Tanzanian poet honours Annan in poem

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian poet Aisha Kungi has handed over a poem to the High Commission of Ghana honouring the outstanding leadership displayed by former UN Secretary General Koffi Annan.

Annan, one of the Africa’s top diplomats, died in Switzerland on August 18, at the age of 80.

He was the first person from sub-Sahara Africa to hold the world’s top diplomatic post where he served the UN from 1997 to 2006.

Annan’s body was laid in state at his home country’s capital Accra in Ghana, where mourners paid their last respect for three consecutive days.

But, on Thursday, September 13, Ms Kingu handed the assistant honorary council of Ghana, Mr Bakari Jumanne, with a poem that honours Annan’s outstanding job displayed during his lifetime.

“The late Annan was my inspiration and role model. My dream is to serve the UN in one of the highest positions,” she said.

She added, “His death has brought grief and sorrow to everybody. However, his legacy shall live forever in my heart.”

Ms Kingu, who is the poetess, an advocate in the making and a member of the Common Wealth Partnership for Technology (CWPT) said the poem highlights Annan’s personality and his achievements.

She said Annan led the UN with passion, transformed human determination, maintained world peace and advocated democracy.

Speaking after receiving the poem, Mr Jumanne said on behalf of the High Commission of Ghana, he received the poem with gratitude, noting that arrangements were being made to take the poem to Kenya where the embassy is located.

“He was really a great man, therefore we are supposed uphold his legacy. God bless you for this piece of art,” he said.

For his part, Ms Kingu’s father, Mr Kingu Saidi said he was proud of his daughter, urging parents and guardians to support their children in discovering, maintaining and developing their talents.