On Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium 2.0… Amb. Foryoh Advocates For Stronger Youth Representation

OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT JULIUS MAADA BIO

Your Excellency President Julius Maada Bio,

I have followed the Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium 2.0 with great interest and admiration. First and foremost, I wish to sincerely commend you for initiating such a visionary and timely platform focused on leadership, governance, youth empowerment, and Africa’s role on the global stage.

Your remarks during the colloquium were both inspiring and thought-provoking, particularly your strong emphasis on empowering young people to lead and ensuring that Africa remains at the center of global conversations.

These words resonate deeply with many young Sierra Leoneans, Africans across the continent, and members of the diaspora who continue to believe in the promise of transformational leadership.

However, Your Excellency, with utmost respect and humility, I believe future editions of this important platform can further reflect these powerful ideals through greater youth inclusion and active participation.

Across Sierra Leone and beyond, there are countless young people who have committed themselves to leadership, innovation, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and community development, often without institutional or government support.

Young leaders such as Alex Nalo Jr, Edmond Alim B. Fornah, Alie Content, Junisa Kallon, Mohamed Barrie, Hannah Dumbuya, Sulaiman Mansaray, Kenneth Jayah, Lydia Tucker, Richard Caulker, Augustine Martin Martinezz, and many others continue to make meaningful contributions, empower communities, and represent Sierra Leone positively both locally and internationally.

These young people deserve more than symbolic recognition. They deserve a seat at the table, not only as attendees, but as speakers, panelists, contributors, and decision-makers.

Your Excellency, I humbly appeal that future editions of the colloquium intentionally create broader opportunities for youth engagement and representation.

I strongly recommend that at least 60% of participation and engagement spaces be reserved for young leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, students, advocates, and emerging professionals from across Sierra Leone and the diaspora.

National conversations about leadership and development must include the voices of the younger generation, individuals who are already shaping communities, driving innovation, and proposing solutions to the challenges facing our nation and continent.

The future belongs to the youth, and empowering them must go beyond inspiring speeches. It must be demonstrated through meaningful inclusion, representation, mentorship, and opportunity.

Mr. President, this message comes from a place of deep respect, patriotism, and sincere hope for a more inclusive Sierra Leone, one where young people are not only spoken about, but are actively involved in shaping the nation’s future.

Thank you once again for establishing this important platform. I remain hopeful that future editions of the Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium will continue to evolve into a stronger bridge between leadership and the young generation.

Respectfully,

Amb. Sheku Foryoh,

Youth Advocate, Diaspora Leader, Founder & CEO, Salone Opportunity Hub (SOH).

Shekuforyoh1@gmail.com