By Amin Kef (Ranger)
During the Congregation of the conferment of degrees and award of diplomas and certificates at the University of Sierra Leone, on the 14th April, 2023 the First Lady, Dr Fatima Maada Bio, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt), honoris causa.
The citation for the conferment of the degree of Doctor of Letters on the First Lady, Dr Fatima Maada Bio was read by the University’s Public Orator, Dr Abdulai Walon Jalloh, who, among other things noted that:
“Our recipient is a fascinating personality who exudes charisma, passion, and intelligence. I can safely say that she has had the opportunity to dine with the very best that society has to offer. Our recipient of this year’s honoris causa, epitomizes bravery, intelligence, and servant leadership, as evident in the massive impact being recorded by her humanitarian and official work in Sierra Leone, particularly, and the African continent at large,” he said.
“Our honouree has long been motivated by Pan-Africanist ideals, and because of this, at the tender age of eighteen; she became the champion for the Campaign Against Meningitis Disease in Africa, but more especially in the Gambia. Before she assumed her current role, our honouree led numerous gender, philanthropic, and child welfare campaigns. She was the first to donate $10,000 for the meningitis fight in The Gambia.
“Respectfully, The Visitor of the University of Sierra Leone, Mr. Chancellor sir, Honourable Minister of Education, Technical and Higher Education, other Ministers here present, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone, other Vice-Chancellors from our Sister Universities, Deputy Vice-Chancellors of IPAM, COMAHS, and FBC, the Registrar of USL, other associate dignitaries of the same ilk, members of the Judiciary, our Honouree for this year’s Honoris Causa DOCTOR OF LETTER Congregation 2023 is Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone,” he concluded.
In another development, prior to the conferment of the Honorary Degree, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, appointed the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, on the 12th April, 2023 as a member of the Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste.
According to the Secretary General, in accordance with the United Nations General Assembly resolution on Zero Waste (77/161) of 22 December 2022, it is with great pleasure that he appoints Madam Fatima Bio as a member of the Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste.
The Secretary General further pointed out how the Board has an important role to play in supporting zero waste initiatives in the context of sustainable development further maintaining that as a Board member, he trusts that he can count on her knowledge, experience, expertise and commitment to promote zero-waste initiatives.
The Secretary General also said given that the concept of “zero waste” is gaining attention worldwide as a sustainable solution to reduce waste, redesign material use and production, promote a circular economy, and  informed consumer choices, it is his hope that the multi-partner and multidisciplinary, regionally and gender balanced Board will work to publicize best practices and success stories and raise awareness to promote local and national zero-waste initiatives adding that the Terms of Reference of the Board are enclosed.
António Guterres ,also stated that as a member of the Advisory Board, he looks forward to the work she will undertake with fellow Board Members to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, saying he has asked the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to work closely with the Board.
He continued stating that focal points from the aforementioned organizations will contact her  soon about the on boarding process as well as with details for the first meeting of the Board in September 2023, in New York.
The UN Secretary General concluded by welcoming her once again to the Advisory Board on Zero Waste revealing how he trusts that she will continue to be a champion on the journey to reach the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and to raise awareness, promote practices leading to progress towards a sustainable and prosperous future for people and the planet.
