By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, joined senior Government officials, international guests and young African leaders at Day 2 of the Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium 2.0 held at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown.
Speaking during the event, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh expressed honour in participating in the high-level gathering, which focused on reimagining African leadership amid global challenges and uncertainties. He also used the occasion to celebrate the leadership vision and national service of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, while extending birthday wishes as the President marked his 62nd birthday.
“Today, I was honored to join senior Government leaders and international guests at Day 2 of Leadership Colloquium 2.0—Reimagining African Leadership in an era of global uncertainty. We celebrate H.E. President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s vision and service. Wishing him a very happy birthday and continued strength to lead Sierra Leone forward,” the Vice President stated.
The 2026 Leadership Colloquium 2.0 coincided with President Bio’s 62nd birthday celebration, underscoring both his political leadership and continued commitment to fostering dialogue on governance, accountability and innovation across Africa. Born on May 12, 1964, President Bio was celebrated by Government officials, youth leaders and international delegates during the event.
Held under the theme, “Reimagining African Leadership: Courage, Accountability and Innovation in an Era of Global Uncertainty,” the colloquium served as a platform for policymakers, development partners and emerging leaders to examine governance solutions and strengthen collaboration in addressing pressing continental and global challenges. President Bio attended as Special Guest of Honour during the Day 2 proceedings at the Bintumani Conference Centre.
The event formed part of the second edition of the Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium, an initiative aimed at institutionalizing leadership dialogue, promoting innovative ideas and strengthening partnerships among African leaders and institutions. Discussions centered on leadership transformation, innovation, governance and strategies for empowering young people to actively contribute to Africa’s development trajectory.
The African Young Leaders Convergence joined Sierra Leoneans, international figures and well-wishers in commemorating President Bio’s birthday through a youth-led convergence themed: “From Potential to Power: Unlocking Youth Agency for Africa’s Transformation.” The gathering brought together youth representatives from across Sierra Leone and several African countries to engage in discussions on leadership, innovation and youth empowerment.
Delivering an overview of the colloquium, AYLC Brand and Media Consultant, Kingsley Okeke, noted that President Bio intentionally dedicated his birthday celebration to African youth, sharing his leadership journey as a source of inspiration for the next generation of leaders across the continent.
Notable contributions at the event were also made by Patricia Scotland, alongside a panel of young African leaders. Proceedings were moderated by Benjamin Ubiri and Isha Sesay, further enriching discussions on leadership, accountability and innovation in a rapidly changing global environment.
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s participation reinforced the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening leadership institutions and supporting initiatives that inspire the next generation while consolidating President Bio’s governance vision for national development and regional cooperation.
