President Bio & First Lady Pay Last Respect To Hon. Minkailu Mansaray
๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ , ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ, ๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ฐ๐ง, ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ฒ 22 ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ 2026 โ
His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, attended the Lying-in-State Ceremony and signed the Book of Condolence in honour of the late Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, a distinguished statesman remembered for his dedicated service to Sierra Leone, commitment to peacebuilding, and exemplary political leadership.
The solemn ceremony brought together political leaders, family members, friends, and well-wishers who paid tribute to the late politician, describing him as a unifier, mentor, father figure, and champion of democracy whose contributions positively impacted countless lives across the country.
Delivering the opening and closing prayers, City Imam, Sheikh Abubakarr Conteh, reminded mourners of the transient nature of life and the importance of living purposefully.
โFrom Allah we came, and to Him we shall return. Every soul shall taste death. We must reflect on the lives we live and the contributions we make while we still have the opportunity,โ he said.
The Imam described Hon. Mansaray as one of Sierra Leoneโs illustrious sons, who distinguished himself as a statesman, economist, politician, and development-oriented leader. He prayed for Allahโs mercy and forgiveness upon him and noted that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Paying tribute on behalf of the Sierra Leone Peopleโs Party (SLPP) Parliamentary Group, Majority Leader, Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma, described the late politician as an elder statesman whose commitment to peace, unity, and national cohesion remained unwavering throughout his public life.
โWhile we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the life and legacy of a man who consistently placed Sierra Leone first. He was a giant in our political landscape and a relentless advocate for peace and national unity,โ Hon. Nyuma said.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, expressed appreciation to President Bio for the support and solidarity extended to the APC and the bereaved family during their period of mourning.
He described Hon. Mansaray as a father figure and mentor, whose wisdom shaped generations of young politicians.
โHe taught us tolerance, and the importance of placing the collective good above personal interests. His influence extended far beyond politics,โ Hon. Kargbo noted.
Acting APC National Chairman, Hon. Osman Foday Yansaneh, also thanked President Bio for his timely intervention and support during the late politicianโs illness and following his passing.
He described Hon. Mansaray as a respected statesman, champion of democracy, outstanding legislator, and dedicated public servant, whose contributions to the APC and the nation would never be forgotten.
Speaking on behalf of the SLPP, the Partyโs National Chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa, extended condolences to the APC leadership and the bereaved family, describing the late Hon. Mansaray as a leader who consistently promoted unity, justice, freedom, and peace.
โHis legacy should serve as an example for all political leaders. He believed in country above self and demonstrated the qualities of an ethical and patriotic statesman,โ he said.
An emotional moment during the ceremony came when the late politicianโs daughter, Matilda Kanu, delivered a heartfelt tribute to her father.
She described him as a loving family man, mentor, storyteller, and role model, whose lessons on integrity, hard work, patience, and kindness profoundly shaped the lives of his children.
โDaddy, I am blessed to have had you as my father. Your life was a blessing, and your memory will forever remain in our hearts. May the Lord grant you eternal peace,โ she said.
Born on 12 June 1952 in Bankolay, Cline Town, Freetown, Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray built a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors. Before entering politics, he held senior positions within Sierra Leoneโs insurance industry, eventually serving as Managing Director of a leading insurance company.
His political career within the All Peopleโs Congress (APC) spanned several decades, during which he served as Youth League Leader, Western Area Chairman, Deputy National Chairman and Leader, and later National Chairman. He was widely regarded as one of the partyโs most respected elder statesmen and served on its highest decision-making bodies.
As a Member of Parliament, he became known for his strong advocacy on behalf of his constituents and for national development. He later served in the administration of former President Ernest Bai Koroma as Minister of Labour and Social Security and subsequently as Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources.
The Parliamentary Lying-in-State Ceremony provided an opportunity for Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life to honour and celebrate the life, service, and enduring legacy of a distinguished statesman whose contributions to democracy, peace, and national development will continue to inspire generations.
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