By Felix Khanoba
Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria, has been celebrated for his exceptional contributions to democracy, diplomacy, and global conflict resolution.
In a congratulatory message marking Gambari’s 80th birthday, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), emphasized the honouree’s enduring legacy in international affairs.
Na’Allah, in the congratulatulatory message personally signed by him, highlighted the significance of Gambari’s milestone.
He said : “A life worth living is the one that impacts on humanity and improves the socio-economic condition of the people. A clear example of this is Prof. Ibrahim Gambari whose practical approach and contributions to global peace and development can not be quantified.”
Na’Allah also described Gambari as an outstanding academic, seasoned diplomat, and a loving family man “that has contributed significantly to the sustainability of democracy, diplomacy and conflict resolution around the world.”
Thw former vice-chancellor further extolled the virtue of the octogenerian as a key figure in the world political-economic space whose works had impacted tremendously on the nation’s foreign policy as a former chairman of the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid, served on behalf of Nigeria as Chairman of the UN Security Council when Nigeria rotated on the Council, Under-Secretary General of UN on Political Affairs, to engender global peace and development.
“It is hard to find another Nigerian with his level of exposure and international leadership experience,” he said.
He recalled the contributions made to the growth and development of KWASU as a global public university by Gambari who served as Chancellor of Kwara State University when Na’Allah was the pioneer Vice-Chancellor.
Na’Allah’s statement noted the administrative qualities and styles of Prof. Gambari as a former minister, and chief of staff to former president Muhammadu Buhari adding that he would forever be appreciated for his selfless service to the nation and the world at large.
