President Julius Maada Bio has congratulated Sierra Leonean makeup artist Mary Yongai for setting a new world record for the most cosmetic makeovers completed in 24 hours by a single artist.

Yongai achieved an astonishing 111 makeovers, surpassing the previous record of 96, set by Indonesia’s Martha Tilaar in 2005. President Bio, in a statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, praised Yongai for her “exceptional talent and resilience,” calling her accomplishment an inspiration for the nation.

Yongai’s record-breaking achievement highlights Sierra Leone’s growing presence on the global beauty stage, and the president emphasized how her success brings pride and recognition to the country.

The achievement comes as a significant boost to Sierra Leone’s cultural and creative industries, underscoring the nation’s talent on the global scene.