Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to allocate a suitable parcel of land within Abuja for the development of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre (AAARC).
Tinubu gave the directive 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 former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).
The event, which also marked Abubakar’s 84th birthday, brought together political leaders, former presidents, and eminent statesmen.
Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised Abubakar for his continued service as an elder statesman and for his contributions to peacebuilding, national unity, democratic stability, and responsible political engagement through the National Peace Committee.
He said the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre was a worthy initiative that aligns with the values the former military leader has championed over the years.
“In recognition of its importance, I hereby direct the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate a suitable parcel of land within the territory for the development of the Centre and the advancement of its mission,” Tinubu said.
The President described Abubakar’s life as one defined by duty, moderation, courage, and an unwavering commitment to national service, noting that he occupies a unique place in Nigeria’s history.
He recalled that at a moment of deep national uncertainty, Abubakar assumed leadership, fulfilled his pledge to return the country to democratic rule, and successfully supervised the transition that gave birth to the Fourth Republic in 1999.
Tinubu said the peaceful transition remains one of the most significant milestones in Nigeria’s democratic journey, adding that many Nigerians, including himself, remain beneficiaries of the stability it produced.
He commended the authors of the books presented at the event for documenting an important chapter of Nigeria’s history for future generations.
Former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, also praised Abubakar, saying his leadership played a key role in consolidating democracy and peacebuilding across Africa.
Mbeki described him as a leader who consistently placed national and continental interest above personal gain.
Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), who chaired the occasion, said Abubakar’s leadership and peacebuilding legacy offer valuable lessons for emerging African leaders.
He noted that Abubakar’s role in Nigeria’s transition from military to civilian rule remains one of the most significant in the continent’s modern history.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also acknowledged Abubakar’s contributions to national unity, while noting that no leader is without shortcomings.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Abubakar as a statesman of rare wisdom who continues to promote peace within and outside Nigeria.
In his remarks, Abubakar expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima for supporting the commemorative event.
He recalled assuming leadership in 1998 at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history and overseeing a swift transition to democratic rule within 11 months, which he said helped strengthen national unity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book presentation attracted major donations, including N500 million from Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and N250 million from the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu.
Other donations included N100 million from the Senate, N50 million from the House of Representatives, as well as contributions from governors, commercial banks, and other stakeholders.