Nigeria’s political leaders, former heads of state, serving officials, and international dignitaries gathered in Abuja on Saturday to celebrate former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, as he marked his 84th birthday and unveiled three books in his honour.
The event, held at the Presidential Villa, also doubled as a fundraising ceremony for the proposed Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre, raising close to ₦2 billion in donations and pledges from individuals and organisations.
Major donations announced
Key contributions included:
₦500 million from businessman Aliko Dangote
₦250 million from BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu
₦350 million pledged by the Niger State Government
₦100 million from businessman Dahiru Mangal
Several other donors also made undisclosed commitments.
Government support
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, announced federal backing for the planned centre, including:
Allocation of land in Abuja along the Airport Road corridor
Federal funding for construction of the facility
Tinubu described Abdulsalami as a leader who fulfilled his promise to return Nigeria to civilian rule in 1999, calling his transition programme a foundation of the Fourth Republic.
Tributes from world leaders
Prominent figures praised Abdulsalami’s legacy:
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki highlighted his role in promoting peace and democracy across Africa.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described him as a key partner in African peace mediation efforts.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan credited him with stabilising Nigeria’s democracy by handing over power voluntarily in 1999.
Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon said his leadership restored confidence during a critical transition period.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said Nigeria’s democratic institutions remain a direct result of Abdulsalami’s decision to end military rule.
Abdulsalami’s remarks
In his response, Abdulsalami expressed gratitude to attendees and called for continued commitment to peace, unity, and democratic governance.
He also reaffirmed that his decision to transition power in 11 months in 1999 was driven by national interest, not personal ambition, describing leadership as “responsibility, not power.”
Key takeaway
The event underscored Abdulsalami Abubakar’s legacy as a military leader who peacefully handed over power in 1999—an act widely regarded as a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic history.
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