Tinubu Honours Abdulsalami at 84, Orders Allocation of Land for African Resource Centre in Abuja
Tinubu Honours Abdulsalami at 84, Orders Allocation of Land for African Resource Centre in Abuja
Tinubu Honours Abdulsalami at 84, Orders Allocation of Land for African Resource Centre in Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, for his enduring contributions to peace, democracy and national unity, describing him as a respected elder statesman whose leadership continues to inspire Nigerians and Africans alike.
The President also directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to allocate a suitable parcel of land in Abuja for the development of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre (AAARC).
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a ceremony in Abuja on Saturday, President Tinubu made the announcement during the public presentation of three books—Call of Duty, Nigeria’s Grand Patriot, and Mediating for Peace in Africa—held in honour of General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s 84th birthday.
Tinubu described the former military leader as a statesman whose life has been defined by duty, courage, moderation and unwavering commitment to national service. He recalled that Abdulsalami’s decision to hand over power to a democratically elected government in 1999 laid the foundation for Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and the country’s longest uninterrupted period of democratic governance.
“At a moment of profound uncertainty, when Nigeria stood at a crossroads, he placed country above self and principle above power. He fulfilled his promise to return Nigeria to democratic rule and guided the nation safely toward constitutional governance,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that many Nigerians, including himself, benefited from the democratic transition supervised by Abdulsalami, adding that the former Head of State’s sincerity encouraged pro-democracy activists to participate in the nation’s democratic process.
The President further described the establishment of the AAARC as a worthy initiative that aligns with Abdulsalami’s lifelong commitment to peacebuilding, mediation and leadership development across Africa.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki, who delivered the keynote address, commended Abdulsalami’s role in advancing democratic governance and peacebuilding on the continent. He said the former Nigerian leader consistently placed national interest above personal ambition and helped strengthen democratic institutions across Africa.
Also speaking, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon described Abdulsalami’s transition programme as one of Africa’s most significant democratic achievements, while former President Olusegun Obasanjo praised his contributions to national unity and conflict resolution.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described the celebrant as a remarkable statesman whose wisdom and dedication have continued to promote peace within and beyond Nigeria.
President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, Julius Maada Bio, said the books chronicled a life devoted to service, patriotism and leadership, noting that history remembers leaders who willingly relinquish power for the greater good.
In his remarks, General Abdulsalami Abubakar expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for supporting the event. He recalled leading Nigeria’s transition to democratic rule within 11 months and urged Nigerians to continue promoting peace, justice and national unity.
The event attracted prominent dignitaries from across Africa, including government officials, traditional rulers, diplomats, business leaders and former public office holders.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the announcement of donations running into hundreds of millions of naira towards the book project. Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, donated ₦500 million, while Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, contributed ₦250 million. Additional donations came from the National Assembly, state governors, commercial banks and other supporters.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina Mohammed, and representatives of former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Tinubu Honours Abdulsalami at 84, Orders Allocation of Land for African Resource Centre in Abuja
