By Kadijatu Bangura, D.S. Reporter
Freetown, December 11, 2025 His Excellency Rtd. Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, has lauded the transport sector for its ongoing commitment to innovation and modernization during a visit to the Transport Sector Booth at the National Civic Festival.
The President’s remarks came as he toured the Technology, Innovation, and Infrastructure Zone at the opening of the festival, held at the Youyi Building grounds in Freetown. He commended efforts aimed at enhancing service delivery within the sector.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Bhonapha, welcomed President Bio and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for organizing the event. Bhonapha characterized the festival as a vital platform for engaging with citizens, allowing them to better understand the mandates, reforms, and achievements of key ministries.
He outlined the core responsibilities of the Ministry and highlighted the nine agencies it supervises, emphasizing the unique opportunity the festival provides to showcase ongoing reforms and technological advancements designed to improve transport services across Sierra Leone.
During the tour, James Bio, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), updated President Bio on the agency’s expanding digital services. The President examined the digitized process for obtaining a driver’s license, including the use of mobile vehicle stations, and learned about enhanced security features embedded in vehicle number plates, aimed at combating fraud.
Aviation sector officials also engaged with the President, providing insights into the Ministry of Transport and Aviation’s mandate and progress in air transport. They underscored ongoing initiatives to bolster safety oversight and improve aviation services nationwide.
Mahmoud Kamara, Senior Information Officer of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, highlighted key achievements, including the inaugural edition of the ministry’s magazine, which documents significant reforms and innovations in the transport sector.
Additionally, Dr. Daniel Kaitibi, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, briefed the President on initiatives to enhance maritime safety and security, stressing that the welfare of sea travelers remains a top priority.
In concluding his remarks, President Bio commended the transport sector for adopting technology to increase efficiency, transparency, and public safety. He encouraged continued collaboration among sector institutions to advance safe, reliable, and modern transport systems that contribute to national development.
The National Civic Festival continues to act as a platform for public education, civic engagement, and promoting government accountability through direct interaction between citizens and their state institutions.
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