RismadarVoice Reporters
June 13, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allocate a suitable parcel of land in Abuja for the development of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre (AAARC).
The President 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, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), as part of activities marking his 84th birthday anniversary.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described the establishment of the resource centre as a worthy initiative that reflects the values of peace, national unity, and democratic governance championed by the former military leader.
“In recognition of its importance, I hereby direct the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate a suitable parcel of land within the Federal Capital Territory for the development of the Centre and the advancement of its mission,” the President said.
Tinubu praised Abdulsalami for his role in Nigeria’s democratic transition, describing him as a statesman whose life has been defined by duty, courage, moderation, and service to the nation.
He said the former Head of State occupies a unique place in Nigeria’s history for overseeing the transition from military rule to democracy in 1999, a process that birthed the Fourth Republic.
“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,” the President stated.
Tinubu also recalled that Abdulsalami’s sincerity and commitment to democratic governance convinced him and many pro-democracy activists to return and participate in the political process.
“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 said.
According to the President, Abdulsalami’s stewardship helped preserve national cohesion and laid the foundation for the country’s longest uninterrupted democratic era.
Beyond his time in office, Tinubu commended the former Head of State for his continued contributions to peacebuilding through the National Peace Committee, which has played a key role in promoting political stability and national unity.
Several prominent African and Nigerian leaders paid tribute to Abdulsalami during the event.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki described him as a champion of democracy and peacebuilding whose contributions have strengthened governance across Africa.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), who chaired the occasion, praised Abdulsalami’s leadership and mediation efforts across the continent, while former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan highlighted his role as a peacemaker and elder statesman.
President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government said the books launched in Abdulsalami’s honour reflected a life dedicated to patriotism, leadership, and service.
In his remarks, Abdulsalami expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and other dignitaries for honouring him. He recalled assuming office in 1998 at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history and successfully overseeing the country’s return to democratic rule within 11 months.
He urged Nigerians to continue promoting peace, justice, and national unity.
The event attracted several high-profile guests, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Vice Presidents Namadi Sambo and Yemi Osinbajo, governors, ministers, traditional rulers, diplomats, and business leaders.
