Commemorating Sierra Leone’s 64th Independence Anniversary: Ambassador Thomas calls for Deepening National Consciousness and National Cohesion

Ambassador Haja Ishata Thomas, Sierra Leone’s representative to the State of Kuwait, on 28th April 2025, joined His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s call for deepening national consciousness and national cohesion in her address to Sierra Leoneans in Kuwait during the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebration.

In her statement, Ambassador Thomas admonished Sierra Leonean nationals to observe moments of prayer in their respective religious beliefs for the peace, unity and stability of the nation.

“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you all on this historic occasion marking the 64th Independence Anniversary of a nation that we so cherish. This year’s celebration calls for not only a deep reflection on our nation’s history, but also our collective efforts in driving the country’s development aspirations. Under the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone has achieved significant progress in gender and youth empowerment, human capital development in education, health and agriculture, infrastructure development, energy expansion, among many others,” she stated.

Her admonition resonated with the President’s Independence address to the nation. Highlighting the nation’s progress, the President noted that despite the stifling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic meltdown, resulting in a high inflation rate, food prices and persistent energy shortages, his government had swiftly embarked on short-term programs to cushion the prevailing effects on citizens, coupled with a drastic decline in maternal mortality rate, several reliable energy projects, successful implementation of the Feed Salone, a 4% projected growth rate, supported by increased agriculture and mining initiatives and the new pricing formulas for petroleum, rice and cement to guarantee affordable prices for consumers, etc.

In other news, the Embassy, in collaboration with the Executive of the Sierra Leone Union in Kuwait, organised a National Cohesion Football competition over the weekend, bringing together an appreciable number of Sierra Leoneans from various areas in Kuwait to commemorate the country’s anniversary. Before kick-off, Muslim and Christian prayers were offered, as well as Quranic and Biblical recitations for the continued peace, unity and prosperity of Sierra Leone. The matches ended in rapturous jubilation and celebrations with chants of Sierra Leonean songs from iconic artists.

Cyril Barnes,
Information Attaché,
Sierra Leone Embassy, the State of Kuwait
Email: information.attache@kw.slembassy.gov.sl