Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, has congratulated Martina Baindu Egbenda, Esq., on her election as President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), describing her achievement as an inspiration for women aspiring to leadership positions.

In a congratulatory message, the First Lady praised Egbenda’s journey to the presidency, noting that it demonstrated how ambition, when anchored in steadfastness, commitment to service and integrity, could lead to meaningful leadership.

Bio said she was proud to support Egbenda, emphasising her belief that everyone deserves a fair opportunity to rise, lead and make a difference.

She described the election as a reminder that women, when given opportunities to lead, can inspire change and open doors for others.

“Girl Power. Better Service. Stronger Institutions,” the First Lady stated, expressing optimism about Egbenda’s leadership of the legal profession.

She urged the incoming SLBA president to unite members of the Bar, strengthen institutional cohesion and uphold the integrity of the legal profession while serving the nation with distinction.

Bio also wished Egbenda success as she begins her tenure, ending her message with the celebratory expressions, “EGBENDA! EBEMA!” alongside a heart symbol.

Egbenda’s election marks a significant development for the Sierra Leone Bar Association, with expectations that her leadership will advance unity, professionalism and effective service within the legal profession.