Sultan attends Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar’s 84th birthday celebration in Abuja
By KEMI KASUMU
Speaking on behalf of the Sultan and other traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, paid glowing tribute to General Abdulsalami Abubakar, commending his commitment, sacrifice, and determination in ensuring Nigeria’s successful transition from military rule to democratic governance within eleven months between 1998 and 1999.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Saturday June 13, 2026, attended the 84th birthday anniversary celebration of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The event featured the presentation of three books in honour of the elder statesman as well as the unveiling of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre.
Speaking on behalf of the Sultan and other traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, paid glowing tribute to General Abdulsalami Abubakar, commending his commitment, sacrifice, and determination in ensuring Nigeria’s successful transition from military rule to democratic governance within eleven months between 1998 and 1999.
The Ooni also highlighted the former Head of State’s contributions to national and continental peace, including the release of political prisoners during his administration and his sustained mediation and peacebuilding efforts across several African countries, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan, and Niger.
He further wished General Abdulsalami many more years of good health and continued service to Nigeria, Africa, and humanity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented at the occasion by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Other distinguished personalities who delivered remarks included former South African President Thabo Mbeki, the President of Sierra Leone, Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine of Niger Republic, former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the celebrant himself, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, among several other dignitaries.
The event attracted an array of political leaders, diplomats, traditional rulers, and statesmen from across Africa, reflecting the enduring legacy and influence of General Abdulsalami Abubakar on the continent.
