As I graduate with a Master’s of Public Health (MHA) in Public Health Administration from UCLA, I reflect on the sacrifices made, the love shared, and the unwavering support of family and friends throughout this journey. To my darling husband, Julius, thank you for your constant support and dedication. Thank you for the late nights before I could finally come to bed, for postponing events so I could attend lectures, for rescheduling flights so I would never miss a class, and for sitting with me late into the night so I could finish my homework, you never complain or left me to feel alone. Your commitment over the past two years has been extraordinary, and your belief in me has made this achievement possible. You know I love you endlessly. To my children—Natoma, Mohamed, Tigda, Amina, Fanta, Nyava, and Mohammed Munda—thank you for your love, patience, and support. Thank you for sharing me with the world and allowing me the time and space to pursue this dream. To my parents, I am forever grateful. You have always been my source of comfort, strength, and encouragement. Your prayers have carried me through every challenge and continue to guide me every day. To my political family, SLPP/EBEMA, thank you for your support and encouragement throughout this journey. To my dear sister Dr. Jennifer Wortham, thank you for helping make this dream a reality. You were my compass throughout this entire journey. Thank you for believing in my ability to grow, learn, and succeed. As this chapter closes, I look forward to asking: what’s next? To my UCLA family, it has been a privilege knowing and learning alongside you over the past two years. Whether in class, on Zoom, during immersions, field trips, or group projects, I treasured every moment we shared. Laura and Jenna, thank you for not only being my supervisors but also for guiding and supporting me every step of the way. To my Sierra Leonean family—whether from my party, the SLPP, or from the opposition—thank you for making me stronger than I ever imagined possible. Your love, support, and even your criticism have helped shape me into a better version of myself. For that, I am deeply grateful. To Mama Africa, I hope this daughter of yours continues to make you proud and inspires many others to keep their dreams alive and never give up on their aspirations. To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. This achievement belongs not only to me but to all of you who believed in me, supported me, and walked alongside me. With gratitude and love, Fatima Maada Bio.

It was truly an honor to be celebrated in Hollywood last night. My dear sisters, Daphna and Judy, organized an unforgettable all-star event in the hills of Hollywood to celebrate my graduation. I was deeply humbled by the presence of distinguished guests, including my dear sister, Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles; the Governor of California; leaders involved in the California Olympics; as well as renowned actors, actresses, and music stars. The evening was made even more special by an unforgettable performance from Sierra Leonean Hollywood superstar Duane, the lead performer in the Broadway production of Femi Kuti, whose talent and artistry captivated everyone in attendance. Thank you all for your warm hospitality, unwavering support, and continued trust in me. Your kindness and encouragement made this milestone even more meaningful. I am sincerely grateful and honored by this remarkable celebration. May God continue to bless you all abundantly. FMB

The Importance of Cancer Testing. World Cancer Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. One of the most important ways to fight cancer is through regular testing and screening. Cancer testing helps detect the disease at an early stage, often before symptoms appear. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment, improves survival rates, and can reduce the physical, emotional, and financial burden on patients and their families. Regular screening for cancers such as breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancer can save lives. It empowers individuals to take control of their health and seek timely medical care when needed. On this World Cancer Day, let us encourage everyone to prioritize regular health check-ups and cancer screening. Together, we can promote awareness, support those affected by cancer, and work toward a future where more lives are saved through early detection and effective treatment. Early detection saves lives. Get tested, stay informed, and encourage others to do the same. FMB

This afternoon at my office, I officially handed over agricultural food-processing equipment to women actively engaged in agriculture across Sierra Leone. Months ago, I appealed to the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) to support hard-working women farmers and agro-processors in the country. Following their positive response, extensive engagements and consultations were carried out nationwide to identify women who are genuinely committed to agriculture and most in need of this support. Today, I am pleased that these essential machines have been delivered to the beneficiaries. Supporting women in agriculture remains close to my heart, particularly as it directly complements the “Feed Salone” flagship initiative championed by my husband, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio. Empowering women with the right tools and opportunities is critical to strengthening food security, increasing productivity, and improving livelihoods across our nation. To TIKA, I extend my sincere appreciation for this generous partnership and for providing these food-processing machines. Your support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many women and their communities. FMB.

