The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with President Bio and his wife to formally invite Freetown, Sierra Leone to host the 2025 Strengthening Families Conference.

The Leader of the Church during the meeting on 30th May detailed presentation on the Conference.

Representing the Church was Elder Kenneth Pambu, an Area Seventy serving members and leaders of the Church in Sierra Leone and Liberia.  He was joined by President Julius Rowe of the Freetown Sierra Leone Stake, and James Owusu Ansah, Director of Communications for the Africa West Area of the Church. 

Sheik Salim Feika, the first lady’s chief of staff, led the Leonian delegation and will work with local Church leaders during the planning of the conference.

“Both the President and First Lady are aware of this great honor and anxious to participate in the planning and execution of this great conference,” said Feika.  “The First Ladies priorities are women’s empowerment, and the protection of our young children. The Strengthening Families Conference will be a tremendous platform to show Sierra Leone’s desire to raise strong families to God.”

In November 2023, Emily Belle Freeman, President of the General Young Women’s organization of the Church, and J. Anette Dennis, a counselor in the General Relief Society presidency, met with the President and First Lady in Freetown.  Together they attended and spoke at the United Nations World Day for the Prevention and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence, in Sierra Leone.