By Mustapha Dumbuya
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Abdul Karim Dumbuya (AKD), a true son of Maforki Chiefdom, who left a lasting impression on our hearts and minds. His legacy of kindness and compassion will always be remembered and cherished. While I am still shocked at his sudden passing, I am choosing to celebrate his life and his inspiring impact on those around him.
AKD was an exceptional man whose inspiring journey is worth celebrating. Writing a tribute to him still feels unreal, but I take a moment to honour his remarkable life and legacy. It is hard to accept that a man who was full of life just a week after his wedding to his beautiful wife, is no longer with us. I saw the shared photos and videos where he and his bride were beaming with smiles as they danced joyfully, celebrating their Big Day. AKD was a shining light of Port Loko, always leading by example and inspiring those around him to be better. Death has indeed snatched away a beautiful soul with a golden heart.
I would like to use a part of this tribute to talk to the man himself directly. AKD, since your passing, I have listened to and read messages from many young people reminiscing about your impact on their lives. This makes me remember how I first met you. It was at your office at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, where you worked as a public relations officer. We had been introduced by a mutual friend and brother, Abu Bakar Kamara, who looked up to you as an elder brother. He told me about your moral support towards him. “Could he take another younger brother,” I enquired. “I’m sure he would”, responded Abubakar. And indeed, he was right. You became that big brother after we met in 2007; I had just finished Secondary school and applied to enroll at the university, where your guidance and moral support helped me to settle in nicely.
Your love for your heritage was evident in everything you did, and your pride in where you came from was contagious. You loved Port Loko unconditionally, and I am not sure I know anyone who loved Maforki Chiefdom as dearly as you did. Friends who knew you well nicknamed you after your home, Maforki. You graciously answered that name with pride. You are a modernist, keeping a balance and guided by the positive traditions of your heritage.
I write this with a smile, recalling one of our chats on corruption and bad governance, where you suggested that African nations like Sierra Leone should reconsider the use of Islamic and Christian scriptures and replace them with African traditional belief systems for administering oaths like “Gbomsweh”, a curse that is widely feared. This would sound like a joke, but I knew it came from a place of frustration as public officials consistently disregarded oaths because they believed there were no immediate consequences compared to Gbomsweh. “Africa solutions to African problems,” you said jokingly.
While AKD’s legacy is endless across the different institutions and places he lived, his passion for empowering his community will stand the test of time. He believed in human rights for all and that people should have the agency to discuss matters that impact their lives. To give his people a voice, he helped establish Radio Bankasoka, a vibrant community radio station in his home city of Port Loko.
The irony of life is, as the Public Relations Manager of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, AKD, educated us all about road safety, it is sad that we have lost you and your elder brother through this fatal car crash.
AKD was always there for his friends, offering a listening ear and wise advice whenever needed. His kindness and generosity knew no bounds, and his presence brought joy to all who knew him in Port Loko and beyond.
Let me again talk to my brother directly. I will never forget the impact you had on my life and the lives of so many others. Your legacy will live on in our shared memories and the lessons you taught us to love unconditionally and look after our people. Rest in peace, my dear friend and big brother. You will always hold a special place in my heart. That’s life; they say it’s a stage where you get on, play your role, and exit it. AKD, you did play your role excellently and left a legacy that will continue to inspire all generations of Marforkians. As we say in Salone, Make God gi yu Gud Road!