It was a great honor to grace the HEROES AWARDS 2026 in Banjul, The Gambia, this award serves as an inspiration dedicated to celebrating exceptional individuals and institutions whose service, leadership, and commitment continue to transform lives across Africa and beyond. As First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of OAFLAD, I was deeply encouraged by the remarkable stories of resilience, innovation, and selfless dedication showcased throughout the event. The awards served as a powerful reminder that sustainable progress is driven by courageous people who choose to lead with purpose and compassion. I commend the organizers for creating a platform that recognizes excellence and inspires future generations to pursue positive change. The HEROES AWARDS 2026 also provided a valuable opportunity to engage with distinguished leaders, development partners, and advocates from across the continent. Together, we must continue to celebrate and support those whose contributions illuminate pathways of hope and progress for Africa and the world. The entertainment brought by the organizers is nothing much but exceptional, showcasing how rich the African sound is. FMB

I joined my brother Collins Archie Pearce and members of the Sierra Leone film industry to officially launch the highly anticipated movie Unpredictable Enemies at the Dove’s Nest on Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Freetown. As a former active member of the industry who has participated in several productions, I was pleased to share my experience with the actors and actresses present. I also encouraged them to remain focused on their career and to produce scripts that project a positive image of Sierra Leone, showcasing our culture and values to the world. The film industry holds significant potential to contribute to national economic growth when properly supported and developed. With Unpredictable Enemies set to become the first Sierra Leonean film to stream globally on Netflix, I call on partners and investors to support the industry, add value to its productions, and help make Sierra Leonean cinema both competitive and attractive on the international stage. FMB.

From our family to yours on this glorious day, we extend warm wishes of peace, love, sacrifice, and abundant blessings to all Muslims across Sierra Leone and around the world. May this blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha strengthen our faith, unite our families, and remind us of the values of compassion, obedience, and generosity. May Almighty Allah (SWT) accept our prayers, sacrifices, and good deeds, and continue to bless our nation with peace, unity, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak to you all. JMB and FMB.

Eid Mubarak to all my Muslim brothers and sisters in Sierra Leone and around the World. May Allah accept all our prayers and sacrifices. FMB

I was honoured to deliver a public lecture at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, on ending child marriage and promoting girls’ education, reaffirming my commitment to empowering and protecting every girl child in Sierra Leone and across Africa. I highlighted the progress made through the Hands Off Our Girls Campaign and emphasised that education remains the foundation for freedom, equality, and national development. Through my foundation, I have also supported FBC students over 100 by paying their university fees in support of my husband’s human capital development agenda. As a Muslim woman, I donated NLe500,000 towards the construction of a mosque following a request from the FBC Muslim Jamaat. I sincerely thank President Vandy Manly and the entire Fourah Bay College community for the warm invitation and reception. FMB.

Her Excellency the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, received a warm welcome in the City of Kenema as she officially commissioned the newly refurbished Medical, Surgical, and Male Wards at the Kenema Government Hospital, renovated through the support and leadership of the Mayor of Kenema City, Thomas Karimu Bayoh. The refurbishment of these critical wards marks a major milestone in strengthening healthcare delivery in Kenema and across the Eastern Region. The upgraded facilities will not only improve the quality of medical care and patient comfort, but will also provide a safer, cleaner, and more conducive working environment for healthcare professionals dedicated to serving the people. As part of the occasion, essential hospital supplies were donated by Hon. Rugiatu Tarawally Musafa, Member of Parliament for Kenema District, to support the effective functioning of the hospital and enhance patient care services. This important intervention reflects a shared commitment to improving the nation’s healthcare system and ensuring better health outcomes for all Sierra Leoneans.

Today, on my way to Kenema, I made an unannounced stop at Masjid AL’MADINATU AL’MUNAWARATU along the Jui–Waterloo Highway to join my Muslim brothers and sisters in observing the blessed Juma Prayer. As a Muslim woman, prayer remains my refuge, my strength, and my greatest source of peace. No matter the responsibilities or challenges of life, nothing is more important to me than serving Almighty Allah (SWT) and remaining connected to Him through faith, humility, and worship. Standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow believers today was a powerful reminder that true success and fulfillment come from obedience to our Creator and sincerity in our faith. May Almighty Allah (SWT) accept our Juma prayers, forgive our shortcomings, shower His endless mercy upon us, and continue to guide us on the straight path. May He bless our nation with peace, unity, barakah, good health, and prosperity. Ameen. FMB

Women’s Health Matters. #OAFLAD #EU #AU

I had the privilege of delivering a public lecture at the Institute of Public Administration and Management, IPAM University Freetown, on the theme “Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers, Building the Future.” As an advocate for the empowerment of women and girls, I place great value on engaging university students. You are the generation being prepared to take the helm of affairs in the coming years. It is therefore incumbent upon me to speak to you candidly about the realities of leadership, the barriers that often accompany advocacy, and how society receives women who choose to lead. I also encourage you to pay attention to character and alignment. Your reputation is built now, while you are in university. Align yourself with people of integrity and clean records. The company you keep today can shape the path you walk tomorrow. Dream without limits. Do not shrink yourselves to fit expectations. Be present in decision-making spaces and claim your place at the table. Thankfully, Sierra Leone now has the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act. Use it. Do not live in fear. Be confident, be resilient, and take up your rightful place. When I launched the Hands Off Our Girls campaign, I faced strong resistance, particularly from those who believed girls could not be protected and valued equally. But the support of the nation made the campaign stronger than the opposition. That resistance is the barrier I set out to break. Today, the simplest way an underage girl can assert her right to protection is to say, “I am Fatima Bio’s daughter.” That is the change we have achieved by breaking barriers together. I am confident that my name will be remembered in every room where the protection and empowerment of women and girls in Sierra Leone and across Africa are discussed. My commitment remains unwavering: to ensure that every girl grows up safe, educated, and free to reach her full potential. FMB.

