*President Julius Maada Bio Receives New Envoys from Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola, Reaffirms Sierra Leone’s Commitment to Stronger Bilateral and Regional Cooperation*
*State House, Freetown, Thursday, 9 July 2026* – His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio received the Letters of Recall of their predecessors and the Letters of Credence of three newly accredited envoys to the Republic of Sierra Leone during a formal ceremony at State House, reaffirming the country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, regional cooperation and international partnerships.
The diplomats were Her Excellency Mrs. Ayo Luther Ogbomde, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Sierra Leone; His Excellency Mr. Lincoln George Downer, High Commissioner of Jamaica to Sierra Leone, resident in Abuja, Nigeria; and His Excellency Dr. Eustáquio Januário Quibato, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Sierra Leone, resident in Conakry, Guinea.
Following the presentation of their credentials, the three envoys conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from their respective Heads of State and Government to President Bio, while expressing appreciation for the hospitality extended to them by the Government and people of Sierra Leone. They each reaffirmed their commitment to deepening longstanding bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across key sectors.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Nigeria, High Commissioner Mrs. Ayo Luther Ogbomde reaffirmed her country’s commitment to strengthening its enduring partnership with Sierra Leone, particularly in regional security, democratic governance, economic cooperation and regional integration.
“Your Excellency, allow me to express my sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality accorded to me. I am committed to strengthening the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Sierra Leone during my tenure. I also bring warm greetings from your brother, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she said.
Jamaica’s High Commissioner, Mr. Lincoln George Downer, highlighted the deep historical and cultural bonds linking both countries, noting that his ancestral roots trace back to Sierra Leone’s Maroon heritage.
“Your Excellency, thank you for welcoming me home. Sierra Leone is my second home because of my family’s ancestral connection. I look forward to working closely with your Government to strengthen cooperation in tourism, culture and investment, which offer significant opportunities for both our nations,” he stated.
The Ambassador of Angola, Dr. Eustáquio Januário Quibato, also thanked President Bio for accepting his credentials and identified agriculture, mining and technical cooperation as priority areas for expanding relations between the two countries.
Responding, President Julius Maada Bio warmly welcomed the three diplomats on behalf of the Government and People of Sierra Leone, assuring them of his administration’s full cooperation throughout their respective assignments.
Addressing Nigeria’s High Commissioner, President Bio described Nigeria as one of Sierra Leone’s closest and most trusted partners, paying tribute to Nigeria’s historic role in restoring peace during Sierra Leone’s civil conflict.
“Sierra Leone and Nigeria have enjoyed a long-standing and enduring friendship. We remain deeply grateful to Nigeria for the sacrifices it made in helping to restore peace to our country. Please convey my warmest regards to my brother, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. During your tenure, I look forward to strengthening our cooperation in security, democracy, good governance, regional integration, trade and economic development,” the President said.
Welcoming Jamaica’s High Commissioner, President Bio underscored the unique historical and cultural connections shared by the two nations, noting that people-to-people exchanges, culture, tourism and investment present significant opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Receiving Angola’s Ambassador, the President encouraged him to build stronger partnerships in agriculture, mining, skills transfer and technical cooperation, areas he described as central to Sierra Leone’s national development priorities.
President Bio concluded by assuring all three diplomats of his Government’s unwavering support.
“My Government and I will extend our full support to you. Feel at home in Sierra Leone. My doors are always open, and I encourage you not to be strangers. Let us work together to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between our countries for the benefit of our peoples,” he said.
The presentation of credentials further reflects Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic engagement, expanding strategic partnerships, and advancing mutual cooperation in support of peace, economic growth and sustainable development.
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