Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Amidst the recent wave of appointments made by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, one name stands out as a beacon of unwavering competence and promise. Meet Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio, the young and dynamic General Manager of the Sierra Leone Port Authority, affectionately known among his peers as “Jada.”
The selection of this Logistics and Maritime Specialist has garnered widespread approval, resonating positively with operators, service providers at the Port, and various associated agencies across the nation. Notably, applause and cheers have echoed not only from his loyal supporters but also from countless young men and women who have been beneficiaries of his commitment to creating opportunities over the years.
With a wealth of over 15 years of experience in Logistics and Port operations, Yankuba’s journey began as a Sales Supervisor at Sierra Leone Brewery, where he imbibed the core principles of professionalism, diligence, responsibility, and performance. His trajectory continued as he assumed the role of Logistics Supervisor at Bollore Africa Logistics, a subcontractor for the formidable London Mining, overseeing a workforce of over 100 individuals. His role was pivotal in managing procurement and logistics, integral components of the mining giant’s operations.
Yankuba Askia Bio’s dedication and professionalism left an indelible mark at London Mining, where he emerged as a respected figure among colleagues. Tragedy struck during the Ebola outbreak, halting the company’s progress, but Yankuba’s leadership potential had already begun to shine.
Over the past five years, Yankuba served as Deputy General Manager at the Sierra Leone Port Authority, playing an instrumental role in its transformative journey. His ascendancy to this prominent role underpins a remarkable career trajectory:
Team Leader at UNICEF
Logistics Superintendent at Bollore Africa Logistics (Marampa Mines)
Country Procurement Director at Bollore
Deputy General Manager at SLPA
Yankuba’s academic foundation includes an undergraduate degree in Linguistics/Literature from Njala University, complemented by a Postgraduate Masters in Public Administration. His array of professional qualifications, including his Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) accreditation, underscores his aptitude to lead the Sierra Leone Port Authority.
When questioned about his pivotal position as the New Director General, Yankuba remarked, “I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency President Bio for bestowing upon me the responsibility of heading this critical agency. The Port serves as the gateway to our economy, and its role in driving His Excellency’s ambitious Big Five Agenda is pivotal. My commitment is to enhance the Authority’s efficiency, security, and customer confidence through professional responsiveness. Reduced turnaround times and enhanced services are central to our vision,” he concluded.
Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio’s appointment heralds a new era of promise and advancement for the Sierra Leone Port Authority. His vision, honed expertise, and dedication are poised to catalyze positive transformations, aligning seamlessly with the nation’s progress under President Bio’s visionary leadership. (Advertorial)
