National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Taiwo Niyi, KWARA |
Nigeria’s former United Nations representative, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, has described his journey into diplomacy as accidental, given his early ambitions and educational background.
He made this revelation during the launch of a book in his honor, Readings in Diplomacy, Democracy, Peace, and Development, organized by the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria (COSFAN) as part of celebrations marking his 80th birthday.
Reflecting on his life, Gambari said, “They plan, I plan, but God is the best planner, says the Holy Quran. Up till now, I still tell people to refer to me as a teacher by training and diplomat by accident because I did not want to be a diplomat. But look at what the Almighty Allah has done.”
Born in Bode Saadu, Kwara State, Gambari recounted his journey from attending village primary schools in Bode Saadu and Malete to becoming the first Nigerian to preside over the United Nations Security Council.
He described his career as Nigeria’s longest-serving ambassador to the UN, a period marked by challenges as the nation grappled with internal issues.
“I served under five presidents during my time: Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Sani Abacha, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and briefly under President Olusegun Obasanjo,” he said, adding that his alma mater in Malete is now home to Kwara State University, where he served as the pioneer Chancellor.
Gambari pledged to continue serving his people, Kwara State, and Nigeria, emphasizing his vision for a concentric foreign policy centered on local, regional, and global interests.
the reviewer of the book, the Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations (2018-2019), Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, identified poverty, ignorance, mining activities, and weak traditional laws as key drivers of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the North.
He urged the government to address these root causes to promote peace and development.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, commended Gambari’s contributions to international diplomacy and national development.
“The mention of Professor Ibrahim Gambari commands respect and honour across all spectrums, owing to his contributions to scholarship, diplomacy, and world peace,” the governor said.
He encouraged Nigerians to read the newly launched book, noting its relevance in addressing emerging global challenges.
Dr. Abiola Adimula, Secretary lOC COSFAN
described the event as a celebration of Gambari’s excellence and leadership.
She highlighted his mentorship of global scholars and his role as former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.
The book, a compilation of 34 scholarly articles, will fund a Professorial Chair and research initiatives on Diplomacy and Peace Studies at the University of Ilorin.
“Today’s event surpasses all expectations in brilliance and splendour,” Dr. Adimula remarked.
Proceeds from the book launch aim to preserve Gambari’s legacy and inspire future leaders in diplomacy, democracy, and peace studies.
