First Lady Fatima Bio Launches Bo Festival of Culture, Art, Sport, and Trade

On Tuesday 16 September 2025, First Lady Fatima Bio delivered the keynote address at the official launch of the Bo Festival of Culture, Art, Sport, and Trade for Peace and National Cohesion. The event took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Hall in Freetown.

In her address, the First Lady highlighted the vital role of culture in nation-building, stating, “A nation without culture is like a tree without roots.” She emphasized that Bo City, often regarded as Sierra Leone’s second capital, serves as a vibrant hub of cultural pride, renowned for its warm hospitality and rich traditions.

The First Lady described the festival as a celebration of Sierra Leone’s heritage, which also serves as a call to action for promoting peace, unity, and national cohesion. She added that by prioritizing and embracing cultural values, communities across the country can be inspired to uphold the principles of harmony and togetherness in everyday life.

“The Bo Festival not only showcases our cultural richness but also reminds us that our culture must form the foundation upon which we build peace, unity, and national cohesion,” she said.