I was privileged to have met Kofi Annan in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the convening of the Obama Foundation Leaders. He said to all of us who were there: ”You’re never too young to lead and you are never too old to learn”.
That was profound and hit home. I remember, when he came on stage, he first said that his voice wasn’t well and so he would like to be excused in case he isn’t clear enough.
He really looked weak to me then. I am deeply saddened about his passing, as we only saw him three weeks ago.
I grew up and joined school early but one of the people I used to hear often about was Kofi Annan. If I wasn’t researching about Gandhi, Mandela, King or Mother Teresa, then the next person in line would always be Kofi Annan.
He inspired me so much at an early age to the extent that I wanted to be like him. Meeting him in person in Johannesburg with Barack Obama at the same time of year was a double blessing and I will forever be grateful.
I extend my sincerest condolences to Kofi Annan’s family as they grieve the passing of a person who loved them, worked hard to inspire them and lifted the status of their family as well as blessed generations to come.
