By Richmond B Tholley
It is with deep sorrow and heavy heart that I write this sorrowful tribute of Mr. Ansu Momoh, the Director of Community Affairs at Leone Rock Metal Group.
I learned about the death of Mr Momoh through Bashir Koroma, one of Leone Rock's media handlers. Koroma posted an official announcement about the passing of Momoh in a WhatsApp group.
I was dumbfounded and my first comment was What with a crying emoji because I was surprised to hear that the man I spoke with a few days ago was dead.
I later called Bashir Koroma over the phone to confirm and to further know the cause of death. With a cool voice, Bashir Koroma confirmed to me that Momoh was no more. I couldn't do anything throughout the day.
A friend, brother, pillar and someone I can rely on, the late Ansu Momoh came to this world like a candle; he brightened the lives of others and suddenly disappeared living in darkness the majority who have been enjoying his light.
This tribute is coming late days after the death of Mr Momoh because I was shocked. I tried many times to write a tribute about my good friend but my hands were trembling, and the pen was shaking. I wanted to write but I couldn't.
Mr. Momoh was a dedicated leader, an advocate for community development, and a man who inspired those around him to become better.
I have known Ansu Momoh for some time. It was around 2022 when he was the Deputy Community Affairs Manager for Leone Rock, which was immediately after PC Dr Masakama Madibie II was elected Paramount Chief of Kafe Chiefdom Momoh and his Leone Rock team used to go to Kafe on Officially assignments on behalf of the compa, y and I was the media man of the Paramount Chief.
But in all those years, the late Ansu Momoh did not recognize me until in 2024 when I published a story about the neglect of Leone Rock on the Bumbuna Magburaka road on Independent Observer Newspaper and Sierraloaded. That story brought us together, and it started what I will describe as a brotherhood and friendship that lasted for a few times but impacted both of us and the Leone Rock company.
Immediately after I published that story, he reached out to me over the phone. We became friends and later brothers. Days to his death, we had a conversation over the phone, and he told me he was in Kenema attending a funeral service.
The company has indeed lost an asset. The late Momoh was the man who would try his best to ensure he befriends journalists that are critical against Leone Rock. After making you his friend, he will then have a dialogue with you and persuade you to see the need to support the company to leave an impact and sustainable development in the lives of Sierra Leoneans and the Communities around.
For Ansu Momoh, writing articles against the company won't make it go, but supporting it will positively impact communities around the country through corporate social responsibility and other development programs.
His passion for fostering strong relationships between Leone Rock Metal Group and the communities, especially the Chiefdoms of Tonkolili, was unparalleled.
A committed community advocate, Momoh made a lasting impact on countless lives and left an indelible mark around Tonkolili District. No wonder why his death shocked many and he's mourned all over the District.
Mr. Momoh was not just a friend; he was a stalwart and a pillar of our Communities around Tonkolili District.
His light illuminated the lives of everyone who crossed paths with him. His laughter could chase away the darkest of days, and his smile had the remarkable ability to ease our worries, reminding us of the beauty of life.
As I mourn this profound loss, I'm happy that I'm also celebrating the remarkable life of a community advocate who was more than a friend and an elder brother, he was a mentor, leader and a development colossus who impacted the lives of many.
I'm joining the Momo family, Leone Rock Metal Group, the people of Tonkolili District an, all those who have met with the late man to mourn this great leader and mentor. Ansu Momoh will be missed by many.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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