Your selfless service inspired generations, Tinubu hails Gambari at 80

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday hailed diplomat, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, saying his selfless service to the nation has inspired generations of diplomats and public servants.

Tinubu said this at Gambari’s 80th birthday anniversary family reception in Abuja on Sunday.

Represented by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, the President said, “Your selfless service has inspired generations of diplomats and public servants.

“On the occasion of your 80th birthday, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and sincerest appreciation for your remarkable contributions to our nation’s development and foreign service in numerous capacities.”

Tinubu reflected on the significance of 1999, a pivotal year for Nigeria’s return to democratic governance, and noted that individuals like Gambari were invaluable national icons with global influence.

“As a researcher and author, the man described as the United Nation’s favourite ‘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 UN Special Committee Against Apartheid, among his numerous roles in his long, outstanding history of career diplomacy,” said the President.

Tinubu emphasised Gambari’s significant impact on modern Nigeria, describing him as one of the few non-career public servants whose contributions have profoundly shaped diplomacy, democracy, and national development.

He recalled with pride Gambari’s efforts to represent Nigeria on the global stage in various capacities. These included his role in initiating the New Partnership for Africa’s Development as the first UN Under-Secretary-General on Africa and mediating in the world’s largest peacekeeping mission as a joint special representative for the UN Mission in Darfur.

Tinubu celebrated Gambari as an extraordinary individual dedicated to serving Nigeria and fostering global peace and understanding.

He noted Gambari’s humility, citing the professor’s description of himself as an “accidental diplomat,” yet affirmed that his demeanour, personality, and communication skills made him a natural peacemaker and tension-defuser.

The President noted, “Your dedication, expertise, and passion for diplomacy have left an indelible mark on our country’s relationships with the global community.”

According to him, the presence of distinguished guests at the celebration was a testament to Gambari’s far-reaching influence and achievements, both within Nigeria and globally.

“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.

“Please accept my family’s and my best wishes for your good health, happiness, and continued fulfilment in the years to come. May Allah’s blessings be with you at all times,” Tinubu prayed.

Gambari served as Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2020 to 2023.