President Maada Bio Lauds Amazing
Hospitality of Rotarians, As Freetown Hosts 9th
District Assembly Of Rotary Int’l

The 9th District Assembly and Conference of Rotary International, comprising Ghana, Guinea, Togo,
Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, among others, held in the capital city of Freetown, Sierra Leone,
for five days – March 22-26 — to fraternize in the fellowship of the global Rotary family.
Rotarians from different countries converged for an event that unveiled the oneness and togetherness of
the Rotary family where everyone, including the newly-inducted and incoming members, were treated
with love and cordiality in an atmosphere of camaraderie. No wonder the First Citizen of the Republic
of Sierra Leone took time off his busy schedule to make an appearance and speak to the delegates.
His Excellency, The President, Brig Julius Maada Bio (retd), in his usual style of presentation, brought
humor to the listening pleasure of the audience made up of Rotarians, Rotaracts, Interactors, etc.
He described Sierra Leone as one of the most peaceful countries in Africa, and the people as one of
the friendliest in the world even as he encouraged participants to enjoy the leisure of the seafood and
other delicacies available in the country.

President Bio noted: “I have been impressed with the emphasis on the power of one that is central to
the principles of your organization – the idea that each individual is a global citizen and, working with
others can touch lives in the other parts of our planet, including Sierra Leone.”
On her part, the immediate past Assistant Governor of Rotary 9101, Rotarian Sheila John, who also
co-chairs of the Host Organising Committee of the event said she felt honored and was delighted to
have her fellow Rotarians from over 10 countries in Africa to Freetown to deliberate on the progress
and challenges of their Club, adding: “Rotarians in Sierra Leone wish you all a wonderful and
successful time in our beloved country. Thank you.”

The International Rotary President, Shekhar Mehta, noted that Rotary was an institution of community
service where ordinary people are motivated to reach top height, and serving people was the service of
paying rent on earth. “I hope you take the knowledge gained at this District Conference back to your
Clubs to help them succeed throughout the coming year. Together, we will achieve great things as we
serve to change lives.”