CHAIRMAN AKOL AYII TRIBUTE TO MR. RICHARD T. RAJA

Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of my family; Madam Ann, our children and Trinity Group family at large, I stand here to mourn but also celebrate the life of man, a family memberwho has been an instrumental and key figure in our personal lives and business for around 20 years. It is with a heavy heart I stand here today to honor the life of Mr. Richard T. Raja, a man whose impact on our lives and our community is beyond measure. Mr. Raja, who left us on 27th August 2024 while undergoing treatment in Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore, India, was not just a
visionary leader but a true friend and a member of our Trinity Group family.

Before I go any further, I wish to share a special message from my wife, Madam Anne, who, unfortunately, could not be here with us today. Madam Anne worked very closely with Mr. Richard, and together, they played a crucial role in building the commercial side of the business and administrative structures we rely on
today. She is deeply devastated by his passing, but she hopes that we can all find inspiration in the remarkable life Richard lived and the lasting legacy he has left behind. Richard’s journey with Trinity Group began in 2012, but his commitment to South Sudan predates even that. He was an astute director in all our entities and his work ethic continues to shape our company culture to date. His desire to see
South Sudan develop was unmatched. He believed deeply in the potential of this young nation and worked tirelessly to turn that belief into reality through Trinity Group. Richard’s work ethic was driven by a passion that was evident in everything he did. He didn’t just talk about change—he made it happen. Today we can pinpoint the impact he has left and his legacy will be felt for generationsto come.

Whether he was engaging with public, private sector leaders, or development partners, Richard worked with an unmatched zeal. He had a unique ability to create trust among key stakeholders, bridging gaps and building partnerships that were essential for our company’s growth. His diplomatic background, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, made him a powerful force for progress.
He understood the complexities of the region, and he navigated them with wisdom and grace.

Beyond his professional achievements, Richard was a man of profound selflessness and wisdom. He never sought the spotlight for himself but instead focused on empowering others and creating opportunities where none existed.

Richard has been part of our journey to set up successful companies, each one a testament to his unwavering belief in South Sudan’s potential. These companies were not just businesses; they were vehicles for transformation, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic and social fabric.

But to those of us who knew him like I did, Richard was more than a colleague. He was a friend who became family. His warmth, his generosity, and his unwavering support touched all of us deeply. Richard had a way of making you feel like you were part of something bigger, part of his vision for a better future.

He led by example, with humility and integrity, and he inspired us all to strive for excellence in everything we do. My family is heartbroken, our group is shaken and the world has lost a great hero.
Ladies and gentlemen, As we remember Richard today, we also send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Shobha Teresa Raja, his son, Stephen Abhishek Raja, and his extended family and friends. We hope they find comfort in the knowledge that Richard’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the
indelible mark he left on South Sudan and beyond.

A funeral mass was held at St. Jude’s Church Palayamkottai on August 28th, followed by his burial at the RC New Burial Ground, Kirubha Nagar, Seevalaperi, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India. Today we stand here to honor him and remember his impact in our lives. I also wish to appreciate two of our colleagues; Prakash and Pandey who held Richard’s hand by coordinating his hospital care and medication alongside myself, Madam Anne and Richard’s close family especially
his son Stephen. Your gracious efforts are not unseen and God will bless you
immeasurably.
Richard Raja will be remembered not only as a titan of entrepreneurship and a
champion of South Sudan’s development but as a beloved friend a