Igbuzor mourns, showers encomium on Archbishop Tutu ~ Truth Reporters

By Foster Akpore

A member of United Nation's Global Network of Men Leaders, and Founding Executive Director of African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, has joined other world leaders  to  mourn the demise of Archbishop Desmond Tutu who died on 26 December, 2021.

Tutu, who with Igbuzor, two others from Africa and thirty five  elsewhere, were appointed by the immediate past Secretary General of United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon in October, 2012 into the Global Network of Men Leaders to end Violence Against Women in recognition of his leadership role as an Anglican Bishop, theologian, anti-aparthied and human rights activist.

According to Igbuzor, "it is with great sadness that the news of the demise of Archbishop Desmond Tutu came to me. On behalf of other members of the Global Network of Men Leaders, I send our deepest condolences to Tutu's widow, his children, the Church, government and people of South Africa.

"The world not only griefs but celebrates the life and times of this remarkably extraordinary man who chose the difficult path of devoting his entire life fighting for the poor, excluded and vulnerable, where other easy alternatives were available.

Describing the deceased as someone who epitomized the social dimension of the Church in word and in deed as exemplified by Christ, the General Overseer of Palace of Priests Assembly said the Archbishop led a life worthy of emulation. 

"As a Member of the Global Network of Men Leaders to End Violence against Women, Archbishop Tutu supported the work of women around the world to defy destructive stereotypes, embracing equality and inspired men and boys everywhere to speak out against violence against women and girls.

"In the fight against aparthied, he not only fought tirelessly for the emancipation of the blacks, he was also a unifying force that brought reconciliation between all segments of the Rainbow Nation.

"May God Almighty grant Tutu’s family the fortitude to bear his transition to the heavenly realm and may Tutu’s soul rest In peace," Igbuzor stated.