray for national leaders, highlighting the importance of leadership success for national development. He commended President Bio for his continued support and respect for the Muslim community, particularly for providing access to the Presidential Lodge for prayers and iftar throughout Ramadan.

In his remarks, President Bio thanked the Muslim community for joining the prayers and expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to witness the end of Ramadan. He prayed for Allah’s blessings upon those who observed the fast and emphasized the importance of unity and religious tolerance as key strengths of Sierra Leone.

Reflecting on his upbringing, the President shared that although he is a Christian, he often accompanied his mother, a devoted Muslim, to the mosque during his childhood, an experience he said shaped his deep respect for Islam and interfaith harmony.

He reiterated his commitment to serving all Sierra Leoneans and called for continued prayers for peace, unity, and national development. He urged citizens to uphold the values of love, tolerance, and coexistence as the country marks the end of the holy month.

Also speaking, First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio expressed appreciation to the Imam and the Muslim community for their participation throughout Ramadan. She thanked the President for making the Presidential Lodge available for prayers and commended religious leaders for their dedication during the holy month. She concluded with prayers for Allah to accept the fast and reward the faithful.

The event underscored Sierra Leone’s longstanding tradition of religious harmony and mutual respect among its diverse communities.

Credit – State House Media and Communications Unit

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 23rd March 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)