Tinubu approves land allocation for Abdulsalami Abubakar Resource Centre

….Says FG to fund construction

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allocate a large parcel of land along Abuja’s Airport Road for the development of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre, while also pledging federal government funding for the construction of the facility.

The President announced the decision on Saturday during the public presentation of three books in honour of former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as part of activities marking his 84th birthday.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described the proposed centre as a fitting initiative that reflects the values and principles Abdulsalami has championed throughout his lifetime.

“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,” the President said.

“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 further disclosed that he had examined the proposed building plan and approved federal support for the project.

“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 told guests at the event.

Paying tribute to the former military leader, Tinubu described Abdulsalami as a statesman whose leadership exemplifies integrity, restraint and service to the nation.

The event, themed “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” featured the presentation of 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.

Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon chaired the programme, while former South African President Thabo Mbeki delivered the keynote address on democratic transition and peace-building in Africa.

Abdulsalami served as Nigeria’s Head of State between 1998 and 1999 and is widely credited with overseeing the transition to democratic governance, culminating in the handover of power to an elected civilian administration on May 29, 1999.