Special Tribute to My Fallen Brother
It is befitting to say a lot about my brother Alioune but I cannot imagine how long it would take to accomplish talking about the legacy of this man with an intimidating height but with generous, kind, considerate dependable and always with a firm handshake? Always the first one to reach out for a handshake with a smile. He would look you straight in the eye. Probably to guarantee you a positive vibe ahead.
Badiane was an excellent listener, a supporter of his staff. Through his guidance and mentorship, I would not have produced the UN Habitat Global Activities reports of 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015.
We first met at a workshop at the ICRAF House. I gave a paper on the role of mass media in sustainable development. Something made him want to talk to me that day. I was captivated by this man's powerful voice. I admired his prowess in speech both in French and English. We became friends by the time we finished the workshop's first tea-break. Since then he would pick me up every day for the Friday prayer at the City Park Mosque.
Soon, Alioune made a deliberate decision to pull me out of ICRAF into UN-Habitat, to work with him in ROAF. Indeed, at UN-Habitat, he became my mentor and guiding star. He taught me the inner working modalities and bureaucracies of the UN. He embraced me like a son; he showed me how to successfully raise young family. He held my hands and taught me so much.
We went to many missions together. We attended several staff parties and retreats. I recall at one such party at Joseph Guiebo's residence in Parklands. Everyone was dancing, but Alioune noticed my overseeing dancers. I saw him coming to me and pointing, he said, "You see, go and dance with that lady. Do not be frustrated, when everybody is enjoying."
Alioune was our in-house DJ. His collection of music included the rumba, salsa and jazz music. I learned salsa dance from him and Liliana Contreras. So, when I joined the dancers, I straight started trying out my new dancing moves. In fact that was the end of my frustrations, I ended dancing every record until we closed.
Alioune new me well. He could tell if I was worried about something or happy. When things were not done properly, he would call me and I would know immediately there were troubles ahead. Closing that door behind, sitting in front of his desk and waiting for him to say the first word was nerve-wracking. He would scold me like one would do to his own son. As soon as we were out of that door, it was as nothing ever happened. His heart was unbelievably forgiving. And sincerely he had this strong character of transparency and telling the truth.
Many of who worked under him, respected and loved for his sincerity and dependability. He promoted and rewarded without discrimination. We always missed him when he was out on mission. We would celebrate his return like children seeing their father return home.
Personally, I owe my professional success to him. He was good at spotting individual talents and nurturing us to fruition. He never 'killed a dream; he made us grow and prosper.
He was a workhorse who gave half of his life serving UN-Habitat. He worked long days and nights, traveled distances and broke his back for the organization. He spent most of his quality time between Nairobi and the world talking urbanization. He defended every action this Agency took.
This man was never shy to speak his mind. Spoke frankly to power. At the tail-end of his distinguished and elaborate career, the ............!
Alioune, you’ve left us behind. We will always miss you, but your legacy will remain in us forever. Your guidance, the good things you had done on this earth will never die. The world is a temporary stay for all of us. And soon, we will meet with you in Paradise.
Bon Voyage comrade - Abdallah Kassim
Special Tribute to My Fallen Brother
It is befitting to say a lot about my brother Alioune but I cannot imagine how long it would take to accomplish talking about the legacy of this man with an intimidating height but with generous, kind, considerate dependable and always with a firm handshake? Always the first one to reach out for a handshake with a smile. He would look you straight in the eye. Probably to guarantee you a positive vibe ahead.
Badiane was an excellent listener, a supporter of his staff. Through his guidance and mentorship, I would not have produced the UN Habitat Global Activities reports of 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015.
We first met at a workshop at the ICRAF House. I gave a paper on the role of mass media in sustainable development. Something made him want to talk to me that day. I was captivated by this man's powerful voice. I admired his prowess in speech both in French and English. We became friends by the time we finished the workshop's first tea-break. Since then he would pick me up every day for the Friday prayer at the City Park Mosque.
Soon, Alioune made a deliberate decision to pull me out of ICRAF into UN-Habitat, to work with him in ROAF. Indeed, at UN-Habitat, he became my mentor and guiding star. He taught me the inner working modalities and bureaucracies of the UN. He embraced me like a son; he showed me how to successfully raise young family. He held my hands and taught me so much.
We went to many missions together. We attended several staff parties and retreats. I recall at one such party at Joseph Guiebo's residence in Parklands. Everyone was dancing, but Alioune noticed my overseeing dancers. I saw him coming to me and pointing, he said, "You see, go and dance with that lady. Do not be frustrated, when everybody is enjoying."
Alioune was our in-house DJ. His collection of music included the rumba, salsa and jazz music. I learned salsa dance from him and Liliana Contreras. So, when I joined the dancers, I straight started trying out my new dancing moves. In fact that was the end of my frustrations, I ended dancing every record until we closed.
Alioune new me well. He could tell if I was worried about something or happy. When things were not done properly, he would call me and I would know immediately there were troubles ahead. Closing that door behind, sitting in front of his desk and waiting for him to say the first word was nerve-wracking. He would scold me like one would do to his own son. As soon as we were out of that door, it was as nothing ever happened. His heart was unbelievably forgiving. And sincerely he had this strong character of transparency and telling the truth.
Many of who worked under him, respected and loved for his sincerity and dependability. He promoted and rewarded without discrimination. We always missed him when he was out on mission. We would celebrate his return like children seeing their father return home.
Personally, I owe my professional success to him. He was good at spotting individual talents and nurturing us to fruition. He never 'killed a dream; he made us grow and prosper.
He was a workhorse who gave half of his life serving UN-Habitat. He worked long days and nights, traveled distances and broke his back for the organization. He spent most of his quality time between Nairobi and the world talking urbanization. He defended every action this Agency took.
This man was never shy to speak his mind. Spoke frankly to power. At the tail-end of his distinguished and elaborate career, the ............!
Alioune, you’ve left us behind. We will always miss you, but your legacy will remain in us forever. Your guidance, the good things you had done on this earth will never die. The world is a temporary stay for all of us. And soon, we will meet with you in Paradise.
Bon Voyage comrade - Abdallah Kassim
