The Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, has been awarded the prestigious global title of the Most Outstanding Personality in Public Insurance and Social Security in Africa by Bold Solution, under the auspices of the African Development Conference.
The event, which took place at the Kempinski hotel during the 5th edition of the African Public Service Optimum Awards in Accra, Ghana, on Thursday, 18th December 2025, was attended by a galaxy of high-profile personalities, including ambassadors and senior Ghanaian government officials.
Before the awards, this Sierra Leonean technocrat was part of a crucial conversation that would shape the destiny of Africa on the theme: BUILDING AFRICA THROUGH LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT.
In his acceptance statement, the NASSIT Director General expressed his delight at the award, which he stated was a testament to hard work and commitment to improving the lives of the people of Sierra Leone through the NASSIT social insurance scheme. He paid tribute to the Board, Management and staff of the Trust for their support throughout the years.
“This award does not belong to me only; it also belongs to my team at NASSIT and the President, His Excellency Rtd, Brigadier General Julius Maada Bio, and the people of Sierra Leone”, Mr Daboh emphasised.
The Director General went on to thank the organisers, The Bold Solution, for their kind consideration, saying, “This is the second time you have recognised our good work back home, and it is a motivation enough to continue doing more”.
He informed his audience that NASSIT was working hard to extend social security coverage to workers in the informal sector, who constitute over 80 % of the country’s population, while calling on all African countries to pay diligent attention to the service of their country.
Leading the panel of experts, Mr Daboh stated that leadership was central to transforming potential into reality, and spoke on three critical aspects of leadership: visionary leadership, innovative leadership, ethical leadership and governance.
According to the NASSIT Strongman, “Africa stands at a critical juncture where the promise of a prosperous future hinges on strong leadership and efficient and effective institutions that are deeply rooted in service, transparency, accountability and the right mindset”.
He went on to state that in an industry like Social Security, the continent needed leaders who saw Social Security as a strategic investment, not merely an administrative obligation; leaders who asked difficult but necessary questions: How do we extend coverage to the informal sector, which accounts for over 80% of African households? How can we leverage Social Security funds to drive national development?
According to Mr Daboh, “visionary leadership means building systems today that are resilient and inclusive enough to sustain the Africa we aspire to see tomorrow”, adding, “Africa still has boundless potential, and ethical leadership and good governance are crucial in unlocking those potentials”. He emphasised trust as the currency of any administration. “In
Social Security, for instance, when funds are mismanaged or diverted, public trust evaporates, participation declines, and the system collapses. Leaders must demonstrate transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making,” he said.
Amid thunderous applause from the over 250 participants, delegates, and Government officials, the Director General mesmerised his audience by highlighting social security as a pillar of development. According to him, Social security plays a critical role in driving social and economic development, as it mobilises domestic capital, creates stability, and empowers youth, the continent’s greatest asset. He noted that by providing predictable support for families, social protection reduces poverty and vulnerability by giving workers confidence to invest in their businesses, skills and communities, saying, “for young people, social security can support vocational training, entrepreneurship, and even micro-pension schemes, giving them a stake in Africa’s future”.
Concluding, Mr Daboh described social security as one of Africa’s most potent tools for transformation, saying, “If we lead with integrity, innovate with purpose, and design inclusive systems, we can create an Africa where no one is left behind—a continent where social security is not a privilege, but a right”.
On behalf of the President and the people of Sierra Leone, the Director General pledged Sierra Leone’s commitment to continental unity, collaboration, and vibrant leadership in shaping Africa’s shared destiny.
