By Foday Moriba Conteh
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, the esteemed Ghanaian evangelist and founder of the United Organization of First Love Churches, on Wednesday, 30 April 2025 paid a courtesy visit to State House in Freetown, where he was formally received by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
The visit underscored the growing collaboration between the Government of Sierra Leone and faith-based organizations in promoting national development, peace and moral leadership.
Bishop Heward-Mills, celebrated across Africa for his evangelistic “Healing Jesus Campaigns,” praised President Bio for his visionary and inclusive leadership. He commended the President’s unwavering commitment to peace, stability and social cohesion in Sierra Leone, while emphasizing the importance of moral and spiritual renewal in shaping national progress.
In a warm exchange, President Bio expressed gratitude for the Bishop’s visit and spiritual support. He acknowledged the critical role faith leaders play in uniting communities, promoting values-driven governance and strengthening the moral fabric of the nation.
“The involvement of religious leaders and faith-based organizations remains central to our national development efforts,” President Bio stated. “We believe that integrating spiritual values into public policy not only promotes ethical governance but also builds stronger, more compassionate societies.”
The meeting also reflected on the importance of divine guidance in leadership, with both men agreeing on the transformative power of faith in public service. Bishop Heward-Mills offered prayers for the President and the country, invoking divine wisdom and protection over Sierra Leone’s leadership and people.
President Bio reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to engaging faith-based actors in national dialogue and development initiatives, recognizing their outreach and influence in shaping public consciousness and community development.
The visit by Bishop Heward-Mills is the latest in President Bio’s ongoing efforts to deepen engagement with spiritual leaders, as part of a broader strategy to foster unity, ethical leadership and inclusive progress across Sierra Leone.
