President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged federal government support for the construction of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre in Abuja, directing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to allocate land for the project along the Airport Road corridor.

Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the announcement on Saturday at the 84th birthday celebration of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), and the public presentation of three books chronicling his life and contributions to Nigeria and Africa.

The President described the proposed resource centre as a worthy initiative that reflects the values of peace, democracy, dialogue and national service that Abdulsalami has championed throughout his public life.

“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.

“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 said.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government would fund the construction of the facility.

“Mr President has seen the building plan for the structure and has promised that the Federal Government will fund the construction of the centre,” Shettima announced on behalf of the President.

Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the former military leader, describing him as a statesman whose commitment to duty, moderation, courage and national service helped shape modern Nigeria.

According to him, Abdulsalami occupies a unique place in the nation’s history because of the role he played at a critical period when Nigeria faced uncertainty following years of military rule.

“At a moment of profound uncertainty, when Nigeria stood at a crossroads, Providence entrusted him with the responsibility of leadership. He understood both the weight of that responsibility and the demands of the moment.

“He pledged to return the country to democratic rule and fulfilled that pledge faithfully and honourably. In doing so, he rendered one of the greatest services any leader can render a nation. He placed country above self and principle above power”, the President said.

Tinubu noted that the transition programme supervised by Abdulsalami in 1999 laid the foundation for Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, which has become the country’s longest uninterrupted democratic era.

He said millions of Nigerians, including many of today’s political office holders, owe their participation in public service to the democratic space created by the former Head of State.

“The peaceful transition he supervised in 1999 gave birth to the Fourth Republic, the longest uninterrupted democratic period in Nigeria’s history. Millions of Nigerians, including those of us privileged to serve in public office today, are beneficiaries of the stability and democratic foundation his stewardship helped secure,” he said.

The President also reflected on his personal experience during the transition period, recalling that Abdulsalami’s sincerity and commitment to democratic rule convinced many pro-democracy activists to re-engage with the political process.

“I speak not only as President but also as one whose political journey was shaped by that historic transition. 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 kept his word and, as a result, steadied the ship of state, preserved national cohesion and guided our country safely towards democracy”, he said.

Tinubu said Abdulsalami’s service to the nation did not end with his departure from office, noting that he has remained a respected elder statesman and advocate of peace, democratic stability and national unity.

Through the National Peace Committee and various mediation efforts across Africa, he said, the former Head of State has continued to champion dialogue, reconciliation and responsible political engagement.

“Over the years, he has continued to serve as a respected elder statesman, promoting peace, national unity, democratic stability and responsible political engagement.

“Through the National Peace Committee and numerous interventions across Africa, he has remained a tireless advocate for dialogue, reconciliation and democratic values”, Tinubu said.

The President also acknowledged the personal benefit he had derived from Abdulsalami’s counsel, describing his advice as thoughtful, patriotic and reflective of a true statesman.

“On a personal note, I have benefited immensely from his wisdom and counsel. His advice is always thoughtful, measured, patriotic and offered with the discretion that befits a statesman. I deeply value his guidance and friendship”, he said.

Tinubu commended the authors of the three books launched in honour of Abdulsalami, saying the publications would help preserve an important chapter of Nigeria’s history and provide lessons in leadership for future generations.

He urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the former Head of State’s example of restraint, integrity and commitment to service.

“As we celebrate his 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,” he said.

The President congratulated Abdulsalami on attaining the age of 84 and prayed for continued good health, peace and many more years of service to humanity.

“We celebrate you today. We honour your service and cherish your example. May Almighty God grant you continued good health, peace and many more years of fulfilment and service to God and humanity,” he said. (The Nation)