With the announcement of the passing away of Dr. Kofi Annan, the World has truly lost an erudite diplomat and internationalist who devoted his entire live to the pursuit of peace and development in the world as a UN diplomat and subsequently as UN Secretary-General.
As the Head of the UN Department of Peace Keeping Operations (DPKO), he also provided inspirational and effective leadership to make Blue Beret, the UN peace keepers effective in keeping and enforcing peace in conflict spots across the world and especially in Africa. Dr. Kofi Annan will equally be remembered for helping to lead the UN and preparing the challenges of the 21st, through various initiatives including the Millennium Summit which adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000 and subsequently evolved into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); designed to eradicate poverty and ensure a more sustainable and peaceful world.
UNAN joins the rest of the World to mourn a truly illustrious African who made Africa proud on the world stage. A fitting tribute in his honour is for the UN Family including UNAN to continue the pursuit of the vision of a just and better world which he lived for and dedicated his entire life.
Our condolences go to his immediate and the UN family. May his gentle soul rest in peace. ADIEU!
Engr Ganiyu OWOLABI
UNA-Nigeria, Lagos.
