The National Council of Paramount Chiefs has extended formal congratulations to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on his recent election as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. In a courtesy visit to State House on Friday, the chiefs presented a commemorative plaque and reaffirmed their full support for President Bio’s leadership, both nationally and regionally.
The high-level delegation was led by the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba John Sylvanus Lamina, who conveyed the Council’s collective appreciation. In his remarks, Ambassador Lamina expressed gratitude to the President for granting the audience, noting that the visit had been delayed due to scheduling constraints. He emphasized the significance of maintaining regular engagements between the presidency and traditional authorities, calling such interactions essential for inclusive governance.
Hon. Paramount Chief Sheku Amada Tejan Fasuluku Sonsiama III, Chairman of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs, spoke on behalf of traditional leaders from across the country. He praised President Bio’s leadership, highlighting the importance of his elevation to the ECOWAS chairmanship as a historic milestone for Sierra Leone’s international standing.
“We are here to congratulate you and to say that the entire chieftaincy institution is proud of your achievement,” Chief Fasuluku said. “We pledge our unwavering support and offer our prayers for your continued success and for even greater honors in the future.”
President Bio, in response, expressed deep appreciation for the Council’s show of solidarity. He underscored the enduring importance of traditional institutions in the governance and development of Sierra Leone, describing the chieftaincy system as a foundational pillar of national identity and cohesion.
“For too long, we have overlooked these foundational building blocks of the nation,” President Bio remarked. “Neglecting traditional leadership has contributed to the breakdown of community trust and national values. We must now work together to reverse that trend.”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional governance structures through closer collaboration and, where appropriate, devolving greater authority to Paramount Chiefs. He encouraged the chiefs to practice inclusive leadership in their chiefdoms and to serve all citizens without bias.
“Our nation’s development requires that we engage meaningfully with those who are closest to the people,” he added. “As leaders in your communities, your input and experiences are critical to shaping effective policies and programs.”
The visit concluded with a ceremonial presentation of a symbolic plaque to the President, acknowledging his leadership and recent appointment to head the ECOWAS Authority. The gesture was met with appreciation from President Bio, who assured the chiefs of his readiness to continue engaging them as key partners in national development and regional diplomacy.
The meeting reinforced the vital role of traditional leaders in Sierra Leone’s democratic governance and nation-building efforts, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its position on the West African and global stages under President Bio’s leadership.
