Tinubu issues directive to Wike
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to provide a large parcel of land in Abuja for the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre, along the Airport Road axis of the capital city.
The president also approved federal funding for the construction of the project, which is expected to serve as a centre for research, dialogue, peace building, and public service learning across Africa.
The approval was conveyed during the 84th birthday celebration of former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, held in Abuja.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the president at the event and shared the federal government’s commitment to the project.
He said the president had already reviewed the design of the proposed centre and agreed that the government would handle the construction.
The gathering also included the public presentation of books focused on Abdulsalami’s life, leadership journey, and his role in Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
The event brought together political leaders, associates, and supporters who reflected on his years of service.
Tinubu described the planned centre as a fitting way to honour Abdulsalami, noting his role in guiding Nigeria through a sensitive political period that led to the end of military rule.
He said Abdulsalami’s leadership helped restore civilian government after years of military control.
According to the president, the former Head of State kept to his promise to return the country to democracy after assuming office in 1998.
That transition led to the start of the Fourth Republic, which has remained Nigeria’s longest stretch of continuous civilian governance.
He also said Abdulsalami’s work did not end after leaving office, as he has continued to take part in peace efforts across Nigeria and other African countries through different mediation platforms and committees.
