Abuja – President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari have congratulated the former Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari as he celebrates 80th birthday.

President Tinubu described Prof. Gambari as a diplomat par excellence, asserting that his demeanor, personality, and manner of speaking reflect those of someone destined for a career in diplomacy.

Speaking at a reception marking Professor Gambari’s 80th birthday in Abuja, the President lauded the former Chief of Staff for his exceptional service to Nigeria and the global community.

President Tinubu, represented at the ceremony by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said “our celebrant was once quoted as saying he considers himself an accidental diplomat.

“However, 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,” Tinubu stated.

Tracing Gambari’s career, the President highlighted his pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy and advancing global peace.

From coordinating the eradication of apartheid in South Africa to serving as the first United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Africa, Professor Gambari’s contributions, Tinubu said, have left “an indelible mark on our nation’s relationships with the global community.”

The President described Gambari as a towering figure in Nigeria’s history, noting that his service spanned seven Nigerian heads of government and four UN Secretary-Generals.

“In the evolution of modern Nigeria, Professor Gambari is undoubtedly one of a few living non-career public servants whose footprints have significantly impacted diplomacy, democracy, and national development,” Tinubu added.

Gambari’s work, which includes mediating the world’s largest peacekeeping mission in Darfur and co-initiating the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), has earned him accolades as a global statesman.

Tinubu praised the professor’s dedication, describing him as “an iconic diplomat who has dedicated his life to serving our nation and promoting peace and understanding worldwide.”

The President also acknowledged the presence of dignitaries from across the globe, saying their attendance was a testament to Gambari’s wide-reaching impact.

Tinubu expressed his best wishes, concluding, “May Allah’s blessings be with you at all times. Your legacy continues to shape our nation’s foreign policy and inspire future leaders.”

Professor Gambari’s storied career and commitment to diplomacy remain a beacon of excellence, reflecting Nigeria’s aspirations for peace and development on the global stage.

On his part, former President Muhammadu Buhari said Prof. 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.

Buhari said in a message read by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, said he joined the family, friends, mentees, former colleagues and students to celebrate the 80th birthday of Gambari, an 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.

Buhari in a statement by Mallam Garba Shehu, said, “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 vigor and a sense of purpose through his very active participation in regional and intercontinental diplomacy.

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“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 in 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.”