In his first official international engagement since assuming office, the National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, delivered a powerful keynote address at the SLPP United Kingdom & Ireland (UK&I) Region General Meeting held in London on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
The event drew party stalwarts, diaspora members, and friends of the SLPP who gathered to hear Chairman Songa outline his vision and reaffirm the Party’s commitment to unity, discipline, and national development.
Opening with a tribute to the Party’s Founding Fathers and fallen heroes of the UK&I Region, Sir Jimmy called on attendees to honour their sacrifices by upholding the values that built the SLPP. “Our Party was not built in a day,” he said, referencing the legacy of Sir Milton Margai and others. “May their legacy continue to inspire us.”
A central theme of his address was the UK&I Region’s critical role in the SLPP’s journey to power. Describing the Region as the “birthplace of the JMB Agenda,” he acknowledged its strategic role in mobilising support for President Julius Maada Bio’s successful presidential campaigns. “History will never forget your contribution to our 2018 and 2023 victories,” he declared.
Chairman Songa made it unequivocally clear that his leadership would be marked by unwavering loyalty to President Bio. “I have no separate agenda,” he emphasised. “The SLPP has only one Leader His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.”
Amid rising political tensions and speculation surrounding succession, Sir Jimmy urged party members to remain focused. “This is not the season for flagbearer debates,” he warned. “It is the season for discipline, governance, and delivery for implementing the Big Five Game Changers.”
The Chairman outlined his immediate priorities: uniting the Party, strengthening internal structures, and preparing for a historic third-term win through democratic and peaceful means. He called on the UK&I Region to organise sub-committees and align closely with the National Secretariat to build a formidable campaign machine ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Pledging humility, fairness, and servant leadership, Sir Jimmy expressed gratitude to President Bio and the Party for their trust. “This is not a privilege, but a duty,” he said. “Together, we will make SLPP stronger and more responsive to the aspirations of our people.”
As the Party rallies around the President’s transformative “Big Five” agenda, the Chairman’s message was clear: unity, loyalty, and disciplined service to the nation must guide the SLPP’s path forward.
“One Country. One People.”
