Death, they say should not bring sorrow since everybody succumbs to the law of impermanence. Notwithstanding its inevitability, it does bring about an avalanche of sorrows when it lays its claws on people you least expect to die and the demise of Ralph Simeon Sesay is no exception.
I actually got to know him, two years ago during a recruitment interview which subsequently led to his appointment as the Njala University Public Relations Officer, and my expert opinion sought by the panel by the then VC&P, Professor Abdallah Mansaray coupled with Ralph’s outstanding performance, gave him a vantage edge.
On the job, his performance unarguably and without prejudice, was top notched and his legacies in smokescreening major developments undertaken by the Administrations of Professor Abdallah Mansaray, Professor Osman A. Sankoh (MALLAM O) and Professor Andrew Augustine Baimba, will remain indelible, a footprint difficult to erase and a benchmark difficult to attain.
His circle of acquaintance especially with media practitioners given his rich background as a former Public Relations Officer for African Minerals and Editor, Night Watch Newspaper, gave Njala University the required prominence on almost all local tabloids in Sierra Leone and gladly though, we collectively succeeded in making Njala a cynosure of focus, myself being his shadow editor and he did same for me for all my publications.
In our rural Njala setting, Ralph was quick to acclimatize and certainly he made lots of friends in and out of the University circles. He was indeed an extrovert and a good mixer whose magnanimity hovered around most of his closed associates including me. He made lots of sacrifices for me while I was pursuing my Law degree and he would often remind me, “fellow, focus on u law programme”.
Save the few trusted and loyal friends, Lakoh, Bobson, Director Santigie Sesay, Dr. Koker et al, many failed to realize how bonded we both were. His residence in Njala was our parliament. He wouldn’t eat breakfast without me ‘’Joe cam drink Tea’’ and he would after work, call me over to the Forest for few pints at often his own expense albeit, I am better off with just two pints and he would say ‘’Joe get light head e nor get mind drink pas 2 pints beer”. Fond memories of him, I would always miss.
Did I mention the Pathfinder you gave me for pittance? “Joe ge me anytin nor mor, u na mi brother”
Weeks before his death, he gave me two assignments, one being personal and executory and the other to produce a jingle for School of Natural Resources Management.
While on sick leave in Freetown, we talked daily and he would always tell me “Joe ar nor well”. Knowing the justifiable need for money to offset his medical bills, I pestered the Executive of the Senior Administrative Staff Association, SASA for assistance and gracefully, our President Thomas Songu endorsed approval for a medical pursue for him. Days after being in receipt of the amounts raised, his health became worrisome and we again with the consent and assistance of the University Administration doled out another sum to him , a team of staff including Dr. Koker, Director Santigie Sesay, Bobson, Lakok, Cidi and I visited him at ADRA Hospital in Waterloo where we met him on Life Support. We all wept yet optimistic that he would join us soon. The following day, he was out of coma; alas! Our fears had been allayed. We spoke and as usual he remarked “Joe ar nor well”. Given the need for help, I together with his friends including the ASA President, Dr. Brima Gegbeh, raised contributions for him which we later converted for his burial after news broke out that ‘’Ralph is dead’’. I immediately aborted my Sunday service to embark on a journey to Waterloo together with our Team.
Life indeed could be cruel at times. Sad knowing that I could champion raising of funds for Ralph.
Sad appreciating that I could attempt scribbling a tribute for Ralph and with certainty, I know he would have done same for me if I were among the young souls to have joined the litany of souls already nabbed by death.
Ralph Simeon Sesay, you know I spend less than 30 minutes to write my articles, haplessly though, I spent over 4 days thinking of what to write for you. Pardon me if this piece does not reflect my pen ‘cox’ I know it’s not one of my best articles. Discordantly, I still can’t see myself writing a Tribute for you.
Two University Congregations, we anchored successfully. How would next Year’s ceremony be like without your inputs? Where would you be to celebrate my next achievement in a career you had always told me to pay attention to?
I still would recall days ago after your death, you visited me and told me “wuna nor forget mi pikin dem”. We would endeavour as Friends to be of help to them as an extension of your aid to us.
Words can’t express the vacuum your demised has caused. You left so many projects unattended to and many ‘businesses’ unfinished. I certainly cannot accomplish them alone but I would attempt some in honour of your dying declarations.
Death will come when it’s rife and ripe to come. It’s a phase we all have to pass through, sleep on and take your rest. Your transient stay in Njala coupled with your indelible legacies, will forever linger in the hearts of many and Njala University will forever miss you.
On behalf of my family, Friends (GURU FAMILY, CHAPTER ONE, SWAG FAMILY, NU RADIO, SASA,SLAJ, D CATALYST COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA EMPIRE & ENABLE NJALA) I pray for the Good Lord to have mercy upon your soul.
Rest in peace brother till we meet again on that beautiful shore.
© D CATALYST COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA EMPIRE
jhindolokurabu@gmail.com
