Jun 13, 2026

Tinubu Allocates Abuja Land for Abdulsalami Peace Centre

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria – June 13, 2026—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the allocation of a prime parcel of land in the Federal Capital Territory for the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre (AAARC), honoring the former Head of State’s enduring legacy in peace-building and national unity.

The directive was announced on Saturday during the public presentation of three landmark books — A Call of Duty: My Autobiography, Nigeria’s Grand Patriot, and Mediating for Peace in Africa — at an event that doubled as General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s 84th birthday celebration.

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the President at the well-attended gathering in Abuja.

High Praise for Elder Statesman

In his message, President Tinubu lauded General Abubakar, who briefly led Nigeria from 1998 to 1999 and handed over power to civilian rule, for his continued service as a respected elder statesman.

The President highlighted Abubakar’s commitment to “promoting peace, national unity, democratic stability, and responsible political engagement” through the National Peace Committee, which he chairs.

“The establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre is a worthy initiative that aligns with the values General Abubakar has championed throughout his life,” the President stated.

He instructed FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to allocate suitable land for the Centre’s development to advance its mission of knowledge preservation, leadership training, and policy engagement across Africa.

The colorful event drew dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, reflecting the high esteem in which the retired General is held.

Images from the occasion showed a packed hall with prominent figures, traditional rulers, and guests in celebration of a leader credited with stabilizing the nation during a turbulent transition period.

General Abubakar, born on June 13, 1942, is widely recognized for his role in restoring democracy, releasing political prisoners, and laying the foundation for the current Fourth Republic.

The new resource centre is expected to serve as a hub for research, dialogue, and training on peace, governance, and sustainable development.

This gesture underscores the Tinubu administration’s recognition of elder statesmen’s contributions and its support for institutions that foster national cohesion and African leadership development.

The AAARC is poised to become a lasting legacy project preserving General Abubakar’s values for future generations.