Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, on Tuesday honoured the inauguration of a new female Chiefdom Speaker in Moyamba District, describing the event as historic and reaffirming her support for women’s leadership at all levels of society.

Bio made the remarks after serving as keynote speaker at the inauguration ceremony of Elsie, popularly known as Aunty Elsie, who was installed as Chiefdom Speaker in Senehun Town, Kamajei Chiefdom. The ceremony brought together traditional leaders, community members, and invited guests to witness the appointment.

According to the First Lady, her presence at the event went beyond witnessing the installation of a woman into a traditional leadership role. “I was not here simply to witness the crowning of a woman as Speaker. I was here because Aunty Elsie has always been a supportive and dependable woman,” the First Lady said in a statement following the ceremony.

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She also praised the Paramount Chief of the area, PC Sovula, for appointing a woman to the influential position of Chiefdom Speaker. “To PC Sovula, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for choosing a woman to serve in this important position. I honour you as a leader who truly believes in women’s empowerment. Thank you sincerely,” she said.

Bio described the inauguration as both “beautiful and historic,” noting that it was personally significant for her to witness the event. “To my dear Aunty Elsie, my mother, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to witness this beautiful and historic inauguration,” she stated.

Emphasizing her long-standing advocacy for women in decision-making roles, the First Lady added, “When women are in leadership, things are done properly and with purpose.”

She offered prayers and well wishes to the newly inaugurated Chiefdom Speaker, calling for divine guidance and strength as she begins her service. “Aunty Elsie, may God bless you again, grant you long life, and strengthen you to continue serving your chiefdom diligently,” she said.

The First Lady also thanked community members and guests who attended the ceremony to support the new Speaker, acknowledging their presence as a sign of unity and encouragement.

Concluding her message, Bio extended New Year greetings to the public, saying, “I wish you all a Happy New Year, and may 2026 be Alhamdulillah for us all.”