Even as we come to terms with the passing of our dear Patron, we celebrate a life of service well- lived and the values and ideals he espoused and bequeathed to us—ubuntu, servant leadership, integrity, humility, compassion, and courage. We remember a man who was diminutive in stature but larger than life in his boldness, always speaking truth to power when the occasion demanded. A man who never shied away from a just fight on behalf of the marginalized and voiceless.
As Archbishop Tutu Fellows, we recognize the weightiness of bearing his name—at once, an honor and a responsibility. His message to each cohort of Tutu Fellows, since 2006, was consistent:
“I want you to stand up against the evils that may pervade your society, be they corruption, greed, discrimination, intolerance, abuse, or whatever. But I also want you to be the positive creators of opportunities for others to share the benefits of success and endeavour. Empowering and enabling others to succeed is as important and as rewarding as fighting inequalities. Caring, humility, vision, and passion are hallmarks of great leaders. I look to you to be the generation that drives the transformation of Africa, and I particularly look to the Archbishop Tutu Fellows to be at the forefront of change. You are blessed with the talents of leadership but with these, come enormous responsibilities. I hope you are prepared to take up the challenge.”
The African Leadership Institute and its flagship programme, the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Programme, granted legacy status by the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, remains resolute in its mission to nurture a new generation of African leaders who will uphold the legacy and values of Archbishop Tutu, as they lead in their various spheres. In some way, we have always been prepared for his passing. It was our very raison d’etre from inception—to shine a light on his example to inspire the kind of leadership that is sorely lacking but much needed in Africa specifically, but the world, more broadly.
Many leaders claim greatness with their status and accolades, but very few are genuinely tremendous and whose example we should, without reservation, follow. The Arch was one of them. With immense gratitude and pride, I wear the badge, Tutu Fellow. Lai Yahaya (2008)
Archbishop Tutu embodied the best of humanity. He lived, loved, and laughed; when required, he fought, admonished, and criticized; at other times, he preached, united, and reconciled. He was a man for all seasons. As John Donne reminds us, “Each man’s death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” We are no doubt diminished by his inevitable passing, but the flame with which he lit the world up will never dim. He passed the torch on to the next generation. Akintunde Oyebode (2019)
A true giant has passed on. He was one of those rare gems who got more impressive the closer you got. James Mwangi (2008)
I collapsed into tears as I tried to explain to Archbishop Tutu precisely what he meant to me. Ah, Desmond Tutu lived! I admired him; I adored him; I even envied him—that joy, freedom, looseness, courage, depth, spirit. Chude Jideonwo (2018)
It is an honour to be a Tutu Fellow, committed to working towards a better Africa in my own way. May his legacy be an unwavering beacon for us all, and when the path ahead seems uncertain, let us pause for a minute and ask ourselves, “what would the Arch do/say right now?” Sureka Asbury (2016)
It seems that every age has voices of reason, the conscience of the age. Archbishop Desmond Tutu was that voice in our generation. Serah Makka-Ugbabe (2018)
As Tutu Fellows, we must work tirelessly in our own small ways to continue to make this world a better place. Dr Wiebe Boer (2014)
For those of us privileged to be Tutu Fellows, the loss of Archbishop Tutu feels like a personal loss. His is a legacy that other Tutu Fellows and I commit to carrying forward. Ifeoma Malo (2013)
The seeds that he planted, driven by his faith, will grow into mighty trees and bring shade to those in need. Dr Debisi Araba (2019)
I am inspired by his legacy, one that resolves an apparent contradiction, where on the one hand, he encourages us to be relentless in our activism, fighting for what is right, and on the other hand, showing us a better way to resolve conflicts – one of tolerance, peace, and the spirit of ubuntu. Dr Kelechi Ohiri (2013)
Meeting you was a turning point for me in my leadership journey. I learned that simplicity, kindness, and humility do not take away from the greatness of a leader. Emmanuel Ogejuma (2012)
He led from the heart and, in so doing, inspired generations like myself to take up the mantle of responsible leadership today for a better tomorrow. Temi Marcella Awogboro (2018)
We will continue your work and live every day in a way that will make you smile down on us from the Heavens. Hema Vallabh (2017)
The one thing I held on to from our encounter was how he so simply said: “It is not that God does not see the homeless person, or the hungry person and does not want to help them. He sees them. But God also created you so that you could see them and help.” Neema Ndunguru 2016.
I pray, by His grace alone, to be able to press forward in servant leadership, with courage, and to be a worthy ambassador of the Archbishop Tutu name, fulfilling your charge to us as leaders with every sense of responsibility, and to be at the forefront of change in Africa. Dr Jumoke Oduwole (2013)
I will remember how pleasantly surprised I was by his sense of humor, that mischievous glint in his eyes, his remarkable intelligence, all so special. Thank you for all you gave of yourself for humanity. It was an honor to have you as our Patron. Ada Osakwe (2013)
banner image: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Leah Tutu with some of the 2019 Fellows of the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Programme
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