The Board of Trustees, Management, and Staff of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) on Tuesday, 13th January 2026, officially opened and signed books of condolence in honour of the late Prof. Lawrence Joseph Aruna Kamara and Dr. Michael Jonny, both former Chairmen of the NASSIT Board of Trustees.
The solemn ceremony was held to mourn their passing and to celebrate their remarkable contributions to NASSIT and national development.
Delivering a tribute on behalf of the Board, Madam Sarah Thomas Kamara, a member of the NASSIT Board of Trustees, described the occasion as one marked by deep sorrow. She noted that the gathering was not only to mourn the loss of colleagues and brothers but also to honour their exceptional service and dedication to the institutions they served.
She emphasized that before their deaths, both Prof. Kamara and Dr. Jonny were committed servants of NASSIT and Sierra Leone as a whole. According to her, during their active service they demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, dedication, and a strong willingness to work selflessly for the benefit of the people.
“As Chairmen of the Board of Trustees, they mentored many individuals they encountered and inspired them to become better personalities in society,” Madam Kamara stated.
She added that their truthfulness, courage, and commitment to service will remain a source of inspiration and hope to all those whose lives they touched.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Tucker, Deputy Director of the Bank of Sierra Leone, described the late Chairmen as dedicated public servants and role models to many, especially those who worked closely with them. He said that despite their high positions, they remained humble, approachable, and always eager to learn.
Dr. Tucker further disclosed that following their appointment as Board Chairmen in 2025, they introduced a culture of humanity and teamwork, which was deeply appreciated by staff and stakeholders. He described them as soft spoken leaders whose words were always rooted in truth, wisdom, and integrity.
“Today, we are not only mourning the loss of two heroes, but we are also celebrating their wisdom, leadership, and commitment to human capital development,” he remarked.
The Director General of NASSIT, Mr. Mohamed Fuad Daboh, in his tribute, noted that both men were appointed less than six months prior to their untimely deaths. Despite the short period, he said they left a lasting impact through their mentorship and collaborative leadership style.
Mr. Daboh recalled knowing them during their school days, describing them as senior colleagues who were always willing and ready to assist others in order to help them grow and succeed. He stressed that their passing is not only a great loss to NASSIT but also to Sierra Leone as a whole.
“They stood as symbols of true leadership, wisdom, and commitment to the public good,” he said.
He also highlighted that both Prof. Kamara and Dr. Jonny were devoted Catholic Christians who served institutions that directly impacted the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans. He encouraged mourners to take comfort in their strong Christian values and faith.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Daboh assured the families of the deceased that they were not alone during this difficult time and urged them to remain steadfast in faith, trusting in the Lord for strength and comfort.
