By Emma Black
In a well-coordinated and peaceful security operation on Thursday, 9th October 2025, at exactly 07:00 hours, the Northwest Regional Police Commander, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Mr. Joseph Lahai, and his proactive operations team ensured maximum security across key locations and major entry points in Rokupr Town, Kambia District, ahead of the presidential visit.
All strategic security measures were put in place prior to the arrival of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Retired Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio, guaranteeing a peaceful and incident-free engagement during his first-term visit to the Rokupr Agricultural Research Center (RARC).
The President and his entourage were warmly welcomed by the Honourable Paramount Chief of Magbema Chiefdom, traditional leaders from ten surrounding chiefdoms, school pupils, and various community stakeholders who expressed great enthusiasm and respect for the President.
His Excellency was accompanied by, Her Excellency the First Lady, Madam Fatima Maada BioDr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security (PI-CREF), Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture, The Presidential Spokesman, the Northwest Resident Minister, and other senior government officials
The delegation visited the Rokupr Agricultural Research Center for the official launch of 30 new crop varieties including rice, cassava, and maize.
In his keynote address, President Bio urged beneficiary farmers to make full use of the new crop varieties and cautioned against hoarding or improper storage. He reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to revitalizing RARC and promoting agricultural transformation across the district and the nation.
Following the ceremony, the President toured the experimental sites, interacted with researchers, and reiterated his government’s unwavering dedication to achieving food security and agricultural progress in Sierra Leone.
Throughout the visit, AIG Lahai and his team maintained tight security and successfully escorted the President and his entourage out of Rokupr upon the conclusion of the event.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 13th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
