Tinubu orders Abuja land allocation for Abdulsalami Abubakar centre, pledges funding

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to allocate a significant parcel of land along Airport Road in Abuja for the development of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre. The President also committed the Federal Government to funding the construction of the facility.

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The establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre is a worthy initiative that aligns with the values General Abdulsalami Abubakar has championed throughout his life.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the directive while attending the public presentation of three books in honor of former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), held at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, to celebrate his 84th birthday. Shettima stated that the center's establishment is a "worthy initiative" aligning with the values Abubakar has championed throughout his life.

"In recognition of its importance, I hereby direct the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate a very huge piece of land within the Federal Capital Territory along the Airport Road for the development of the centre and the advancement of its mission," Shettima read from Tinubu's speech. The President also revealed that he had reviewed the building plans and committed federal funding for the construction.

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In recognition of its importance, I hereby direct the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate a very huge piece of land within the Federal Capital Territory along the Airport Road for the development of the centre and the advancement of its mission.

Tinubu reflected on Abubakar's legacy, emphasizing leadership qualities such as restraint, integrity, and a sense of duty to future generations as foundational to Nigeria's public life. He commended the authors for documenting Abubakar's contributions, stating, "I also commend the authors of the books being presented today for preserving an important chapter of our national history and ensuring that future generations can learn from the example of a leader whose life embodies service before self."

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As we celebrate your remarkable life and legacy, we are reminded that nations are built not merely by those who hold power, but by those who exercise it with restraint, integrity, and a sense of duty to future generations.

The event, themed "The Legacy of a Statesman @84," featured the presentation of three books: '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.' The program was chaired by former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, with a keynote address delivered by former South African President Thabo Mbeki on "Democratic Transition and Peace Building in Africa: The Place of General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar."

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I also commend the authors of the books being presented today for preserving an important chapter of our national history and ensuring that future generations can learn from the example of a leader whose life embodies service before self.