Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, has been elected as the President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). The election took place at the 29th General Assembly during the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dr. Bio will serve a two-year term following a competitive election against Her Excellency Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria.
The position of Vice President was secured by Her Excellency Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço, the First Lady of Angola. The results were announced after a closed-session deliberation on day four of the summit where all African First Ladies participated in voting.
President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone expressed his pride and support for his wife's new role, stating it as “a huge success” and praising her dedication to women's rights and empowerment. He remarked, “Your dedication is nothing short of inspiring,” adding that he is eager to see how she will enhance advocacy for women and girls across Africa.
OAFLAD confirmed the election results with an official statement: “We are delighted to confirm the election results. Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, is the new President of OAFLAD, and Her Excellency Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço, First Lady of Angola, is the Vice President.”
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio received congratulatory messages from various African First Ladies including Mrs. Rachel Ruto from Kenya who extended her support to the newly elected leadership.
OAFLAD was initially established in 2002 as an organization focused on combating HIV/AIDS among Africa’s vulnerable populations but has since broadened its scope to include advocacy for women's empowerment and development issues.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio's leadership is expected to continue OAFLAD's mission in empowering women and girls across Africa while building on her existing advocacy work in social development.
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