Tinubu directs Wike to allocate land for the Abdulsalami Abubakar Resource Centre

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

On Saturday, President Bola Tinubu instructed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to secure a large parcel of land along Airport Road in Abuja for the construction of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre.

The President also announced that the Federal Government would finance the building of the facility, following the receipt of more than ₦2 billion during the unveiling of three books honoring the former Head of State.

Speaking as the special guest of honour, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing him, Tinubu said: “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.”

He added, “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.”

President Tinubu revealed that he had already examined the building plan for the proposed structure and confirmed federal funding for its construction. “Your Excellency, Mr President has seen the building plan for the structure — and has promised that the Federal Government will fund the construction of the centre,” he told the event organisers.

In his remarks, Tinubu reflected on Abubakar’s legacy within a broader discussion of leadership and national character. He stated, “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. Those qualities are defined in our public life.”

The President also praised the authors of the three books presented at the event for documenting Abubakar’s contributions to Nigerian history. “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,” he said.

The event, titled “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” featured the public presentation of three books: Call of Duty: An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, with a foreword by former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar; and Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, reviewed by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, CFR.

The programme was chaired by former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, and included a keynote address on “Democratic Transition and Peace Building in Africa: The Place of General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,” delivered by former South African President Thabo Mbeki.

Abubakar served as Nigeria’s 11th Head of State after the death of Gen. Sani Abacha in June 1998 and is widely credited with overseeing the transition that restored civilian rule, handing power to President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29 1999.

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