The UCLGA pays tribute to Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem 

The United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA) was shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the untimely death of United Nations Millennium Campaign (UNMC) Deputy Director for Africa, Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem.

Tajudeen’s passing strips Africa of one of its best sons. Always driven by an undying Pan African spirit, he remained at the forefront of the defence for the cause of Africa and the well-being of its people.  

At the helm of the UN Millennium Campaign Africa Secretariat since March 2006, he was visionary enough to recognize that the Millennium Development Goals could not be achieved without the involvement of all stakeholders, including local government, as an integral part of the national governance system. This recognition led to continued engagement between UNMC and UCLGA, which culminated in the two organisations entering into partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed in October 2008.

His active participation in the 1st Ordinary Congress of the UCLGA held in Accra, Ghana, from 7 – 11 July 2008 – where he made a memorable and lively presentation in the Commission on Africa and the Millennium Development Goals as well as on Leadership in African Local Government – further illustrate the importance he accorded African local government. 

Tajudeen will be sorely missed and always remembered for the immeasurable contribution he made towards the creation of a world in general and an Africa in particular where human rights, democracy, good governance and social justice, among other things, would prevail.