First Lady Fatima Bio has reaffirmed her commitment to food security, women’s empowerment and youth participation in agriculture during the commemoration of World Food Day 2026 in Magburaka, Tonkolili District.
Mrs Bio joined her husband, President Dr Julius Maada Bio, alongside farmers, traditional leaders and agricultural stakeholders to mark the occasion, emphasising the importance of food security to Sierra Leone’s national development.
She said every family deserves access to nutritious food, every child should have the opportunity to grow up healthy, and no household should be left behind.
The First Lady highlighted the Feed Salone initiative as a key strategy to strengthen local food production, support farmers, create employment opportunities and reduce the country’s dependence on imported food.
She noted that investment in modern farming methods, technology and improved agricultural systems would help build a stronger and more self-reliant Sierra Leone.
Mrs Bio also stressed the need to empower women and young people in agriculture, calling for increased access to resources, skills, financing and opportunities to make farming a profitable and dignified business.
According to her, this year’s World Food Day theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” underscores the importance of combining traditional agricultural knowledge with modern technology to transform the sector and secure a better future for generations to come.
The First Lady described it as an honour to introduce President Bio as he delivered the keynote address, commending his continued commitment to agriculture and the Feed Salone agenda, which places food security at the centre of the country’s national priorities.
She also expressed appreciation to farmers across the country for their tireless efforts in feeding the nation, noting that their work sustains families and contributes to national development.
Mrs Bio said her aspiration was to see every child adequately nourished, every family food-secure and every farmer empowered, expressing confidence that collective efforts could help Sierra Leone achieve food self-sufficiency with pride, dignity and confidence.
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