The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, paid glowing tribute to its President, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, describing him as “a distinguished statesman, visionary leader and beacon of national unity,” as he marked his birthday anniversary.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, paid glowing tribute to its President, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, describing him as “a distinguished statesman, visionary leader and beacon of national unity,” as he marked his birthday anniversary.
In a celebratory message signed by the AANI National Publicity Secretary, Brigadier General S.K. Usman (rtd), the association highlighted the sterling achievements, humility, and transformational leadership of Ambassador Okafor, who is a member of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 29, 2007, of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
“Today, we are not just celebrating a birthday. We are honouring a man whose life embodies the finest ideals of leadership, statesmanship, integrity and patriotism,” the statement read. “He does not merely serve; he uplifts. And in doing so, he leaves behind a trail of hope, transformation, and legacy.”
Since assuming office as President of AANI, Ambassador Okafor has been credited with repositioning the association through strategic engagement, institutional reforms, and bold advocacy. His leadership has reportedly reignited member participation, enhanced internal cohesion, and restored AANI’s role as a national Think Tank championing good governance and unity.
“Ambassador Okafor mni is a wise, humane and inspiring leader, a man who is very firm but listens with empathy, acts with courage and leads with humility,” Usman said. “Over the past two years, he has transformed and repositioned AANI into a more vibrant, visible and visionary association.”
Born in Enugu and hailing from Awka in Anambra State, Ambassador Okafor’s illustrious career spans several continents. From diplomatic assignments in The Netherlands and Argentina to representing Nigeria at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, he has played key roles in peacebuilding and counterterrorism diplomacy.
Among his notable achievements was his coordination of the first-ever UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Workshop for West Africa and the Sahel, held in Abuja in 2013 — a milestone in regional security cooperation.
“He is not only a practitioner of diplomacy but a builder of peace, a bridge across cultures, and a promoter of global understanding,” the statement noted.
Beyond diplomacy, Ambassador Okafor is a Knight of Saint Paul (KSP), a Chartered Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. He is also a member of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, living a life that blends professional excellence with personal refinement.
Usman concluded with a heartfelt prayer: “May God continue to grant you good health, renewed strength and divine wisdom. May your passion for a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria continue to bear fruit for generations to come.”
The celebration, the association said, reflects the collective admiration and gratitude of AANI members nationwide and globally for a man they believe continues to set a standard of leadership worthy of emulation.
