On Monday, 27th April 2026, as Sierra Leone marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, celebrations unfolded both at home and across the diaspora, with staff of the Sierra Leone High Commission in the United Kingdom joining compatriots in a series of dignified and symbolic events.

On the eve of Independence, the High Commission was represented at a special Sunday prayer service at Methodist Central Hall Westminster, where The Gambia and Sierra Leone Fellowship gathered in prayer for the nation. Officiated by Reverend Tony Miles, prayers were offered for His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, as well as for the Government and people of Sierra Leone.

On Independence Day, staff of the High Commission, led by Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh, joined the Mayor of the London Borough of Camden, Councillor Eddie Hindolo Hanson, and a cross-section of the Sierra Leonean community to celebrate the milestone.

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Mayor Hanson, a Sierra Leonean by birth, holds the distinction of being the first Black person of African heritage elected Mayor of Camden, one of London’s most vibrant boroughs. In his remarks, he reflected on his journey of perseverance and public service, highlighting both the challenges he overcame and the opportunities that shaped his path to leadership.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the High Commissioner, H.E. Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh (who was attending the Independence event in Freetown), Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Odigboh conveyed greetings from President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone.

“Today we gather here to celebrate a remarkable milestone,” she said, expressing pride, excitement, and deep gratitude, in equal measure.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s journey through civil war, the Ebola epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic, she added: “We have endured many trials as a nation, but we did not break. We rebuilt, and in doing so, demonstrated the enduring strength of a resilient Sierra Leone.”

She reaffirmed the importance of the theme, “Building a Responsive, Resilient and Cohesive Sierra Leone,” highlighting progress in education, governance, gender equality, and infrastructure development as key pillars for sustainable progress.

The Deputy High Commissioner’s remarks echoed President Bio’s Independence Day address in Freetown, where he acknowledged global economic pressures while outlining measures to cushion citizens from its far reaching impacts and position the country for long-term growth. Declaring 2026 a “Year of Action and Accelerated Execution,” the President urged Sierra Leoneans to “choose Sierra Leone” and prioritise measurable actions that ensure collective progress.

Reinforcing this message, Mrs. Odigboh called for unity among Sierra Leoneans at home and in the diaspora, urging a shared commitment to national development.

In her remarks, the Minister Plenipotentiary and Head of Chancery (HoC), Mrs. Juliana Sia Hawa Fallah, thanked Mayor Hanson and Camden Council for partnering with the High Commission to host the celebration. She described the Mayor’s story as deeply inspirational and a powerful symbol of diaspora achievement.

 

 

During the celebrations, Mayor Hanson presented meritorious awards to Sierra Leonean organisations in recognition of their contributions to community and national development. In return, the High Commission honoured the Mayor with a special Sierra Leonean scarf, symbolising appreciation for his leadership.

The day’s commemorations concluded with a solemn Evensong service at Westminster Abbey, officiated by Canon Mark Birch, with singing led by the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge. Prayers were offered for H.E. President Bio, and for the Government, and people of Sierra Leone.

Mrs. Odigboh delivered the Second Lesson from the Book of Revelation, Chapter 7, Verses 9-17, symbolising unity and hope among nations.

As Sierra Leone marks 65 years of independence, the London events underscored a powerful message of unity, resilience, gratitude, and a shared commitment to building a brighter future, together.