Former UN Secretary General Koffi Annan has described Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, as an “ impeccable public officer and astute diplomat’’.
Annan stated this on the occasion of the 80th birthday celebration organised for the former Commonwealth scribe on Saturday in London.
He said in an interview with the Western Europe correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that “the celebrant has done a lot for the world and the Commonwealth of Nations where he gave his best for 34 years’’.
“This is a wonderful celebration for a man who has done so much for his country and the world.
“I am personally happy to be here to honour him, celebrate him, and to wish him another 30 years.
“ He is so youthful. I have never seen a younger 80-year-old man like him and I wish him sound health because the world still needs him,’’ Annan said.
Annan urged young Africans to aspire for greatness by emulating Anyaoku’s exemplary leadership.
“ I encourage young people to begin to assume responsibility, they do not have to be old to be responsible and assume leadership,'' Annan said.
“We are moving on and the next generation should be taking over.