Association Honours Prof. Gambari With Book-reading
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
The Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria (COSFAN) on Tuesday in Ilorin held a book-reading session in honour of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, a former presidential aide.
A member of the association’s Board of Trustees, Dr Abiola Adimula, said the book which was read for the former Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari has 34 articles.
“The book titled ‘Readings in diplomacy, democracy, peace and development’ is with 34 articles and has contributions from writers from six Nigerian universities,” she said.
Dr Adimula said Prof. Gambari has served nationally, internationally and even in community service, and there was therefore “the need to honour his enduring legacy that will outlive him”.
She said the book would be officially launched in Ilorin on Thursday at a ceremony to be attended by President Bola Tinubu.
“Others expected include ex-President Buhari, businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Mohammed Indimi and a host of others,” she added.
Speaking further on the book-reading programme, Adimula said the essence was to ensure that the culture of book-reading returns to the list of activities at secondary schools.
”We also want the Federal Ministry of Education to make Peace Studies a subject to be studied in secondary schools, so as to catch them young.”
COSFAN’s President, Dr Samuel Ekundayo, said the association was not only honouring Gambari’s remarkable achievements, but also reaffirming its commitment to the values he has tirelessly championed.
”The values are peace, good governance, and youth empowerment.
”His legacy serves as a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that transformative change is possible when we invest in education, diplomacy, and inclusive leadership.
”As we reflect on his contributions, let us honour Prof. Gambari’s legacy by re-committing ourselves to the pursuit of peace, the strengthening of democratic institutions and the empowerment of youths.
”Together, we can build on his vision to create a world where every child’s rights are protected, every community is engaged, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive,” he said.
Chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees, Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede, said COSFAN’s members saw the need to give back to the society by making others know the values Gambari stood for.
Jegede said Gambari’s achievement was a testament to the fact that many good things can still come out of Nigeria.
10 students from Government Secondary School, Ilorin read excerpts from the 268-page book.
COSFAN is a professional association of Nigerians who had their postgraduate academic pursuits and career development from 1960.
This was through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in United Kingdom, via the British Council in Nigeria.
The association’s goal is to leverage the knowledge, training, skills, network and contacts of its members within the Commonwealth to support Nigeria.
The support is towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in education, and act as a think-tank for different development issues in Nigeria.
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