President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former United Nations Under-Secretary-General on Africa, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, on his 80th birthday.
The president lauded the national icon’s global footprint, saying it represented a remarkable asset for Nigeria on the country’s return to democracy 25 years ago.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the 80th birthday anniversary family reception organised to celebrate the diplomat, lauded the commitment of Professor Ibrahim in promoting peace across the globe and making the world a better place.
The President appreciated the celebrant for his remarkable contributions towards Nigeria’s development and foreign service in numerous capacities.
The Nigerian leader applauded Prof. Gambari’s iconic national service, saying it remains one of the most exemplary, having worked with four UN Secretary Generals and seven Nigerian heads of government.
“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,” he said.
SPEECH BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR AT THE 80THBIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY FAMILY RECEPTION OF PROFESSOR IBRAHIM GAMBARI, HELD ON SUNDAY, 24TH NOVEMBER, 2024 AT THE A-CLASS EVENT CENTRE, ABUJA
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— Fed Min of Info & Nat’l Orien (@FMINONigeria) November 24, 2024
President Tinubu described Professor Gambari as one of the few living non-career public servants whose footprints have impacted significantly on the triple helix of diplomacy, democracy, and national development.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Today, we celebrate a remarkable individual who has dedicated his life to serving our nation and promoting peace and understanding worldwide. As we mark this significant milestone of our esteemed diplomat, we honour not only your achievements but also your unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
“Your dedication, expertise, and passion for diplomacy have left an indelible mark on our country’s relationships with the global community. Your selfless service has inspired generations of diplomats and public servants,” the President stated.
The President recalled the top diplomat’s outstanding role as a mediator in the world’s largest peacekeeping mission as a joint special representative of the UN Mission in Darfur and a notable policymaker on the African continent, and the initiator of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
“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.”
President Tinubu urged the celebrant, Prof. Gambari, to take pride in inspiring future leaders and his legacies that have helped shape Nigeria’s foreign policy.
The President prays for good health, happiness and continued fulfilment in the years to come; he asked Allah’s blessings to be with Professor Ibrahim Gambari at all times.
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