The Principal Partner of Yolas Consultant and Zanna of Ilorin, Engr. Yusuf Lanre Sagaya OFR, FNSE, has rejoiced with the former Minister for Foreign Affairs and ex-Chief of Staff to the immediate past administration in Nigeria, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari CFR as he clocks 81.
Sagaya, who is also the Chairman Ilorin Central Eid Praying Ground Committee extolled the virtues of the celebrant in a goodwill message issued on Wednesday.
He stressed that, “Professor is an accomplished diplomat, a seasoned administrator, a pragmatic academician, a community leader par excellence, a distinguished Nigerian, a unique prince of the Shehu Alimi royal family, a dependable ally, a proud Ilorite and among all, a global citizen of significant repute.”
The traditional title holder added that “Gambari’s legacy as a scholar-diplomat, mentor, and patriot continues to inspire vast majority of minds with track-records of enviable accomplishments with a remarkable journey dedicated to honesty, dedication, commitment and integrity.
Prof. Gambari’s educational trajectory set the stage for his illustrious career. An alumnus of my prestigious alma mata, Government Secondary School, (GSS) Ilorin, and King’s College, Lagos, he pursued higher education at the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he graduated in 1968. He earned his M.Sc. (1970) and Ph.D. (1974) from Columbia University, USA.
“He began his academic career in the United States and later returned to Nigeria, joining Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, being the higher institution that many global leaders including yours sincerely.
“Prof. Gambari transitioned from academia to public service, becoming the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in 1983. Shortly after, he served as Nigeria’s Minister of External Affairs under General Muhammadu Buhari from 1984 to 1985 among national and international appointment until his last appointment as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari from 2020 to 2023.”
Sagaya therefore thanked the celebrant for upholding truth, integrity and humility in all his engagements and prayed Almighty Allah to grant him more strength and comfort to witness more years of fruitful services to God and humanity on earth.
