President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to allocate land in Abuja for the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre, AAARC, describing the former Head of State as a “respected elder statesman” who restored Nigeria’s faith in democracy.
The President gave the directive on Saturday at the public presentation of three books — Call of Duty, Nigeria’s Grand Patriot, and Mediating for Peace in Africa — held to mark General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s 84th birthday anniversary.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu at the event held in Abuja. In his address, Tinubu said General Abubakar “occupies a unique place in the history of our nation” for supervising Nigeria’s transition from military to civilian rule in 1999.
“At a moment of profound uncertainty, when Nigeria stood at a crossroads, providence entrusted him with the responsibility of leadership. He pledged to return the country to democratic rule, and he fulfilled that pledge faithfully and honourably,” Tinubu said.
The President recalled that the peaceful transition supervised by Abubakar in 1999 “gave birth to the Fourth Republic, the longest uninterrupted democratic period in Nigeria’s history.” He added that millions of Nigerians, including himself and other public office holders, are beneficiaries of the stability that Abubakar’s stewardship secured.
Tinubu said his own political journey was shaped by the Abdulsalami-led transition: “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. He kept his word.”
He described the establishment of AAARC as a “worthy initiative that aligns with the values General Abubakar has championed throughout his life” and directed the FCT Minister to provide a “suitable parcel of land within the Federal Capital Territory for the development of the Centre and the advancement of its mission.”
General Abubakar, who emerged as Head of State in 1998, said he facilitated Nigeria’s democratic transition “in the shortest possible time — within 11 months,” a step he noted helped entrench unity. He urged stakeholders to continue championing peace, justice, and national unity.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki delivered the keynote, saying Abubakar’s “tireless and sacrificial contributions” led to the consolidation of democracy and peacebuilding across Africa.
Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the occasion, said Abubakar’s mediation role remains “legendary across the African continent and beyond.” Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan also paid tribute, with Obasanjo noting that military leaders like Abubakar “have made contributions that have helped keep Nigeria united.”
ECOWAS Chairman and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, said the three books “depict a life dedicated to service, patriotism, and leadership.”
The book presentation raised millions of naira in donations. Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, donated ₦500 million, while BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu gave ₦250 million. The Senate pledged ₦100 million and the House of Representatives ₦50 million. Nigerian governors, commercial banks, and other donors also contributed.
Dignitaries present included Niger Republic Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, former Vice Presidents Namadi Sambo and Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, governors Babagana Zulum, Muhammadu Yahaya, and Umar Bago, ministers, and traditional rulers.
General Abubakar’s wife, Fatima Lami Abubakar, thanked guests and said her husband “remains a peace-loving man” who ensured the family never lacked despite his national assignments.
Through the National Peace Committee, General Abubakar continues to promote peace, national unity, democratic stability, and responsible political engagement across Nigeria.
