13/06/2026
FARMER GOVERNOR UMARU BAGO GRACES PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF THREE BOOKS IN HONOUR OF GEN. ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR AT 84
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, was among the eminent personalities who attended the public presentation of three books and the unveiling of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre to commemorate the 84th birthday of former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The event was held at the State House Banquet Hall, A*o Rock Presidential Villa.
Governor Bago joined other well-wishers in congratulating Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar on his birthday and the launch of the books, which reflect his selfless service to the nation and remarkable contributions to Nigeria's democratic development.
The first book, Call of Duty: An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, provides insight into his childhood, educational background, military career, emergence as Head of State, and his successful transition to civilian rule within eleven months.
The second book, Nigeria's Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, highlights his patriotism and leadership qualities, while the third, Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Gen.
Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, focuses on his role in conflict resolution across Africa, his international credentials, and his contributions to democratic governance.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described Gen. Abdulsalami as a courageous patriot whose unwavering commitment to democratic governance paved the way for Nigeria's Fourth Republic and its longest uninterrupted democratic era.
He noted that the democratic foundation laid by Gen. Abdulsalami and the peace initiatives championed through his National Peace Committee have continued to strengthen national cohesion and stability.
In a keynote address titled "Democratic Transition and Peace Building in Africa: The Place of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar," the Chairman of the occasion and former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, described the former Head of State as a great patriot who has played a defining role in promoting peace and stability across Africa through dialogue and conflict resolution.
In their separate remarks, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, acknowledged Gen. Abdulsalami's outstanding contributions to Nigeria's democracy and peacebuilding efforts across Africa.
In his remarks, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar expressed appreciation to all those who have supported his vision, noting that his passion remains to see Nigeria progress and prosper.
He also called on Nigerians to deepen democratic culture, promote good governance, and champion peace, justice, and national unity.
Former First Lady and wife of the former Head of State, Fati Lami Abubakar, paid tribute to her husband, highlighting his sacrifices for Nigeria and Africa, as well as his ongoing efforts toward building a peaceful and united society through conflict resolution.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre (AAARC) and the cutting of the birthday cake.
The event attracted distinguished personalities from within and outside Nigeria, including diplomats, academics, governors, senior politicians, former and serving ministers, lawmakers, and traditional rulers.
Notable attendees included President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine of Niger Republic, the Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar.
Jima TV.
