The former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari celebrated Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari who marked his 80th Birthday today in Abuja.
Buhari who was represented by the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation,SGF, Barr ((Dr) Boss Mustapha, CFR, described Professor Gambari as an Academic and Diplomat of international reputation.
Buhari in a speech read by SGF Boss Mustapha during the 80th birthday anniversary celebration said Gambari 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.
He said:
“Today, I join the family, friends, mentees, former colleagues and students to celebrate the 80th birthday of Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, academic and diplomat who served as my foreign minister when I was the military Head of state, 1983 -1985 and as Chief of Staff from 2020 to 2023 while I served as the elected president.
“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 vigor 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 organizational and command structure, as we call it in the military, were of tremendous value.
“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.”
