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First Lady Fatima Maada Bio visits church sites during Utah trip

Fatima Maada Bio First Lady of Sierra Leone | Official Website

Fatima Maada Bio, the first lady of Sierra Leone, concluded a two-day visit to sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah. During her visit, she expressed appreciation for the experience, stating, “I’ve had a wonderful time, and I’ve learned so much.”

On October 21, 2024, Her Excellency toured Welfare Square in Salt Lake City. The tour was led by Elder S. Gifford Nielsen and his wife Wendy, along with Sharon Eubank, director of Humanitarian Services for the global Church. Elder Nielsen explained to the first lady how the Church teaches self-reliance principles to help those in need.

Sister Eubank added that their efforts are driven by faith: “We do this out of our faith in the love of Jesus Christ,” she said. “We want to give evidence that we love God by loving our neighbors.”

The following day, Fatima Maada Bio met with Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman and Sister J. Anette Dennis at Temple Square's Relief Society Building. The sisters had previously met Her Excellency during a visit to Africa.

Later that day, Elder D. Todd Christofferson and his wife Kathy hosted a dinner for the first lady at the Church Office Building. They discussed her experience at Welfare Square while enjoying views from the 26th floor.

“That’s a fantastic program,” she remarked about learning that recipients also volunteer their services there. Elder Christofferson noted that “they give as well as receive.” Welfare Square features facilities such as a bishops’ storehouse and thrift store.

Her Excellency also visited Holdman Studios in Lehi, known for creating art glass for temples worldwide including one under construction in Freetown Sierra Leone.

Looking ahead to next year’s Strengthening Families Conference in Freetown—an interfaith event sponsored by the Church—the first lady expressed enthusiasm: “It’s a conference that will bring diverse people to our country,” she said.

Reflecting on her trip to Utah overall she shared positive sentiments: “It’s a wonderful city," she concluded "beautiful people... I’m very grateful to be here.”