By Mackie M. Jalloh
The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio, served as the Distinguished Grand Chief Patron during the official opening of the 2025/2026 Judicial Year for Bo and Pujehun Districts, held on Sunday, 5th October 2025. The ceremony, which brought together members of the judiciary, local authorities, legal practitioners, and civil society representatives, marked a significant moment in Sierra Leone’s ongoing pursuit of justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights.
The event symbolized more than just a ceremonial tradition—it was a reaffirmation of the nation’s collective commitment to strengthening judicial independence and ensuring that justice reaches every corner of the country. In her capacity as Distinguished Grand Chief Patron, the First Lady expressed deep humility and gratitude for being part of such an important national exercise.
“This is not merely the beginning of another judicial calendar,” she noted, “but the continuation of a vital journey—one that seeks to uphold fairness, equality before the law, and the protection of every citizen’s rights.”
Her presence at the opening underscored her consistent advocacy for fairness, accountability, and equal access to justice, particularly for women, children, and marginalized communities. Over the years, Madam Fatima Bio has been vocal about the critical link between justice and social development. Through her flagship “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, she has worked closely with law enforcement and the judiciary to strengthen mechanisms that protect girls and women from sexual and gender-based violence.
The judicial year opening in Bo and Pujehun was attended by senior judges, magistrates, lawyers, and government officials who pledged renewed commitment to the principles of justice and rule of law. The Chief Justice’s representative emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the courts through integrity, transparency, and efficiency.
Madam Bio commended the judiciary of Bo and Pujehun Districts for their “tireless efforts in promoting the rule of law and protecting human rights.” She acknowledged the daily challenges faced by judicial officers, from inadequate resources to case backlogs, and praised their unwavering dedication to delivering justice even in difficult circumstances.
Her speech resonated deeply with many in attendance, as she emphasized that justice should not be a privilege reserved for a few but a right guaranteed to all citizens regardless of social class, gender, or political affiliation. She further noted that the effectiveness of any judicial system lies not only in its legal frameworks but also in the moral responsibility of those who serve within it.
Observers described her role as Distinguished Grand Chief Patron as both symbolic and substantive. Symbolic because it highlighted the support of the Office of the First Lady toward national governance institutions, and substantive because it reinforced her ongoing advocacy for equitable justice, particularly for victims of violence and abuse who often struggle to access the courts.
As the new judicial year unfolds, the First Lady expressed optimism about the positive impact that will follow, particularly in the areas of judicial reform, access to justice, and protection of fundamental freedoms.
“A strong judiciary,” she remarked, “is the backbone of a democratic nation. I look forward to seeing the progress that will come as we work together to uphold the principles of fairness and equality before the law.”
The 2025/2026 judicial year opening for Bo and Pujehun thus stood as a celebration of judicial progress and a call for collective responsibility. With the First Lady’s participation, the ceremony reflected not only the renewal of judicial activities but also a broader national aspiration—to ensure that justice in Sierra Leone remains impartial, accessible, and deeply rooted in the principles of human dignity and the rule of law.
