IT is a matter of fact that the great statesman is gone, and gone also with all his attributes recognized throughout the world. Never in African history has such array of dignitaries (including 91 Heads of governments) ever assembled in African soil to honour a departed soul. The other great African, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana became dictatorial in his last days before he was ousted in a coup organized by his country’s military adventurers.

Last minute changes in space allocation killed this column last week. I serve it today. But let me briefly touch on two things that happened after that.

THOSE of us who declared the National Dialogue soon to be convened by President Goodluck Jonathan as a jamboree might be justified after all. The Monday, December 9, 2013 issue of Vanguard gave an insight into what we are to expect in the coming few weeks.

When SKYNEWS interrupted programming last Thursday night to bring a live event, and I saw South African President, Jacob Zuma appear on screen, the journalist in me instinctively guessed that Nelson Mandela had passed. A moment later the fact was confirmed.

WE still remember the old prayer point: When we were born, we cried and people rejoiced. Our lives should be such that at the point of departure, people should cry while we rejoice into eternity.