Ebola is still around, we should not relent says Rtd. Brig. Bio in Bo

As over 50,000 people came out to welcome Rtd. Brig. Bio in Bo district, the former head of state told officials at the Bo District Emergency Response Centre that Ebola is still around and we should not relent.

Speaking on Saturday 24th October to officials at the Bo District Emergency Response Centre, Rtd. Brig. Bio thanked the officials at the centre for their relentless efforts to wipe out the Ebola scourge. Rtd. Brig. Bio also thanked the security sector and international partners for their contributions to the fight in the district. He maintained that he was in Bo to add his voice to the social mobilisation efforts and asked the officials that if they had any new message he would like to know so he will spread it across to the people so that Ebola can be eradicated.

Earlier at the command centre, Mr S.K Foryoh of Bo District Emergency Response Centre heartily welcomed Rtd. Brig. Bio and his entourage. He explained that they have been able to tackle Ebola due to active social mobilisation and cooperation amongst the many sectors. Mr. Foryoh stated that the social mobilisation strategy has been working and that amongst other things they have maintained good hygiene practices.

Later at the Bo stadium, Rtd. Brig. Bio addressed thousands of people. In his address at the Bo stadium, Rtd. Brig. Bio thanked the people for their contributions towards the Ebola fight and for the massive welcome. He reiterated his message that he was not in Bo for politics but to contribute to the social mobilisation drive. Rtd. Brig. Bio said Ebola has proven to be a stubborn disease and we should not relent but do whatever we can to eradicate it. To loud cheers, Rtd. Brig. Bio stated “When we defeat Ebola I will come around again to thank you all for a job well done”.

Other speakers at the Bo Stadium included, the SLPP Regional Chairman, Hon. Edward Soluku, District Chairman, Alhaji Kanja I. Sesay, 2012 Running Mate Candidate, Dr. Kadie Sesay and senior authorities in the district. They all praised Rtd. Brig. Bio and highlighted his various contributions since the ebola outbreak.

As if it was showers of blessing, thousands of people walked in the rain covering nearly 5 miles to the stadium. However, because of the small capacity of the stadium, it could not accommodate thousands of people whilst many who managed to enter had to stand throughout the programme.

Earlier on his way to the city of Bo, Rtd. Brig. Bio also made a brief stop at Taiama where he admonished hundreds of people at the compund of Chief Brewa for them not to relent in the fight against Ebola until the country is declared free.

A senior political commentator who witnessed the social mobilisation event in Bo said “The presence of Bio has brought back the city into life after many months of distress from the atrocities caused by ebola. Almost all hotel rooms have been booked. Bars are full as if it is a carnival. Drinks have been sold out in most pubs. Okada riders seem to have a good day in their business. The young man is really popular amongst ordinary people and adding his voice to the social mobilisation will make a huge impact because the people see him as their leader”.

It can be recalled that in August 2014 at the peak of the Ebola outbreak, it was in Bo district where Rtd. Brig. Bio announced that he was donating hundreds of bags of rice to Ebola victims across the country and also visited a quarantined home. Rtd. Brig. Bio was the first senior national politician who started the donation of rice to ebola victims.

Meanwhile, the Bo District Ebola Task Force awarded a plaque to Rtd. Brig. Bio for his contributions towards the eradication of the disease in the district.

Stay tuned for more updates and pictures as Rtd. Brig. Bio continues the second phase of his social mobilisation tour with the theme “Paopa Ebola for don”

Julius Maada Bio Media and Communications Team

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