A Scholar, Diplomat and Prince
Olusegun Adeniyi pays tribute to an accomplished statesman, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari who clocks 80 today
As Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari marks his 80th birthday today, it is important to reflect on an extraordinary journey that has provided a masterclass in navigating multiple worlds: from the traditional institution of Ilorin Emirate in Kwara State to the horizon of the academia and corridors of global power. At the end, what sets Gambari apart isn’t just his impressive credentials, though they are remarkable; it’s how he has wielded knowledge as a bridge between these different worlds. While many academics remain ensconced in the Ivory Towers, Gambari understood very early that scholarship must serve society. And that has made all the difference.
In the world of diplomacy, as they say, there are two types of ambassadors: Those who follow protocols and those who create pathways. Gambari belongs firmly to the latter category. A former lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria who also served as Director General, Nigeria Institute for International Affairs (NIIA), Gambari has left indelible marks. During his tenure as Minister of External Affairs (1984-1985), he brought a refreshing perspective to Nigeria’s foreign policy. He advocated for what he called ‘concentric circles,’ a strategic framework that prioritized Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements with Africa and the world at large based on overlapping spheres of national interest.
What sets Gambari apart is not that he is fortunate to have held prestigious titles at home and on the international stage. It is the difference he brought to bear during those stewardships. As Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the United Nations, for instance, he introduced innovative approaches to conflict resolution. In Myanmar, he initiated what became known as the ‘Gambari Method’ – a patient, multi-layered approach to engagement that recognsed the complexity of internal political dynamics while maintaining international pressure for democratic reforms. In Angola and Darfur, his footprints tell stories of tireless shuttle diplomacy.
Gambari’s unique approach to diplomacy has been the insistence on listening to the ordinary people (not only the elite) in the resolution of disputes. ‘Peace,’ he would often say, ‘cannot be imported; it must be homegrown.’ This philosophy informed his creation of local committees that brought together traditional leaders, women’s groups, and youth representatives – a model that would later be replicated in other conflict zones. When the Rwanda genocide broke out in 1994, Gambari was Nigeria’s UN Permanent Representative. Unfortunately, all his warnings (along with Colin Keating of New Zealand and Karel Kovanda of the Czech Republic) that the killings in Rwanda were genocidal went unheeded. By the time the UN paid attention, hundreds of thousands of people had died.
In April 2021, President Paul Kagame publicly referenced Gambari’s intervention at that most critical period. According to Kagame, while many world leaders were stonewalling in response to the tragedy, some people and countries stood out. “And one of them is an African country that we shall always be proud to call a good friend, represented by a man I remember, called Ibrahim Gambari. Nigeria stood out and said there is a problem, and we must call it what it is. Professor Gambari was there, and we shall always be proud of Nigeria,” Kagame said in his speech to mark Kwibuka27, an event held annually to remember victims of the genocide.
Meanwhile, when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Gambari as Chief of Staff in 2020, many wondered how he would handle the rough-and-tumble of domestic politics. What they didn’t realise was that Gambari’s approach to governance had always been guided by what he termed the ‘three pillars of effective public service’: Intellectual rigour, pragmatic engagement, and ethical leadership. At the Villa, he introduced systematic approaches to policy coordination that drew from his academic background while remaining practical in application.
In ‘retirement’, Gambari’s establishment of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development speaks to his understanding that Africa’s future lies in building strong institutions rather than depending on strong individuals. The Centre’s unique approach to policy research, combining academic rigor with practical policy applications, reflects Gambari’s own life philosophy. As he therefore turns 80 today, his legacy extends beyond an impressive curriculum vitae. His contributions to Nigeria’s diplomatic history are distinctive not just for their breadth but for their philosophical underpinning.
Even at 80, Professor Gambari continues to challenge conventional wisdom. His recent writings on the future of global governance and Africa’s place in it reveal a mind still actively engaged with contemporary challenges. His vision of a world where diplomacy serves as a tool for human development rather than mere statecraft remains as relevant as ever. As friends and well-wishers gather today in Abuja to celebrate this milestone, they are honouring not just the achievements but the intellectual legacy of a man who shows that it’s possible to be both a thinker and a doer, a traditionalist and an innovator, a global citizen and a proud son of Ilorin.
In an era where public service often lacks intellectual depth, and academia frequently loses touch with practical realities, Gambari stands as a bridge between these worlds. To the professor, diplomat, adviser, and perpetual student of life, I say happy 80th birthday. Your journey from the dusty streets of Ilorin to the gleaming halls of the UN, and back to the heart of government in Nigeria, serves as a testament to the power of guided ambition and principled leadership. May your next decade continue to inspire and guide those who believe in the power of knowledge in the service of humanity. And may God grant you long life and good health.
• Adeniyi is Chairman, THISDAY Editorial Board
