Former President Muhammadu Buhari is set to visit Ilorin, Kwara State, today to participate in an event marking the lead-up to the 80th birthday celebration of his former Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, scheduled for Sunday.

Accompanying him will be renowned northern business magnate, Alhaji Muhammadu Idimi, who will serve as the chief launcher for the event.

This was revealed by Dr. Abiola Adimula, former National President of the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria (COSSFAN), during a public book reading session held at Government Secondary School (GSS), Ilorin, on Tuesday.

She added that the former president, who wrote the foreword while in office, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour to grace the unveiling of the book titled, Readings in Diplomacy, Democracy, Peace and Development.

The president of COSSFAN, Dr. Ekundayo Samuel, said that about six universities in Nigeria contributed to the book.

He described Gambari as one of Africa’s unsung heroes, a distinguished scholar, diplomat, statesman, a true luminary, and a cherished patron of COSSFAN.

He stated that the book is not just a collection of essays or research outputs, but a testament to the influence Agboola has had on countless lives, “shaping the minds of future leaders and inspiring a generation of scholars, thinkers, and doers,” Ekundayo stated.

He recalled that Prof. Agboola’s career has, in no small way, shown that sustainable peace and good governance are not only about addressing immediate conflicts but also about creating an environment for long-term social, political, and economic stability.

“He advocates for the strengthening of democratic institutions, the promotion of inclusive governance, and the fostering of dialogue across communities. These efforts are essential for achieving peace that lasts beyond temporary ceasefires or political agreements,” he added.

According to him, this year’s celebration is not just an opportunity to honour Gambari’s personal achievements but also to reflect on his broader contributions to society.

“Through this book launch, we seek to highlight the lessons drawn from Prof. Gambari’s decades of experience in diplomacy, governance, and peacebuilding and offer valuable insights for the future of Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large. His work has shown the importance of education, democratic governance, and the active participation of youth in shaping a better future for all.”

He hinted that Agboola is the founder and chairman of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy, and Development, a think-tank organisation focused on conflict prevention, democratisation, and advancement of sustainable development across Africa.