As I continued my public lecture series at the Ernest Bai Koroma University, Port Loko Campus, on the theme “Women: Building Today, Transforming Tomorrow.” The focus of our discussion was the role of women in nation building. Women are not only caregivers and nurturers within families, but also educators, entrepreneurs, leaders, and agents of change in every sector of society. Building today means ensuring that girls have access to quality education, healthcare, and protection from violence and discrimination. It means creating an environment where women can pursue their ambitions without fear or limitation. With the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, Sierra Leone has taken a decisive step toward dismantling these barriers. The responsibility now rests on all of us to translate this law into real opportunities for women and girls across the country. To my students, you are the future leaders, policymakers, and changemakers of Sierra Leone. I urge you to carry this message forward: nation building is incomplete without women at the center. Support one another, lead with integrity, and take your rightful place in shaping the future of our nation. May we all commit to building today, so that tomorrow belongs to every Sierra Leonean woman and girl. FMB

Today, I was delighted to receive a courtesy call from Sierra Leone’s talented young entertainer, INCREDIBLE JJ, and he brought Liberia’s own global superstar JZyNo, their passion, creativity, and commitment to uplifting the entertainment industry continue to inspire many across boarders. I reaffirmed my support for initiatives that promote talent, unity, and the growth of the creative arts sector in Sierra Leone, while encouraging them to remain focused, disciplined, and dedicated to excellence as ambassadors of our vibrant culture. In the meantime, go stream #Crush — a perfect blend from our very own INCREDIBLE JJ and JZyNo.🇸🇱🇱🇷✨ FMB

JMB UK/I, I am deeply grateful for the love, loyalty, and unwavering support you have shown to me and my husband throughout my entire political journey. You believed in my leadership of this great group and worked tirelessly for the success of my dearest husband. For that, I will forever remain indebted to you all. This was truly a night to remember. Everyone looked absolutely amazing, the program was top notch, funds were successfully raised, and new partnerships and friendships were built. Moments like these remind me that together, there is nothing we cannot achieve. Thank you for always standing by me through every season. Your loyalty, encouragement, and commitment mean more to me than words can ever express. Madam Chair, Teresa Dizo Kamara, thank you for your outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to our cause. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. To every single member of JMB UK/I — I see you, I hear you, and I feel you. We are in this together, and together we will continue to grow stronger. EBEMA GBI.

A few days ago, I hosted the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) at State House for discussions on the proposed construction of a state-of-the-art hospital in Bo City. Today, I unveiled and handed over a modern Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) district office in Kono to my husband, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, leader of the SLPP. This facility, constructed is presented as a token of appreciation to The Leader of the Sierra Leone Prople’s party and the people. This state of the art party office will serve as a central venue for party activities in the district. More importantly, it will also be made available to the people of Kono for community and civic events beyond political engagements. I extend my gratitude to all Sierra Leoneans for the trust you continue to place in my husband and in my mandate to champion the empowerment and protection of women and girls. I reaffirm my commitment to serve the people for as long as I have the opportunity to do so. FMB.

This morning, I stood alongside my husband, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, to honor the Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium a national platform dedicated to advancing dialogue on leadership, governance, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone. The Colloquium convenes policymakers, academics, youth leaders, civil society actors, and development partners to reflect on the nation’s progress and to chart a strategic course for its future. What was particularly significant was the inclusion of young African leaders at the table. This reflects a commitment my husband made to the people of this nation: to empower future generations and give them a voice in shaping policy and development. Sierra Leone and the wider African continent face critical development challenges, including high youth unemployment, skills gaps, limited job market access, irregular migration, and social instability. These challenges undermine social cohesion and slow economic growth. President Bio has consistently emphasized that failure to invest in young people derails the very future we seek to build. Today, we celebrated a leader who has prioritized human capital development by expanding access to quality education, digital literacy, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support. These interventions are designed to reduce the risks of unemployment, instability, and exclusion. Over time, Sierra Leone will benefit from stronger human capital and a more dynamic economy, driven by a new generation of leaders ready to shape Africa’s future. FMB.

Today, we successfully concluded the second day of the Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium held at the Freetown International Conference Center. Over the course of the sessions, participants examined the role of transformative leadership in strengthening institutions, advancing human capital development, and expanding opportunities for young people. The outcomes of these deliberations reaffirm the importance of placing young people and women at the center of national development and of investing in the next generation to secure Sierra Leone’s future. I extend my sincere gratitude to my husband His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio for delivering on the mandate of the people, and to all participants, partners, and stakeholders for their contributions in making this convening both productive and impactful. FMB