Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to Professor Ibrahim Gambari at his 80th birthday celebration held at A-Class Event Center in Abuja on Sunday.
Tinubu who was ably represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris recalled with pride how Prof Gambari flew Nigeria’s flag in several capacities, including being listed among notable policymakers.
According to him, “25 years ago, at the threshold of returning to reckoning as a democratic nation, there were a few national icons whose global footprints represented a remarkable asset for Nigeria.
“Professor Ibrahim Gambari was one of them. As a researcher and author, the man described as the United Nation’s favorite ‘dictator whisperer’, had long interrogated the challenges of governance in Africa.
“And the wave of unrest in parts of the globe, beginning from coordinating the eradication of apartheid in South Africa as Chairman of the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid, among his numerous roles in his long, outstanding history of career diplomacy”.
The President added, “Over the years, having worked with four UN Secretary Generals, Prof. Gambari’s iconic national service remains one of the most exemplary, earning him the prestigious record of working with seven Nigerian heads of government at different times of our history between military rule and civil democracy. “In the evolution of modern Nigeria, Prof. Gambari is no doubt one of a few living non-career public servants whose footprints have impacted significantly on the triple helix of diplomacy, democracy, and national development.
“We recall with pride how he flew Nigeria’s flag in several capacities, including being listed among notable policymakers and institutions of the continent to initiate the New Partnership for Africa’s Development NEPAD.
“In Prof Gamabari’s capacity as the very first Under-Secretary-General on Africa, as well as mediating in world’s largest peacekeeping mission as a joint special representative of the UN Mission in Darfur”, the President said.
On the 80th birthday occasion, Nigerian leader extended his warmest congratulations and sincerest appreciation for Prof Gambari’s remarkable contributions to the nation’s development and foreign service in numerous capacities.“Our celebrant was once quoted as saying he considers himself as an accidental diplomat, whereas his mien and personality, and even his manner of speaking, belong to one born to be a diplomat, a calming presence in tense situations, a defuser of tension”.
Tinubu further stated that Professor Gambari’s dedication, expertise, and passion for diplomacy have left an indelible mark on the country’s relationships with the global community, “his selfless service has inspired generations of diplomats and public servants”.
The President asked the celebrant, Prof Gambari to accept his family’s and his best wishes for his good health, happiness, and continued fulfillment in the years to come and prayed for Allah’s blessings to be with him at all times.
“My dear Prof., as you celebrate this milestone birthday, I hope you take pride in knowing that your legacy continues to shape our nation’s foreign policy and inspire future leaders”, the President said.
