By: Festus J. Lahai
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has called for a renewed national focus on skills development, entrepreneurship, and unity, stressing that Sierra Leone’s youth must be empowered to drive economic growth while rejecting tribal and regional divisions that threaten national cohesion.
Speaking at the 2026 Presidential Town Hall held at the University of Makeni’s Fatima Campus Auditorium, President Bio underscored that education must go beyond certificates to equip young people with practical skills, vocational training, and industry experience. He noted that employers increasingly demand graduates who can perform effectively from day one, making technical and vocational education critical to tackling unemployment.
“Education should prepare our young people to compete successfully in today’s labor market,” he said, urging youth to embrace entrepreneurship in agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and other productive sectors.
He emphasized that thriving businesses not only create jobs but also fuel sustainable economic growth, adding that the government remains committed to fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts private sector investment.
The President also challenged Sierra Leoneans to reject tribalism and regional divisions, warning that identity politics undermines peace and development. He stressed that administrative boundaries exist only for governance purposes and should never be used to divide the nation.
“We are a country made up of many different ethnic groups. Administrative boundaries should not divide us,” he declared, adding that Sierra Leone’s diversity must be seen as a strength.
President Bio accused politicians of exploiting ethnic identities for political gain instead of offering solutions to improve citizens’ lives. He urged leaders to focus on policies that deliver quality healthcare, expand education, strengthen democracy, and improve socio-economic well-being.
Calling on young people to build friendships across ethnic and regional lines, he warned that allowing tribalism to flourish could reverse the gains made since the civil war. “We must break the boundaries of ethnicity, moving past these divisions from our individual homes all the way up to the highest political levels,” he said.
The Town Hall, part of the Government’s 2026 Civic Day Series, provided citizens with a platform to engage directly with the President on national development and governance. Concluding his address, President Bio reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities through skills development, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity, insisting that Sierra Leone’s future depends on both economic empowerment and national unity.
