President Bola Tinubu has lauded former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, for his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and peacebuilding efforts, describing him as a statesman whose legacy continues to shape the nation.
The President also directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to allocate a suitable parcel of land in Abuja for the construction of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre (AAARC).
Tinubu made the announcement on Saturday during the public presentation of three books—Call of Duty, Nigeria’s Grand Patriot, and Mediating for Peace in Africa—held in honour of the former military leader’s 84th birthday in Abuja.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said Abdulsalami’s establishment of the National Peace Committee and his commitment to promoting peace, national unity, and democratic stability have cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s most respected elder statesmen.
He described the establishment of the AAARC as a worthy initiative that aligns with the values the former Head of State has championed throughout his life, stressing that the centre deserves a befitting office in the nation’s capital.
The President praised Abdulsalami’s leadership during a critical period in Nigeria’s history, noting that he faithfully fulfilled his promise to return the country to democratic rule after assuming power in 1998.
According to Tinubu, the peaceful transition supervised by Abdulsalami in 1999 laid the foundation for Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, the country’s longest uninterrupted democratic era.
He added that many Nigerians, including himself, benefited from the democratic stability secured through Abdulsalami’s stewardship.
“Like many pro-democracy activists of that era, I returned to participate in the democratic process because I was convinced of General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s sincerity and determination to restore constitutional rule,” the President said.
Tinubu further commended the authors of the books for preserving an important chapter of Nigeria’s history and highlighting the former leader’s legacy of selfless service.
Several prominent African leaders and statesmen paid glowing tributes to the celebrant during the event.
Former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, said Abdulsalami’s contributions significantly strengthened democratic governance and peacebuilding efforts across Africa.
Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, described Abdulsalami’s leadership and mediation efforts as exemplary and worthy of emulation by younger generations.
Similarly, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan hailed him as a peacemaker and a devoted statesman who has consistently worked for 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 launched in honour of Abdulsalami portray a life dedicated to patriotism, leadership and service to humanity.
In his remarks, Abdulsalami thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for supporting the event and recalled how he and other stakeholders successfully guided Nigeria’s transition to democracy within 11 months after he assumed office in 1998.
He urged Nigerians to continue promoting peace, justice and national unity.
The event also attracted significant donations, with Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, contributing ₦500 million, while Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, donated ₦250 million. Additional contributions came from the Senate, House of Representatives, governors, commercial banks and other supporters.
The occasion was attended by several dignitaries, including former Vice Presidents Namadi Sambo and Yemi Osinbajo, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, governors, ministers, traditional rulers and members of the Federal Executive Council.
