By Frank Jones
Freetown – April 9, 2025
President Julius Maada Bio has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists in recognition of his transformative leadership and contributions to human capital and healthcare development in Sierra Leone.
The prestigious recognition was conferred during a ceremony at State House in Freetown on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, as part of the College’s 37th Annual General Meeting.
Speaking at the event, President of the College, Mr. Alhaji Mutada Sesay, praised President Bio’s unwavering political will and commitment to improving healthcare systems and human capital development across the region.
“Your Excellency, this honour is well deserved. It not only celebrates your accomplishments but also serves as a source of inspiration for leaders across West Africa,” said Mr. Sesay.
He further revealed that the decision to induct President Bio was unanimously agreed upon by the College’s Council after a careful review of his administration’s key interventions, including the declaration of the Kush drug crisis as a national Public Health Emergency in 2024—an action he described as a bold demonstration of responsible governance.
Also delivering remarks, the Secretary-General of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, Professor Ibrahim Oreagba, stressed the international significance of the award. He noted that the Honorary Fellowship is reserved for exceptional global leaders who have made outstanding contributions to public health and human development.
“It is my honour and privilege to formally robe His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, as an Honorary Fellow of our College,” Professor Oreagba announced.
In his acceptance speech, President Bio expressed deep appreciation for the award, describing it as both an honour and a responsibility.
“This recognition comes with a moral obligation to continue working hard for the people of Sierra Leone,” the President said. “It reaffirms our commitment to the Free Health Care Initiative and our broader human capital development agenda, which includes access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and food security.”
He emphasized the interconnectedness of health, education, and nutrition in achieving national development goals, reiterating his government’s focus on holistic approaches to improving citizens’ well-being.
The West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists comprises professionals from across the region and annually recognizes leaders who have made tangible impacts in their countries. The College’s Annual General Meeting provides a platform to assess national contributions to healthcare and human capital development, upon which it bases its honorary awards.
President Bio’s recognition further cements his administration’s position as a key driver of progressive reforms in Sierra Leone’s healthcare and education sectors.
