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African Countries Urged To Strengthen Democratic Ideals For Development
African countries have been urged to strengthen democratic ideals, promote good governance, justice and peace for the development of the continent.
Former Nigeria Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Tijani Bande gave the charge at the launch of a book in honor of Professor Ibrahim Gambari, a renowned academic and diplomat.
The book, Readings in Diplomacy, Democracy, Peace and Development, in honor of Professor Ibrahim Gambari, was published by the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association of Nigeria, COSFAN who deemed it necessary to document his contributions to global peace and development.
In an address at the event, the book reviewer and Former Nigeria Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Tijani Bande observed that poor leadership in Africa, has led to people’s distrust in elections and emphasized that ethics and values of governance must be protected to engender believe in democratic system.
“Certainly, frustration with flawed elections and a sense that elections hardly remove bad leaders have given a veneer of support to some for this dangerous direction.
“Dysfunctional and corruption behaviour must be removed in Nigeria otherwise the incessant search for material wealth at all costs will continue to fuel inefficiency, inequality, inferior standards and even violence.”
Professor Bande stated that leaders needed to be committed to improving the lives of citizens and expressed hope that the insecurity challenge in the country would soon be surmounted.
In a message, the Kwara State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, described Professor Gambari as a global asset whose contributions to international diplomacy and global peace remain indelible.
The Governor who was represented by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, described the book as a resource to proffering practical and sustainable solutions to issues of national discourse.
“Written in honour of Prof. Gambari, “Readings in Diplomacy, Democracy, Peace and Development” is a book I want all of us to read as our world evolves and grapples with emerging challenges of the new media and unfettered freedom, the rise of non state actors with differing perspectives on the concept of diplomacy, democracy, peace and development, and the shifting nature of the international system and power dynamics.
“While many of these issues may defy textbook prescriptions, I believe firmly that scholarly researches and insights on such topics are always useful in our search for practical and sustainable solutions.”
Chairman, Board of Trustees COSFAN, Emeritus Professor Olugbenro Jegede described the celebrant as an unapologetic advocate for peace and development whose contributions has placed Nigeria in an enviable pedestal amongst the comity of nations.
“His contributions are an open book for Nigerians to take a cue from. He believes that once you can move from self to everyone, in an inclusive society, from ethnic chauvinism to the total development of society, from mediocrity to meritocracy, and from one to all, then achieving peace will not be a mirage for us in this country.”
President of COSFAN, Dr Ekundayo Samuel described the book as a testament to the influence of Professor Gambari on the lives of the younger generation and scholars.
“This book is not just a collection of essays or research outputs; it is a testament to the influence our honouree has had on countless lives, shaping the minds of future leaders and inspiring a generation of scholars, thinkers, and doers.
He added that, “At 80, His Excellency, Ambassador, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.”
Secretary of the book publication committee and immediate past president of COSFAN, Dr Abiola Adimula, announced that part of the funds generated from the book launch would be used to establish a professorial chair, research fund on diplomacy and peace studies for the benefit of humanity.
Dr Adimula who recounted three hurdles encountered before the eventual launch of the book, said the book could not have been presented to the public at a better time.
“It is even more splendid that the book launch is part of the events to celebrate the honouree’s 80th birthday among his own people, amidst all these dignitaries.
“The book titled “Readings in Diplomacy, Democracy, Peace and Development” is a collection of 34 well-researched papers, from scholars and practitioners around the globe. It is a collection of resources in the subject areas for global reference and the institutional partnership makes it a good reference for academic promotion for the authors.”
Responding, the celebrant, Professor Gambari who recalled his educational pursuits and diplomatic relations journey, described his career trajectory and accomplishments as an act of God.
“They plan, I plan but God is the best of all planners, says the Holy Qur’an. Up till now, I still tell people to refer to me as 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 to compel me from a person who went to a primary school in Bode Saadu and Malete in the now Moro local government area of Kwara State to become one time President of United Nations Security Council.
“Now, if somebody who started in a village primary school in Bode Saadu and another senior village primary school in Malete, then to Ilorin provincial secondary school, now Government Secondary School (GSS), Ilorin; then really the sky is the limit for everyone with God’s guidance and protection.
“I served my country as longest serving ambassador at the United Nations. That was not also a happy period because I was constant in Nigeria’s standing in the world when we have so many issues at home. I had five Presidents during my period as Ambassador; Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Sanni Abacha, Abdulsalami Abubakar and briefly under President Olusegun Obasanjo.”
Speaking on national development, the celebrant maintained that a country’s foreign policies must align with its national interests and that people’s rights to choose their leaders and express themselves must be guaranteed, for sustainable peace and development.
“That’s the essence of the concentric cycle of the foreign policy which I have always advocated and the centre must be the state, next our neighbour, region (ECOWAS), Africa and the rest of the world. Now, foreign policy shifts from administration to administration but in essence, it must be pursued in those frameworks and context.
“Foreign policy is the definition of the interests of your country and the projection of those interests so that in the process you will say what you want as a nation in the world and how do you conduct yourself in such a way to attain them in the interest of your country.”
There were goodwill messages from partnering universities, traditional rulers and the military.
Professor Agboola Gambari is an accomplished academic and diplomat who served as Chief of Staff to Former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He was also a permanent representative of Nigeria to the United Nations from 1990 to 1999.
By Rasheedat Iliyas
