Published Nov. 21, 2024
Taiwo Ogunniyi
Ambassador Prof. Prince Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, a renowned Nigerian diplomat and scholar, marked his 80th birthday with reflections on his remarkable journey, emphasizing faith, humility, and service to his community and the nation.
Speaking during the launching of a book in his honor, Readings in Diplomacy, Democracy, Peace, and Development, organized by the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria (COSFAN), Gambari shared insights into his life.
He expressed gratitude to God for His guidance and credited divine grace for his accomplishments.
“If someone who started at a village primary school in Bode Sadu and then attended another village senior primary school in Malete can achieve this much, then truly the sky is the limit for everyone,” Gambari said, urging Nigerians to embrace faith, diligence, and strong community ties.
He further called on citizens to balance tradition and progress, noting, “Charity begins at home. The best traditionalist is one who embraces change. You cannot know where you are going unless you know where you are coming from.”
Gambari, known for his concentric circles foreign policy philosophy, stressed the importance of balancing domestic and international priorities. “At the core is the state, followed by our neighbors, the region, Africa, and the rest of the world,” he explained.
Reviewing the book, Nigeria’s former UN permanent representative, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, identified poverty, ignorance, mining activities, and weak traditional laws as key causes of insecurity, especially in northern Nigeria.
He urged the government to intensify efforts to address these challenges to achieve peace and development.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, commended Gambari’s contributions to global diplomacy, scholarship, and national unity.
“Professor Gambari commands respect and honor across all spectrums,” he said, encouraging the public to read the book for insights into addressing modern challenges in governance and diplomacy.
Celebrating Excellence and Leadership Dr. Abiola Adimula, Secretary lOC COSFAN described the event as a “monumental celebration of excellence, service, and leadership.”
She highlighted Gambari’s enduring legacy as a scholar, diplomat, and mentor.
Dr. Adimula revealed that part of the proceeds from the book launch would establish a Professorial Chair and research fund on Diplomacy and Peace Studies at the University of Ilorin. The book, a compilation of 34 scholarly papers, aims to serve as a resource for diplomacy, democracy, peace, and development studies.
Reflecting on the honoree’s impact, Dr. Adimula stated, “Professor Gambari’s contributions to international diplomacy, democratic development, and global peace are indelible.”
The event, marked by tributes and scholarly reflections, underscored Prof. Gambari’s life of service and commitment to peace and development at both national and global levels.
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