President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of land in Abuja for the development of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre, a facility intended to preserve the legacy of the former military leader and promote research on governance and peacebuilding in Africa.

Tinubu directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to provide a large parcel of land along the Airport Road for the project. He also stated that the Federal Government would handle the full funding of the centre’s construction.

The President made the announcement during a public event in Abuja marking the 84th birthday of former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar. The ceremony also featured the presentation of three books written in his honour.

Tinubu, represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the initiative as a tribute to Abubakar’s contributions to national unity and democratic transition. He added that he had already reviewed the proposed design for the centre and approved government support for its execution.

The event brought together several former and current leaders, including former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the occasion, and former South African President Thabo Mbeki, who delivered the keynote address on leadership and peacebuilding in Africa.

Former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida also featured in the programme through a foreword to one of the books presented, while Abubakar was praised for overseeing Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule in 1999, which led to the emergence of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The books unveiled at the event focused on his military service, mediation efforts, and role in shaping Nigeria’s political history. Tinubu commended the authors for documenting what he described as an important legacy for future generations.