Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago was among many eminent personalities that graced the public presentation of three books and unveiling of Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar Resource Center in marking the 84th birthday of former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
A statement signed by the chief press secretary to the Governor,Bologi Ibrahim said the event was held at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Aso Rock Abuja.
Farmer Bago used the platform in joining other well wishers in congratulating the former Head of State on his birthday and for the launch of the books which reflects his selfless service to the nation and for his remarkable contributions to the survival of the Nation’s democracy.
The first book,Call of Duty : An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar is a family window that focuses on his childhood,educational background, military career and emergence as Head of State as well as transition to civilian dispensation in eleven months.
The second book,Nigeria Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar while the third book, Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in honour of Gen.Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar focuses on his involvement in conflicts resolutions and his International credentials as well as instituting democracy in the Country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the vice president, Kasim Shettima in his remarks decribed Gen. Abubakar as a courageous patriot whose enduring commitment to democratic governance gave birth to the fourth Republic and the longest democratic dispensation in the Country.
He said, the democratic foundation that Gen. Abdulsalami laid and the peace initiative he creates through his National peace committee has continued to ensure national cohesion while also acknowledging him for his sacrifices and steadfastness.
In a keynote address by the Chairman of the occasion and former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki titled,” democratic transition and peace building in Africa; the place of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar”, Mbeki described the former Head of State as a great patriot who has played defining roles in the peace and stability of the African Continent through negotiations and conflict resolutions.
In their separate remarks, Former Nigerian Head of State,Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the deputy secretary general, United Nations, Amina Mohammed acknowledged the outstanding role of Gen.Abdulsalami Abubakar in the democratic dispensation in Nigeria and his role in maintaining peace across Africa.
The celebrant, Gen. Abdulslami Alhaji Abubakar in his remarks appreciated all those who had been supportive of his vision adding that, he is being driven by the passion to see the nation on the path of progress.
The former Head of State used the medium to call on Nigerians to deepen democratic culture, promote good governance, champion the course of peace, justice and national unity.
Former first lady of Nigeria, and wife of the former Head of State, Justice Fati Lamin Abubakar in a tribute to her husband outlined his sacrifices to the nation and Africa including his ongoing efforts aimed at building a united peaceful nation through conflicts resolutions.
Highpoint of the event include the unveiling of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Center (AAARC) and cutting of birthday cake .
The event was highly attended by eminent personalities both from within and outside the Country including,Diplomats, academics, governors, top politicians former and present serving Ministers, lawmakers and traditional title holders.
Notable among them are the President of Sierra leone, Julius Maada Bio, prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, Oni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar,
