Tinubu, Buhari Hail Gambari at 80

*President: He dedicated his life to nation, global peace, understanding*Ex-leader: He transformed Nigeria’s foreign policy

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Oluwaseyi Adedotun in Lagos

President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, hailed seasoned diplomat and statesman, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, on his 80th birthday.
Tinubu described Gambari as someone, who dedicated his life to serving the country and promoting peace and understanding worldwide, while Buhari said Gambari’s bold initiatives transformed Nigeria’s foreign policy, earning the country respect globally.

The two leaders spoke at Gambari’s 80th birthday family reception in Abuja.
Tinubu, who was represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Gambari as an esteemed diplomat with unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
He extended warmest congratulations and sincerest appreciation to the octogenarian on the occasion of his 80th birthday, for his remarkable contributions to the country’s development and foreign service in numerous capacities.

Tinubu described Gambari as one of the few national icons whose global footprints represented a remarkable asset for Nigeria at the threshold of returning to reckoning as a democratic nation 25 years ago.
The president stated that Gambari 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.

The president stated, “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 his capacity as the very first Under-Secretary-General on Africa, as well as mediating in the world’s largest peacekeeping mission as a joint special representative of the UN Mission in Darfur.”
Tinubu described Gambari, who was once quoted as saying he considered himself an accidental diplomat, as a calming presence in tense situations and a diffuser of tension.

He said Gambari was someone born to be a diplomat from his mien, personality, and manner of speaking.
Buhari, who was represented by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, praised Gambari’s exceptional leadership qualities, academic excellence, and diplomatic prowess.
In the speech delivered by Mustapha, Buhari highlighted Gambari’s achievements as his foreign minister during his military regime from 1983 to 1985, saying his bold initiatives transformed Nigeria’s foreign policy, and earned the country respect globally.

Buhari also commended Gambari’s performance as his Chief of Staff from 2020 to 2023. He credited Gambari with enhancing the presidency’s ability to implement policies effectively.

Buhari concluded by wishing Gambari a longer life, happiness, and good health, expressing hope that young Nigerians would draw inspiration from Gambari’s remarkable life and leadership.

The former president stated, “Today is the 80th birthday of the man who boldly pulled Nigeria out of its slumbering, backward looking foreign policy mindset and set it on the path of respectability in Africa and the world by putting in place a framework that connected the various initiatives in the military, economy and nation’s soft power.

“On becoming Foreign Minister, he quickly became the cynosure of all eyes in the world as one of the most dynamic leaders in the foreign policy realm. He displayed vigour and a sense of purpose through his very active participation in regional and intercontinental diplomacy.

“As Chief of Staff, he fit in effortlessly following the unfortunate demise of his predecessor, Abba Kyari, helping to enhance the ability of the presidency to achieve jointness and coherence in the implementation of policies. His organisational and command structure, as we call it in the military, were of tremendous value.”

Buhari also said of Gambari, “He had his friends and his critics, but no one among them is in doubt of his outstanding academic and moral stature, a teacher who succeeded in shaping the minds of the young- and adults alike – with great dedication and impact.

“In wishing him a longer life, happiness and good health, I am hoping that many more Nigerians, the young ones in particular, would read about the leadership qualities encompassing a range of attributes, traits and skills of the man we are celebrating today.”

At another event yesterday, the former SGF implored indigenes of Adamawa State to focus on God’s faithfulness rather than dwelling on past adversity.

He gave the charge in Yola while speaking as Chairman of the 2024 Adamawa State Thanksgiving Service held at Government House Chapel, Yola, with the themed, “It’s been God…Psalm (124:1-8).”

Mustapha expressed his gratitude for life, community, and God’s guidance over the state through an array of challenges.

He emphasised that the theme of the service captured a universal truth that everyone could relate to – “the acknowledgment that God has been the driving force behind the successes and resilience of the state over the years”.

While reflecting on Adamawa State’s experiences with economic challenges and social tensions, Mustapha emphasised the importance of focusing on God’s faithfulness rather than dwelling on past adversity. He encouraged the congregation to rededicate themselves to living lives that honoured God, and strive for unity, excellence, and compassion.