Sierra Leone: President Promises Free, Quality Education

His inauguration over the weekend was attended by seven African leaders.

Sierra Leone’s newly elected President, Julius Maada Bio, a retired Brigadier General and former military leader, on May 12, 2018 used his 54th birthday anniversary to organise his inauguration, which was attended by seven African leaders.

Speaking at the ceremony held in the Siaka Stevens National Stadium in the capital, Freetown, Maada Bio reiterated the provision of free quality education as a flagship programme of his administration.

“I will build on and consolidate the gains made over the years to transform the country through my New Direction policy,” he promised. The new President promised to provide disciplined and inclusive leadership, declaring war against indiscipline, corruption and poverty. He cited youth empowerment as one of his priorities and promised to consolidate bilateral relations with other countries.

Attending last weekend’s ceremony were Liberian President George Weah, Senegalese President MacKay Sall, Guinea Conakry President Alpha Condé and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé. Nigeria’s Vice ¨President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo represented his country.

“This is the dawn of a new era. The people of this great nation have voted to take a new direction,” Maada said earlier on April 5, 2018 while taking the oath of office less than two hours after being declared winner.

The constitution says a presidential candidate must be sworn in the same day they are declared winner. Julius Maada Bio of the opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party, SLPP, received 43.3 per cent of the vote in the first round of elections last March, fallin...