BBC To Establish Foundation In Memory of Komla Dumor

Director of global news at the BBC, Peter Horrocks has announced plans to establish a foundation in Dumor’s memory for aspiring African journalists.

Mr. Harrocks made this known when he joined dozens of BBC staff to remember their departed colleague at an impromptu memorial gathering on Monday January 20, 2014.

Speaking at the service held at the All Souls Church, Mr. Horrocks, warmly recalled how Dumor would always call him ‘boss’ despite his protestations to the contrary. ‘He blazed a path for so many others,’ said Horrocks.

A series of moving tributes followed from Dumor’s closest friends and colleagues.“He called me ‘chief’’’ said head of the African Service, Solomon Mugera.

Several speakers recalled that they had been told to ‘look after’ him when he first arrived in the UK but that he soon became more like a ‘big brother’, looking out for them instead.

Liliane Landor, controller of languages at global news, described him as a man ‘big in stature, intellect and heart’.

The gathering ended with the singing of Asimbonanga (We Have Not Seen Him), a song originally about Nelson Mandela and chosen because of Dumor’s respect for the former South African leader.

His funeral is due to be held in Accra, while another formal memorial service will be held in London.

Komla Dumor died at his London home on Saturday after a suspected heart attack.

Author: Nicholas Opuni Opoku |Myjoyonline