His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio addressed the Annual Presidential Media Cocktail at Country Lodge in Freetown, Sierra Leone on December 10, 2024. During his keynote speech, he emphasized the essential role of the press as "the conscience of our nation" and acknowledged journalists for their significant contributions to shaping Sierra Leone's narrative. The event highlighted the importance of a free and responsible press in promoting democracy, national unity, and development.
President Bio urged journalists to report with integrity and amplify marginalized voices, stating that an informed society is better positioned to advocate for justice, hold leaders accountable, and demand good governance. The theme of the cocktail was "Strengthening Press Freedom: A Shared Goal," reflecting Sierra Leone's dedication to cultivating a vibrant media environment. He reiterated that press freedom is both a constitutional right and a cornerstone of democracy.
"The nation has made significant strides, climbing from 74th to 64th place in global press freedom rankings, and achieving an impressive 91% score for freedom of information in the MCC scorecard for the 2025 Financial year," President Bio stated.
To further support the media sector, President Bio announced an increase in funding for the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) subvention to Le 2.5 billion old leones for 2025. He also discussed efforts to implement the National Media Policy and establish the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM-SL).
President Bio reviewed his administration’s accomplishments such as securing a $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation Energy Compact and launching the FEED SALONE initiative which expanded rice cultivation significantly while reducing food import bills.
Under his leadership, he noted improvements in economic expansion, inflation reduction, trade balance enhancement, and exchange rate stabilization. As President of the United Nations Security Council in August 2024, he advocated for Africa’s representation in global governance.
He outlined a forward-looking media agenda focused on sustainability, innovation, and funding by building on previous successes like those from the 2022 Media Viability and Investment Conference. He called upon journalists to uphold responsibility through ethical standards and continuous capacity building while stressing that independent investigative journalism remains vital.
The President encouraged stakeholders from various sectors including government officials and civil society members to work together in strengthening media operations saying “A free press is not only a privilege but also a responsibility we carry together.”
In closing remarks filled with gratitude towards dedicated journalists' resilience throughout challenges faced over time; he toasted Sierra Leone's unity alongside hopes towards fostering stronger inclusive reportage uplifting entire nation amidst ongoing digital transformation era accompanied by global issues arising concurrently ahead into future scenarios envisioned alike!
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