By Awwal Umar Kontagora Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” was among eminent p...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” was among eminent personalities who graced the public presentation of three books and the unveiling of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre, held in celebration of the 84th birthday of former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The event took place at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja.
Governor Bago used the platform to join other well-wishers in congratulating the former Head of State on his birthday and the launch of the books, which highlight his selfless service to the nation and his remarkable contributions to the sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy.
The first book, Call to Duty: An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, provides insight into his childhood, educational background, military career, emergence as Head of State, and his role in the transition to civilian rule within eleven months.
The second book, Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and the third, Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, focus on his involvement in conflict resolution and his international credentials, as well as his contributions to the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria and across Africa.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described Gen. Abubakar as a courageous patriot whose enduring commitment to democratic governance gave birth to the Fourth Republic and Nigeria’s longest uninterrupted democratic dispensation.
He noted that the democratic foundation laid by Gen. Abubakar, as well as his peace initiatives through the National Peace Committee, had continued to promote national cohesion, while commending his sacrifices and steadfastness.
In a keynote address, the Chairman of the occasion and former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, titled “Democratic Transition and Peacebuilding in Africa: The Place Of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar,” described the former Head of State as a great patriot who has played a defining role in the peace and stability of the African continent through negotiations and conflict resolution.
In their separate remarks, former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; and the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, all commended Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar for his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and his role in promoting peace across Africa.
The celebrant, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to all those who have supported his vision, noting that he remains driven by the passion to see the nation on the path of progress.
He called on Nigerians to deepen democratic culture, promote good governance, and champion the cause of peace, justice, and national unity.
The former First Lady of Nigeria and wife of the former Head of State, Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, in a tribute to her husband, highlighted his sacrifices to Nigeria and Africa, including his ongoing efforts toward building a united and peaceful nation through conflict resolution initiatives.
The high point of the event included the unveiling of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre (AAARC) and the cutting of the birthday cake.
The event was well attended by eminent personalities from within and outside the country, including diplomats, academics, governors, top politicians, serving and former ministers, lawmakers, and traditional rulers.
Notable among them were the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio; the Prime Minister of Niger Republic, Ali Lamine Zeine; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
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