First Lady Departs for Ethiopia Ahead of OAFLAD Inauguration and Handover Ceremony

The First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Dr. Fatima Jabbie Maada Bio has departed from Freetown International Airport this morning en route to Ethiopia to participate in her inauguration and official handover ceremony.

The First Lady this confirmation on her official Facebook page stating, “this morning, I departed Freetown International Airport for Ethiopia to attend the inauguration and official handover ceremony following my election as President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).”

Lady Fatima reiterated her sincere appreciation for her election as the newly president of OAFLAD, stating, “I was deeply honored to be overwhelmingly elected during the OAFLAD General Assembly held in Addis Ababa on 10th February, 2024.”

The newly elected President admitted that the achievement is not only a personal honor but also a proud and defining moment for her country, Sierra Leone, asserting that it places her country at the center of continental progress and collaboration.

“This achievement is not only a personal honour but also a proud and defining moment for Sierra Leone, as it places our country at the centre of continental progress and collaboration,” she stated, highlighting the importance of her election not just for her, but for the nation she represents.

As the new leader of OAFLAD, she is reportedly expected to champion various initiatives aimed at fostering development across African nations, focusing on collaboration among first ladies to address pressing issues such as health, education, and women’s empowerment.

The upcoming ceremony in Ethiopia is anticipated to mark the beginning of her administration, as she expressed determination to work closely with her counterparts to drive forward the mission of the organization.