By Amin Kef (Ranger)
It was a day of high-level engagements on Tuesday February 10, 2026 at State House as President Dr, Julius Maada Bio received distinguished religious and financial leaders, reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to spiritual partnership, economic transformation and national development.
President Bio welcomed His Eminence Arrigo Miglio, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, who is in Sierra Leone on a pastoral visit.
Describing the visit as significant for the Catholic faithful and the nation, Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Freetown said Cardinal Arrigo Miglio is a highly respected senior figure within the global Catholic Church. He disclosed that the Cardinal’s itinerary includes an inspection of the Love Bridge Project in Lokomasama Chiefdom, Port Loko District.
The Love Bridge Hospital, established over 15 years ago, continues to provide critical healthcare services, particularly to underserved and vulnerable populations. Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles emphasized that the facility stands as a testament to the Church’s enduring commitment to living out the Gospel through practical service and compassion.
Presidential Spokesman, Hon. Dr. Alpha Kanu, highlighted ongoing collaboration with Hon. Ishmael Sankoh Yillah, in whose constituency the hospital is located. He further noted that Italian medical teams conduct annual surgical missions at the facility, strengthening healthcare delivery in the district.
Cardinal Arrigo Miglio expressed heartfelt condolences to President Bio on the passing of his sister, Alice Josephine Tucker (née Bio). He described his visit as spiritually fulfilling and praised the Love Bridge Hospital’s compassion-driven approach to healthcare. The Cardinal also conveyed blessings from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, assuring the President that he would brief the Pontiff upon his return to Italy.
In response, President Bio warmly welcomed the Cardinal and reaffirmed his strong ties to the Catholic community. He commended the Church’s contributions to spiritual guidance, education and healthcare across Sierra Leone. Paying tribute to his late sister, the President recalled her lifelong dedication as a Catholic school teacher committed to human capital development. He further revealed that he observes weekly prayers with Catholic priests at his office, underscoring the role of spiritual reflection in leadership.
In a separate engagement at State House, President Bio received the newly appointed Executive Director of the African Development Bank, Dr. Elsiddig Mohamed Rahma. He was accompanied by the Bank’s outgoing Country Manager, Dr. Halima Yusuf Hashi, on a courtesy call ahead of her departure.
Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, briefed the President, noting that Dr. Elsiddig Mohamed Rahma represents Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia and Sudan on the AfDB Board. He described the Executive Director as a seasoned economist poised to champion Sierra Leone’s interests, particularly in overseeing the country’s strong-performing AfDB portfolio spanning agriculture, infrastructure and gender empowerment initiatives.
Dr. Elsiddig Mohamed Rahma conveyed warm greetings from the President of the African Development Bank and congratulated President Bio on Sierra Leone’s strong economic performance, stable growth trajectory and improved fiscal discipline. He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan, outlining a new investment focus: 54 percent on infrastructure, 23 percent on agriculture and 23 percent on multi-sectoral support.
President Bio expressed appreciation to the AfDB President, describing the institution as a trusted development partner. He reiterated Government’s commitment to inclusive growth and national transformation, emphasizing that infrastructure development remains central to unlocking agricultural productivity and stimulating broad-based economic expansion.
The President also commended Dr. Halima Yusuf Hashi for her dedicated service and strong collaboration with the Government, wishing her continued success and assuring her of Sierra Leone’s enduring friendship.
Later on Tuesday, President Bio attended and officially opened the International General Conference of Harvest Intercontinental Ministries Unlimited (HIM-U) at Harvest Intercontinental Ministries Church in Dwazark, Freetown.
Speaking on the theme: “Igniting Passion for the Great Commission, Every Soul Reached, Every Saint Equipped,” the President described the conference as a timely opportunity for spiritual renewal and recommitment; not only for HIM-U but for the wider Christian community and society at large.
He commended the leadership of HIM-U, including Founder and Presiding Bishop Darlingston G. Johnson and Pastor Chrys Johnson, as well as National Overseer Bishop Julius Laggah and Reverend Olayinka Laggah, praising their consistent prayers and spiritual leadership for the nation.
President Bio highlighted the indispensable role of faith institutions in promoting peace, social cohesion and national development. He stressed that evangelism must go hand in hand with discipleship, leadership development and social responsibility.
Underscoring the contributions of women and youth in ministry and nation-building, the President reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s longstanding tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
In a personal reflection, he shared that his Christian faith continues to guide his values and leadership, even as he serves all Sierra Leoneans without distinction. He encouraged faith-based organisations to partner with Government in youth mentorship and community development initiatives.
Concluding his remarks, President Bio called for sustained prayers for the nation and expressed confidence that the conference would ignite renewed passion for the Great Commission to the glory of God and the continued advancement of Sierra Leone.
