President Julius Maada Bio has in his independence address to the nation called locals to practice peace for unity.

“Our diversity is our strength. It is what makes us a vibrant community.

“We should all be proud of the diversity of ethnicities, cultures, religions and political views that coexist daily in this land,” Bio said.

He pleaded with Sierra Leoneans to remain vigilant and stand against “those who seek to divide” the nation and use locals for their interests.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to ensure that the nation enjoys peace by standing against those that seek to disrupt the “peaceful coexistence” of locals.

He referenced his last address to the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic on Tuesday where he highlighted the successes his administration has made in the past five years.

“Today I want to speak more thematically echoing history, reflecting on where we are after 62 years of independence and throwing the spotlight on the pathway to a future that I am sure we all desire for ourselves; our children and future generations,” he said.

He ended by pleading with Sierra Leoneans to reflect on the past and pick up from the lessons learnt and opportunities for the future.

Sierra Leone is celebrating its 62nd Anniversary since Britain handed power to locals on the 27th April 1961.

The West African nation has had a tumultuous history with a decade civil war in the 90s and an Ebola epidemic in 2014. It is, however, believed to be among the most peaceful nations in the world quite recently.