President Julius Maada Bio on Tuesday outlined his administration’s ambitious plan to transform Sierra Leone into a middle-income country within the next decade, during a historic town hall meeting organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education.

The event, which brought together citizens, government officials, and the media, provided a platform for the president to directly engage with the public and detail his government’s accomplishments and future goals.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, praised President Bio for his leadership and commitment to transparency, drawing parallels between his military service and his current role. “The President has demonstrated unwavering courage, both on the battlefield and in the face of governance challenges,” Bah said.

President Bio emphasized the importance of environmental protection, infrastructure development, and human capital development as key pillars of his administration. He warned against unauthorized construction in green belts and highlighted the progress made in building roads and bridges across the country. The president also reiterated his commitment to free education and efforts to address challenges in the electricity sector.

A central theme of the town hall was the government’s focus on improving the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans. President Bio discussed the “Feed Salone” initiative aimed at ensuring food security, creating jobs, and combating malnutrition. He also highlighted the establishment of the Mineral Wealth Fund to maximize the benefits of the country’s natural resources for its citizens.

The event also saw the launch of a magazine showcasing President Bio’s achievements in the past year.

At the event, President Bio also called on citizens to unite behind his vision for a prosperous nation. “I want you all to follow me and my vision,” he said, adding that he is committed to addressing the challenges facing the country.

The town hall concluded on a high note, with many attendees expressing satisfaction with the president’s candid and informative address.