Julius Maada Bio is a prominent Sierra Leonean politician who currently serves as the 5th president of Sierra Leone, a position he has held since April 4, 2018. Prior to assuming the presidency, Bio had a distinguished military career, serving as a retired brigadier in the Sierra Leone Army. He also had a brief stint as the military head of state of Sierra Leone from January 16, 1996, to March 29, 1996, during his time as the leader of a military junta government known as the National Provisional Ruling Council.
Julius Maada Bio was born on May 12, 1964, in Sierra Leone. He completed his primary education at the Holy Family Primary School in Pujehun before furthering his studies at the prestigious Bo School, where he graduated with an A-level at the young age of 20. In 1985, Bio applied for admission into Fourah Bay College in Freetown and graduated from the Military Academy as a Second Lieutenant in the Sierra Leone Army in October 1987 at the age of 23.
Julius Maada Bio's political career has been marked by a commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. In January 2023, he signed into law the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Bill, which mandates that parliamentary and local council elections include women as at least 30% of candidates. This move reflects Bio's dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering women in Sierra Leone.
Julius Maada Bio hails from a large family, as his father had nine wives. He is named after his paternal grandfather, Julius Maada Wonie Bio, who was a Sherbro paramount chief of Sogbini Chiefdom. Bio has an older sister named Agnes and is married to Fatima Bio.
In July 2021, Julius Maada Bio attended the Global Education Summit, where he had the opportunity to meet with world leaders such as Prime Minister Boris Johnson. This summit showcased Bio's commitment to education and collaboration on a global scale.
Julius Maada Bio's presidency has been characterized by his dedication to advancing the interests of Sierra Leone and promoting progressive policies that benefit the country's citizens. With a background in both the military and politics, Bio brings a unique perspective to leadership that emphasizes inclusivity, equality, and empowerment.
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