Tinubu, Jonathan, Obasanjo, Gowon, Akpabio Honour Abdulsalami at 84 as Book Launch Attracts Nearly N2bn for Africa Resource Centre
By Rita Onuoha
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
Nigeria's political leaders, former heads of state, senior government officials, foreign dignitaries, traditional rulers, diplomats and business executives on Saturday gathered at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to celebrate former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), on his 84th birthday and the unveiling of three books documenting his life, leadership and contributions to democracy and peacebuilding.
The celebration also served as a fundraiser for the proposed Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre, attracting donations and pledges of nearly N2 billion from prominent individuals, institutions and governments.
Foremost industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote announced a donation of N500 million, while Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, pledged N250 million. Businessman Alhaji Dahiru Mangal contributed N100 million, and the Niger State Government committed N350 million towards the project. Several other donors also made contributions, bringing the total value of donations and pledges close to N2 billion.
The three books unveiled at the event are Call of Duty: An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, Nigeria's Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, and Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, announced Federal Government support for the proposed Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre in Abuja. He directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate a large parcel of land along the Airport Road corridor and disclosed that the Federal Government would finance the construction of the centre.
According to the President, the resource centre reflects the values of peace, dialogue and nation-building that Abdulsalami has consistently championed throughout his public service.
Tinubu described the former Head of State as one of Nigeria's most influential leaders, commending him for fulfilling his promise to return the country to democratic rule after assuming office in 1998.
He noted that Abdulsalami placed national interest above personal ambition by supervising a peaceful transition that ushered in the Fourth Republic and laid the foundation for Nigeria's longest uninterrupted democratic experience.
Delivering the keynote address, former South African President Thabo Mbeki praised Abdulsalami's enduring contributions to democratic governance and peacebuilding across Africa. He said the former Nigerian leader rejected opportunities to prolong military rule and instead chose to strengthen democratic institutions for the benefit of future generations.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Abdulsalami as a dependable partner in African peace initiatives, recalling their collaboration on the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan. He said the former military ruler demonstrated patience, integrity and unwavering commitment to dialogue throughout the mediation process.
Obasanjo added that Abdulsalami's contributions extend beyond Nigeria's democratic transition, highlighting his role through the National Peace Committee and other international peace missions that have promoted political stability across the continent.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan credited Abdulsalami with helping to stabilise Nigeria's democracy by resisting pressure to remain in office despite wielding absolute political and military authority.
Jonathan described the decision to hand over power within 11 months as one of the most selfless acts in the country's political history, noting that Abdulsalami consistently placed national interest above personal ambition.
Former Head of State and Chairman of the occasion, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), said Abdulsalami assumed office during one of Nigeria's most delicate periods and restored public confidence through calm leadership and a clear commitment to democratic transition.
Gowon described the decision to organise elections and transfer power within 11 months as one of the defining moments in Nigeria's political history, adding that it demonstrated leadership rooted in responsibility and national interest.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said Nigeria's democratic institutions, particularly the National Assembly, remain direct beneficiaries of Abdulsalami's sacrifice. He revealed that the former Head of State resisted repeated calls from political associates to extend military rule despite possessing absolute authority.
Akpabio proposed that the National Assembly should consider setting aside a special day to honour Abdulsalami in recognition of his contributions to democracy and national development.
President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Julius Maada Bio, said the three books portray a life devoted to patriotism, public service and responsible leadership. He observed that history remembers leaders who willingly relinquish power for a greater national purpose.
Former First Lady Fatima Lami Abubakar expressed gratitude for witnessing the launch of the books documenting her husband's lifetime of service, describing him as a peace-loving leader who remained devoted to both family and nation.
Responding to the tributes, Abdulsalami thanked President Tinubu, former leaders, dignitaries, friends and family members for the honour bestowed on him.
He urged political leaders, traditional rulers, religious institutions, the media and other stakeholders to continue promoting peace, justice and national unity, stressing that sustained democratic governance remains the best path to national progress.
Reflecting on his assumption of office in 1998, Abdulsalami recalled that Nigeria was at a critical crossroads and said his administration fulfilled its promise by restoring democratic governance within 11 months.
He emphasised that leadership is defined not by the exercise of power but by responsibility, integrity and service to the people.
The former Head of State also highlighted the work of the National Peace Committee, noting that it has contributed significantly to peaceful elections and democratic stability in Nigeria.
He described the three books unveiled in his honour as valuable historical resources that will preserve lessons from Nigeria's democratic transition and peacebuilding efforts for future generations.
As tributes continued throughout the ceremony, speakers unanimously agreed that Abdulsalami Abubakar's greatest legacy lies not in the authority he exercised as Head of State but in the restraint and statesmanship he demonstrated by voluntarily handing over power in 1999, a decision widely regarded as a defining milestone in Nigeria's democratic journey.
Among the dignitaries present were the Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine; former Vice Presidents Namadi Sambo and Yemi Osinbajo; Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume; Governors Babagana Umara Zulum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and Umar Bago, alongside ministers, traditional rulers and members of the Federal Executive Council.
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