By Sulaiman Jalloh

President Bio speaking at the State Opening of Parliament

In a landmark address during the State Opening of Parliament on Thursday, August 7, 2025, President Julius Maada Bio delivered a rousing call for unity, national service, and a collective commitment to Sierra Leone’s transformation. The speech, delivered in the Parliament chambers before lawmakers, dignitaries, and citizens, outlined the government’s strategic vision anchored in the “Big Five Game Changers.”

Striking a tone of optimism and patriotic urgency, President Bio urged all Sierra Leoneans to recommit to national development. “Let us renew our shared commitment to serve above self, to put country before party, and to build a future worthy of every Sierra Leonean,” he declared to a packed chamber.

The State Opening of Parliament is a constitutional requirement under Section 84(3) (Act No. 6) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. It marks the official commencement of a new session of Parliament.

President Bio highlighted his administration’s key priorities—termed the Big Five Game Changers—as the core pillars guiding the nation’s progress. He emphasized that Sierra Leone’s transformation must be inclusive, people-centered, and future-focused.

With food sovereignty central to the development agenda, the President announced an 8% growth in rice production, attributing this to policy efforts and investments in agriculture. He further disclosed that this growth has saved the country approximately $15 million in foreign exchange by reducing rice imports.

Furthermore on Human Capital Development, the President stated that strategic investments in education and healthcare are beginning to yield tangible results. These include the construction of over 1,500 new classrooms, the training of more than 20,000 teachers, and the launch of a digitized student loan scheme. He also noted expanded access to free secondary and tertiary education, reaffirming education as a tool for national empowerment.

On Youth Employment, President Bio reaffirmed the government’s commitment to job creation, announcing plans to create 500,000 jobs over the next five years. Addressing youth directly, he issued a passionate warning against substance abuse. “Do not let drugs like Kush steal your future.”
He pledged continued government action to combat substance abuse, including drug rehabilitation and vocational training programs targeted especially at persons with disabilities.

On Digital and Infrastructure Transformation, he highlighted a push for modernization, the President stated that his government is leveraging technology and infrastructure to drive national progress. He also emphasized the importance of transparent and accountable governance, with reforms underway to strengthen public institutions.

Governance and Rights-Based Legislation, President Bio spoke of legislative strides, including laws that promote child protection, disability rights, social work regulation, gender budgeting, and institutional gender integration. These efforts, he said, reflect a governance approach rooted in human dignity and social equity.

The President spotlighted several key achievements, notably fisheries sector reforms, the passage of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and expanded legal protections for women and children. He positioned these milestones as part of a broader commitment to equality, justice, and national dignity.

Throughout the address, President Bio invoked themes of patriotism and moral responsibility, reminding citizens that public service is a sacred trust and national progress a collective duty.
“Every country’s greatest wealth is its people. By investing in their skills, we invest in Sierra Leone’s future,” he said.

In closing, President Bio issued a heartfelt appeal for national unity. He urged Sierra Leoneans to transcend political differences and work together to build a resilient, inclusive, and self-reliant nation. “Let us put country before party. Let us build a future where every child has a fair shot, and no dream ends due to lack of opportunity,” he concluded.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,8th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)