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UN, Buhari, Okonjo-Iweala Mourns Kofi Annan As He Passed On At 80

Published

8 years ago

August 18, 2018

KofI Annan

The United Nations (UN), President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria as well as the Former Managing Director of the World Bank, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala have expressed deep sense of sorrow over the sudden demise of the Former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, at the age of 80 after a brief illness.

In his reaction to the news of Annan’s death, the current UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said: “Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good”. “It is with profound sadness that I learned of his passing. In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organization into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination.”

Buhari commiserated with the government and people of Ghana over the passing of former United Nations (UN) Secretary General, KofiAnnan, in the early hours of Saturday 18th August, 2018.

President Buhari, who called President Nana Akufo-Addo from London, said all Nigerians & ECOWAS member countries share in the deep loss, considering the strategic influence of the former scribe in global affairs and his vision for the repositioning of the West Africa and Africa.

As the first staff of the UN elected to lead the organisation and an African winner, in 2001, of the Nobel Peace Prize—jointly with the United Nations—the President noted that Annan’s humility, nobility and love for humanity set him apart for global greatness, achieving recognition and commendation for the reform of the United Nations’ bureaucracy and multiple interventions to bring peace to the world.

President Buhari said Annan’s origin and home will always be traced to Ghana, but his exceptional leadership roles, humanitarian spirit and contributions to global peace and development will remain indelible in the history of the entire world.

The President sent condolences to the wife of the diplomat, Nane Maria Annan and his family members, staff of the United Nations and the global organisations he was heading, like The Elders, founded by Nelson Mandela.

President Buhari prayed that the almighty God will comfort his family and all his loved ones.

On her part, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala through her Twitter handle @NOIweala, said: A shock and a great loss! Kofi Annan, Africa’s foremost son and international diplomat, our tall Iroko tree has died. His many contributions to Humanitarian, Development and Governance issues will not be forgotten.

“These contributions came not only as Secretary General, but also through his foundation, his work at the Mo Ibrahim foundation, the Elders, and the Africa Progress Panel. He was incredibly charming with a wry sense of humor and a quick wit.

“I am grateful for his advice and strong personal support. My deepest condolences to his beloved wife Nane and his children.”