President Bola Tinubu ordered the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike to allocate a parcel of land in Abuja for the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre.
The directive is part of the administration’s endorsement of the retired General’s post‑service work on peace and democratic governance.
Speaking at a public presentation of three books on Saturday, honoring the former Head of State – an event that also marked General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s 84th birthday — President Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Abubakar as an “elder statesman” whose National Peace Committee promotes stability across Nigeria and the continent.
“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,” Tinubu said.
NewsQuest reports that the directive places the government squarely behind efforts to institutionalize Abubakar’s post‑presidential initiatives, signaling tangible support for an office that backers say will coordinate peacebuilding and democratic‑strengthening activities in Nigeria and Africa.
President Tinubu lauded Abubakar’s role in steering Nigeria from military rule to civilian governance in 1999, calling the transition “one of the greatest services any leader can render a nation.”
He credited the handover with laying the foundations for the Fourth Republic—the country’s longest uninterrupted period of democratic rule—and said many current political actors benefited from the stability the transition helped secure.
The books presented at the ceremony — “Call of Duty,” “Nigeria’s Grand Patriot” and “Mediating for Peace in Africa” — compile essays and reflections on Abubakar’s leadership and mediation work.
President Tinubu commended the authors for preserving what he called an important chapter of national history and for showcasing Abubakar’s “service before self.”
The programme drew a broad roster of domestic and international figures, indicative of General Abubakar’s standing at home and abroad.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki praised Abubakar’s contributions to democratic consolidation and peacebuilding across the continent.
Former Nigerian heads of state and several sitting African leaders attended, including Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who chairs ECOWAS’s authority of heads of state and government.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other past leaders who spoke at the event highlighted Abubakar’s mediation work and his decision to relinquish power as defining features of his legacy.
Speakers urged younger leaders to emulate his preference for national interest over personal power.
General Abubakar, in brief remarks, recalled assuming the country’s reins in 1998 during a period of acute uncertainty and said he and colleagues expedited a return to civilian rule within 11 months.
He thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their support of the commemorative event and reiterated an appeal for continued commitment to peace and national unity.
The book presentation also served as a fundraiser: donations included ₦500 million from Aliko Dangote and ₦250 million from Abdul Samad Rabiu, alongside contributions from Nigeria’s legislature, governors, banks and other donors.
Representatives from the United Nations and several African capitals sent goodwill messages, and many senior Nigerian officials were in attendance, including the president of the Senate, the secretary to the government and a number of state governors.
