Tinubu receives Sierra Leone’s President Bio

‎By Muhyideen Jimoh

President Bola Tinubu on Friday evening received President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone at the Presidential Villa, Abuja amidst threats by the Donald Trump administration in the US to attack Nigeria over alleged religious persecution.

Although details of the meeting were not disclosed, it was believed to have focused on regional peace, security, and economic integration within West Africa.

President Bio, who currently chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), succeeded President Tinubu in June.

Friday’s talks came four months after Bio assumed the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

On his verified X handle, the Sierra Leonean leader said he arrived in Abuja to speak at Baze University’s 12th convocation and engage African business leaders.

Bio’s visit marks his first official trip to Nigeria since assuming the ECOWAS chairmanship.

Both leaders are expected to strengthen cooperation on democracy promotion, counterterrorism, and sustainable development across ECOWAS member states.

Bio had earlier indicated that he was in Nigeria to deliver the Commencement Speech at the 12th Convocation Ceremony of Baze University.

The Sierra Leonean President also said his visit also includes a high-level investment forum aimed at deepening economic cooperation with leading African business executives.

Baze is a private University, a reportedly extended the invitation to President Bio in recognition of his government’s focus on education, youth empowerment, and innovation.

(NAN)