President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), for his contributions to democracy, national unity and peacebuilding, describing him as a statesman whose leadership helped shape modern Nigeria.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a book launch and 84th birthday celebration in Abuja on Saturday, Tinubu announced the allocation of land in the Federal Capital Territory for the proposed Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre (AAARC).

The President commended Abdulsalami for successfully overseeing Nigeria’s transition to democratic rule in 1999, noting that his commitment to constitutional governance laid the foundation for the country’s longest uninterrupted democratic era.

Tinubu recalled that Abdulsalami’s sincerity and determination to restore democracy inspired many pro-democracy activists, including himself, to participate in the political process.

Several dignitaries paid tribute to the former Head of State at the event, including former South African President Thabo Mbeki, former Heads of State Yakubu Gowon and Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who praised his role in promoting peace and democratic governance across Africa.

Speaking at the event, Abdulsalami thanked President Tinubu for supporting the occasion and urged Nigerians to continue promoting peace, justice and national unity.

The event also featured the launch of three books in his honour and attracted donations running into hundreds of millions of naira from prominent individuals and organisations, including businessman Aliko Dangote and BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu.