Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were among top Nigerian leaders and dignitaries who gathered in Abuja on Saturday to celebrate former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at the launch of his autobiography.
The event, held in the nation’s capital, attracted prominent political figures, traditional rulers and government officials who came to honour Abdulsalami’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and peace-building efforts.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented at the ceremony by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Other notable guests included former Vice Presidents Namadi Sambo and Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Traditional institutions were also strongly represented, with the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, attending alongside several royal fathers from across the country.
Also present were the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor Umar Bago of Niger State, and other senior government officials.
The ceremony featured the unveiling of three publications in honour of Abdulsalami’s legacy. The books presented were Call of Duty: An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, and Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The gathering served as both a celebration of Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday and recognition of his role in Nigeria’s transition to democratic governance and continued advocacy for peace across Africa.
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