04-08 2020 13:58
wrote:
Words fail me as a write this tribute to a quintessential gentleman, friend, colleague and an African Champion of Sustainable Urbanization. I first met this towering figure of a man with an equally big heart in September 1994, in Ibadan, Nigeria during the IFRA Conference on Urban Management and Urban Violence. Apart from his imposing figure, what struck me about Alioune was his presentation, eloquence and his passion for addressing the urban challenges of the African continent.
I would later meet Alioune in January 2006 when I joined UN-Habitat. He received me as if the span of 12 years had never separated us. Alioune had a big and generous heart, he freely gave of his time and resources. He home was always welcoming to many of us.
Alioune was one of the most humane of the senior managers at UN-Habitat; you did not need to make an appointment to see him and was always willing to give his candid advice when sought. Alioune always had a positive perspective on life. Even in the face of professional adversities, he remained positive and resolute.
I was always struck by Alioune’s depth of knowledge on contemporary urban issues; be it climate change, poverty and inequality, urban safety and security, youth and gender empowerment, and even urban agricultural! As Chair and moderator of the virtual launch of the African Cities Report on COVID-19 on June 16, his understanding of the pandemic and how it relates to urban areas far exceeded that of many presenters; obviously, Alioune had done his homework!
On July 29, during one of our virtual meetings, it was casually mentioned that Alioune was ill. I sent him a WhatsApp text the following day, wishing him well and speedy recovery. My text still has one tick.
Alioune, I pray that God in His infinite mercies and who perfects all things, will grant you eternal life and comfort your family and loved ones. It is well!
04-08 2020 13:58
wrote:
Words fail me as a write this tribute to a quintessential gentleman, friend, colleague and an African Champion of Sustainable Urbanization. I first met this towering figure of a man with an equally big heart in September 1994, in Ibadan, Nigeria during the IFRA Conference on Urban Management and Urban Violence. Apart from his imposing figure, what struck me about Alioune was his presentation, eloquence and his passion for addressing the urban challenges of the African continent.
I would later meet Alioune in January 2006 when I joined UN-Habitat. He received me as if the span of 12 years had never separated us. Alioune had a big and generous heart, he freely gave of his time and resources. He home was always welcoming to many of us.
Alioune was one of the most humane of the senior managers at UN-Habitat; you did not need to make an appointment to see him and was always willing to give his candid advice when sought. Alioune always had a positive perspective on life. Even in the face of professional adversities, he remained positive and resolute.
I was always struck by Alioune’s depth of knowledge on contemporary urban issues; be it climate change, poverty and inequality, urban safety and security, youth and gender empowerment, and even urban agricultural! As Chair and moderator of the virtual launch of the African Cities Report on COVID-19 on June 16, his understanding of the pandemic and how it relates to urban areas far exceeded that of many presenters; obviously, Alioune had done his homework!
On July 29, during one of our virtual meetings, it was casually mentioned that Alioune was ill. I sent him a WhatsApp text the following day, wishing him well and speedy recovery. My text still has one tick.
Alioune, I pray that God in His infinite mercies and who perfects all things, will grant you eternal life and comfort your family and loved ones. It is well!