By Nasratu Kargbo
President Julius Maada Bio has expressed the government’s wish and determination to drastically reduce hunger in the country and make the country food self-sufficient. He made this statement at the State Opening of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone on the 3rd of August 2023.
Speaking on his manifesto commitment, Bio said “The flagship "Feed Salone" initiative is an unwavering testament to our commitment to forging a self-sufficient Sierra Leone where agricultural productivity thrives, hunger diminishes, and societal resilience flourishes”.
He stated that his flagship programme will facilitate agricultural productivity, safeguard food security, and foster inclusive economic growth that will lay the foundation for sustained prosperity.
The President explained that food security is relevant in the pursuit of a stable and democratic society, stressing that it exceeds its role as a mere necessity to becoming a foundational pillar upon which the prosperity of a nation is built. He added that a government that ensures its citizens access to a dependable food supply encourages resilience, safeguards public health, and fosters social cohesion.
“This symbiotic relationship between food security, democracy, and stability empowers individuals, promotes economic stability, and mitigates the perils of social unrest,” he said.
Bio said that through the collection of comprehensive pledges and strategic endeavours, they embark on a transformative journey that seeks to harmonise agricultural development, economic growth, and societal progress that will firmly anchor the future of the nation on the bedrock of food sufficiency and sovereignty.
Speaking on other areas he wants to improve, the President said the government is committing to Human Capital Development, saying that they know the significance of human capital development in fostering stability and driving progress within developing nations.
He recalled that over the past five years, their flagship programme which is Free Quality School Education has propelled them to remarkable achievements, noting that it has resulted in an extraordinary surge in the number of students seeking admission to schools.
In addition, Bio stated that they have made significant strides in expanding access to higher and technical education, especially in STEM courses and that they have established technical and vocational centres across most chiefdom in the country.
He said in the next five years the government will focus on translating the achievements made in developing a highly skilled labour force that is equipped to tackle the challenges of 21stCentury industries. Bio added that their efforts will be directed towards bridging the gap in the labour force and nurturing talents for professional roles in both the private sector and the Civil Service.
“With a robust policy and legislative framework, we stand poised to surpass these milestones and reach even greater heights. Our profound understanding of the significance of Foundational Learning has solidified our commitment to investing in primary and secondary education” he promised.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (07/08/23)
