Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. President Julius Maada Bio has said that Sierra Leone cannot continue to depend on ships from other countries to bring in food and basic goods.
He made this clear during the State Opening of the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, held in Freetown.
The President said that true national progress can only happen when the country is able to feed itself and meet its needs from its own land. He described this as the only real way to achieve lasting independence. He urged both the government and the people to focus more on local food production and to take practical steps to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imports.This message came as part of the government’s plan under the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–2030. The plan aims to improve basic services across the country, strengthen public institutions, and support a stronger economy that includes everyone. One of its main goals is to boost local agriculture so that more food is grown in Sierra Leone and less is brought in from outside.
During his address to Parliament, President Bio also spoke about the need for unity, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose. He said the country cannot move forward if it is divided by political or regional differences. He called on all Sierra Leoneans to choose cooperation over conflict and to put the country first.
He reminded the nation that development is not only the responsibility of the government but of every citizen. From farmers and teachers to business owners and community leaders, everyone has a role to play in shaping the future of Sierra Leone.
Agriculture was a major part of the President’s message. He spoke about helping farmers improve their work, giving them more support, and creating systems that allow food to be grown, stored, and sold locally. This, he said, would reduce the need to bring in goods from foreign countries and make the nation stronger.
The State Opening marked the official beginning of the new legislative session. It sets the tone for the work that Parliament and government institutions will carry out in the months ahead. The President’s speech made it clear that the focus will be on building a Sierra Leone that stands on its own feet and takes charge of its future, starting with the ability to feed its own people.
The call to reduce foreign dependence and invest in local growth was the strongest point of the day. The President’s words were a direct reminder that real progress means producing what the country needs and building strength from within.
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