Foremost industrialist and Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Saturday donated N500 million in support of the public presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), as dignitaries from across Nigeria and the African continent gathered to celebrate the elder statesman’s legacy of service and leadership.
Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, represented by former Minister of Health Professor Idi Hong, also announced a donation of N250 million towards the book launch.
The event featured the unveiling of three publications dedicated to Abdulsalami’s life and contributions to national development. They include A Call of Duty: My Autobiography, the former Head of State’s personal memoir; Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, a collection of scholarly essays examining his peacebuilding efforts; and Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, a tribute volume chronicling his military career, public service and statesmanship.
A number of prominent individuals and institutions also announced donations in support of the publications. Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State pledged N30 million on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, while Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State announced a donation of N250 million on behalf of the state government and the 25 local government councils in the state. Governor Bago further made a personal contribution of N250 million.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, announced a donation of N50 million, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau jointly pledged N100 million. Former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa donated N30 million, while an anonymous donor contributed N200 million. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, purchased 10 copies of the books for N20 million.
Several corporate organisations, including Zenith Bank and other supporters, also indicated their intention to contribute to the project, pledging to communicate their donations directly to the organising committee of the book launch.
The ceremony attracted an array of distinguished guests, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former Heads of State General Yakubu Gowon; and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as former Vice Presidents Namadi Sambo and Yemi Osinbajo.
Also in attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, military officers, traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and several other royal fathers from across the country. Other notable guests included the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, Representative of the former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; and other African leaders and statesmen.
