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The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, has announced the successful conclusion of the Julius Maada Bio Canoe Race, which took place on Thursday, 26 December 2025, on Bonthe Island in Bonthe District.
The cultural sporting event brought together twelve chiefdoms from across Bonthe District, showcasing traditional canoe racing skills while promoting unity, cultural heritage, and local economic activities within the district.
According to the First Lady, Sogbeni Chiefdom emerged as the overall winner of the competition, clinching the top prize awarded by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. The victory was celebrated as a significant moment for the chiefdom and its residents.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio described the canoe race as an initiative aimed at preserving Sierra Leone’s rich cultural traditions while also stimulating economic activities in riverine and island communities, particularly in Bonthe District where canoeing remains an important part of daily life and livelihood.
She congratulated President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, whom she described as a proud son of Sogbeni, as well as the people of the chiefdom, expressing personal pride as a Sogbeni wife and mother. She noted that the victory belonged to the entire Sogbeni community.
The First Lady also commended all the participating chiefdoms for their efforts and sportsmanship, stating that although only one chiefdom emerged victorious, all participants were winners for contributing to the success of the event.
She concluded by expressing gratitude to everyone involved in organizing and participating in the canoe race and offered prayers for continued peace and progress in Sierra Leone.
