By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) held its 22nd annual Muslim thanksgiving ceremony on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Jammatul Ilmo-Zikr Mosque on Hill Station in Freetown. The event, which served as a moment of gratitude and reflection, showcased NASSIT’s commitment to fostering communal harmony and celebrating shared values.
During the thanksgiving, NASSIT generously donated foodstuffs and cash to the mosque, underscoring the institution’s dedication to supporting religious and community initiatives, reflecting a spirit of unity and social responsibility.
Addressing the jammah, NASSIT Director General, Fuad Daboh expressed profound gratitude to the mosque’s spiritual leaders and congregation for their warm reception and partnership in hosting the thanksgiving event.
The Director General emphasized the interconnectedness of mercy, spirituality and financial security. He highlighted the importance of seeking divine mercy and protection, a universal practice among Christians and Muslims alike, particularly in managing responsibilities as significant as safeguarding retirement savings. He reflected on human fallibility, stressing the need for prayer and divine guidance in fulfilling NASSIT’s mission.
“This event is not only an opportunity to thank God for our achievements but also to seek His blessings for future endeavors,” he said. “The task of managing the nation’s social security comes with its challenges and we continually rely on God for wisdom and protection.”
The Director General also shed light on NASSIT’s efforts to expand its services to the informal sector, including market traders and bike riders. He reiterated the institution’s goal of ensuring financial security for all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of their economic status. According to him, plans are underway to develop schemes tailored to informal workers, enabling them to save and invest for their retirement.
“Our aim is to establish a framework by the end of the year that provides informal workers with opportunities for saving and investment,” he remarked.
On behalf of the mosque, Chief Imam, Chernor Mohamed Jalloh, expressed his honor at hosting the NASSIT family. He described the choice of their mosque for the thanksgiving ceremony as a blessing, highlighting the significance of NASSIT’s work in securing the future of Sierra Leoneans.
The Chief Imam urged NASSIT to remain committed to serving the people of Sierra Leone with righteousness and the fear of Allah. He praised the institution’s efforts in ensuring retirees receive their benefits with ease and emphasized the trust placed in NASSIT by workers whose salaries are deducted for their future security.
“It is not an easy task to handle the retirement savings of so many people. NASSIT must ensure that workers receive what they have worked for peacefully,” Alhaji Jalloh stated. He concluded by thanking the organization for their donation and prayed for their continued success and protection.
On Sunday, 19th January 2025, the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) held a deeply inspiring Christian Thanksgiving Service at St. Anthony’s Parish on Syke Street. The service drew a significant congregation, including NASSIT staff, their families, and other dignitaries. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and reverence as attendees gathered to offer thanks for the past year’s achievements and seek blessings for the year ahead. The church’s choir uplifted the spirits with soul-stirring hymns, and the sermon delivered by the parish priest emphasized unity, faith, and the importance of social responsibility.
In his address, NASSIT Director-General expressed heartfelt appreciation to the staff for their dedication and to the public for their trust in the institution. He reiterated NASSIT’s commitment to serving the people of Sierra Leone with integrity and efficiency. This service marked the beginning of a series of activities aimed at fostering a culture of gratitude and service within NASSIT. It was not just a religious gathering but a reaffirmation of the organization’s mission to support the social security of the nation, making it a pivotal moment for both the institution and the community it serves.
The 22nd annual thanksgiving ceremony exemplified NASSIT’s values of gratitude, unity and service to the community. As the institution works towards expanding its reach and enhancing its services, an event like this highlights its commitment to fostering a harmonious and secure future for all Sierra Leoneans.
