President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wile, to allocate a parcel of land in Abuja for the development of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre (AAARC), describing the initiative as one that aligns with the values the former Head of State has championed throughout his life.
The directive was made on Saturday during a book presentation and 84th birthday celebration held in honour of General Abdulsalami Abubakar in Abuja.
Represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu described General Abubakar as a leader whose life has been defined by duty, moderation and courage, and an unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people.
He said the former military ruler occupies a unique place in the nation’s history and has steered Nigeria away from uncertainty toward democratic governance at one of the most critical moments in its post-independence story.
According to President Tinubu, General Abubakar supervised the 1999 transition that gave birth to the Fourth Republic, which he described as the longest uninterrupted democratic period in Nigeria’s history.
He acknowledged that millions of Nigerians, including himself and others privileged to serve in public office, are direct beneficiaries of the democratic foundation that Abubakar’s stewardship helped to secure.
In a personal tribute, President Tinubu revealed that it was his conviction in General Abubakar’s sincerity and determination to restore constitutional rule that persuaded him, like many pro-democracy activists of that era, to return and participate in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Abubakar kept his word, helped preserve national cohesion, and guided the country safely towards democracy -a service for which, he said, generations of Nigerians would remain in his debt.
The event also featured the public presentation of three books written in the former leader’s honour: Call of Duty, Nigeria’s Grand Patriot, and Mediating for Peace in Africa.
Former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, who delivered the keynote address, said General Abubakar’s contributions were instrumental in consolidating democratic governance and peace building across Africa, noting that he consistently placed the well-being of Nigerians above personal interests.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the occasion, said there is much for young Africans to learn from Abubakar’s exemplary leadership, particularly his role in executing one of Africa’s most significant transitions from military to civilian rule within just 11 months.
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan paid tribute, with Obasanjo acknowledging Abubakar’s contributions to national unity and Jonathan describing him as a statesman who embodies wisdom and devotion to his country.
The occasion attracted a high-profile gathering that included ECOWAS Chairman and Sierra Leone President, Julius Maada Bio, the Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, former Vice Presidents Namadi Sambo and Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, among many others.
General Abubakar’s wife, Fatima Lami Abubakar, expressed gratitude for the occasion, describing her husband as a peace-loving man who ensured his family never lacked despite his national and continental engagements.
The book presentation turned into a significant fundraising event, with Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote pledging N500 million, BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu contributing N25 million, the Senate donating N100 million, and the House of Representatives, giving N50 million, with additional contributions from Nigerian governors and commercial banks.
