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In Memory of Paramount Chief Alpha Lalugba Kaisamba I
Working towards a more educated, capable, tolerating, and inclusive chiefdom, PC Kaisamba developed the foundation that has and continues to be the economic backbone of a nation. May his soul rest in peace and our work continue to exalt his good name, work, and spirit both in Sierra Leone and the United States. |
‘It is not good for our family to prosper and our neighbors to
struggle…’ was perhaps the most notable phrase from the 1932 inauguration
speech by Paramount Chief Alpha Lalugba Kaisamba I. During my last 8 trips
to Sierra Leone and countless hours of
interviewing tribal elders on the full and complete history of Nongowa
Chiefdom (Kenema Township), I am especially proud
to have named the foundation after the leader that many regarded as “The
Great Developmentalist”. PC Kaisamba transformed Kenema from a small village
into the 3rd largest city and the business capital of Sierra
Leone - now commonly referred to as “Expensive Kenema”. Through his unique
position as a member of the landowning Kahunla-Kaisamba family and the
traditional ruler of the chiefdom, he coordinated the donation of 2 square
miles of land to the Catholic Mission, Bank of Sierra Leone, 50 acres to the
development of Kenema Secondary School, Kenema Government Hospital, Poly
Tech. Institute, and countless others in order to encourage growth and
development.