His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio welcomed the leadership of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL) and Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, to discuss the upcoming centenary celebration of CCSL in April this year.

The meeting aimed to discuss the theme of the centenary celebration: “Celebrating our past. Committing to the Present and inspiring a hopeful future.” Minister Karminty highlighted CCSL's role as the second-oldest Christian council in Africa, established in 1924, and its critical role in peacebuilding efforts after the war in Sierra Leone.

President Bio acknowledged the history and significant contributions of CCSL, especially during the war, praising their efforts in maintaining peace. He accepted the invitation to serve as the Grand Chief Patron of the centenary celebration and launch it on April 1, 2024. The celebration is set to continue throughout the year, concluding with a grand thanksgiving service on September 22, 2024.

Rev. Henry Samuels, President of CCSL, expressed gratitude to President Bio and extended greetings in the name of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He officially invited President Bio to serve as the Grand Chief Patron of the centenary celebration and launch it on April 1, 2024. The celebration is set to continue throughout the year, concluding with a grand thanksgiving service on September 22, 2024.

Rev. Henry Samuels revealed plans for a centenary building project, describing it as a monumental testimony to God’s glory for 100 years of service to God and the nation.

President Bio emphasized the importance of recognizing organizations like CCSL, Inter-Religious Council, Women’s Group, and others for their pivotal roles in ensuring peace during challenging times in Sierra Leone.

“We should celebrate CCSL; they played a very important role, making it possible for others to come and intervene,” President Bio acknowledged, highlighting the enduring impact of CCSL on the nation’s history.

President Bio reiterated his commitment to supporting the centenary celebration and encouraged other organizations and individuals to join in celebrating the remarkable achievements of CCSL over the past century.

In conclusion, the President's acceptance of the invitation to serve as the Grand Chief Patron for the CCSL centenary celebration highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of religious organizations to peace and development in Sierra Leone.