The Legacy of a Stateman
The Legacy of a Statesman is a commemorative platform honoring the 83rd Birthday of Gen. Abubakar. It serves as a living repository of his enduring impact on leadership, democracy, and peace.
Biography
Quick Facts
- Born June 13, 1942 (Minna)
- Military Service 1963 - 1999
- Head of State 1998 - 1999
- Key Achievement Transition to Democracy
EARLY LIFE
Early life and education
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, CSG was born on June 13, 1942, in Minna, Niger State, into the family of Alhaji Abubakar Jibrin and Hajiya Fati Kande Mohammed. His educational journey was marked by diligence and discipline. Beginning at Gwari Native Authority Primary School (1950–1956), he proceeded to Government College Bida (1957–1962). Seeking further knowledge, he attended Kaduna Technical College for post-secondary studies in 1963, laying the technical foundation for his future career.
RAW FACT
"On 29 May 1999, he handed over power to an elected civilian president—an act that cemented his reputation as a patriot and democrat."
His illustrious military career commenced on October 3, 1963, enlisting as an officer cadet in the Nigerian Air Force. Following intensive training in Germany (1964–1966), national exigencies led to his reassignment to the Nigerian Army. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant on October 20, 1967. Over 36 years, he rose through the ranks with distinction, becoming Major General in 1991. His intellectual pursuit of military strategy saw him attend the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, becoming an MNI in 1985.
PERSONAL LIFE
He is married to Hon. Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, former First Lady and former Chief Judge of Niger State. They are blessed with six children. He enjoys photography, reading, squash, tennis, football, and jogging.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar remains a global icon of peace, a moral compass for Nigeria, and a distinguished statesman whose legacy continues to shape the African continent.
Head of State
On June 8, 1998, destiny placed him at Nigeria’s helm. His tenure, though brief, was transformative. He established the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and guided the nation through a decisive transition to democracy, ending years of military rule.
Global Peacebuilder
Post-office, Gen. Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, GCFR, CSG became one of Africa’s most trusted mediators, contributing to peace efforts in Zimbabwe, DRC, Liberia, Chad, Sudan, The Gambia, Zambia, and Niger Republic. He served under the AU, ECOWAS, UN, the Commonwealth, and The Carter Centre.
National Peace Comittee
As Chairman of the National Peace Committee, he has played a pivotal role in ensuring peaceful elections in Nigeria since 2015.
National Honours
He has been awarded multiple honorary doctorate degrees, national decorations, and international honours - including the Peace Prize Award (Rainbow Push Coalition) and Liberia’s National Distinction of the Order of the Pioneers.
Timeline of Service
1942
Born in Minna, Niger State
1957
Government College Bida
1963
Enlisted in Nigerian Air Force
1967
Commissioned Second Lieutenant
1991
Promoted to Major General
1993
Appointed Chief of Defence Staff
1998
Became Military Head of State
1999
Handed over power to democracy
2015
Chairman, National Peace Committee
To expand on this sentiment is to tell the story of a man who found himself at the helm of a nation during its most fragile hour and chose the path of integrity over the allure of power. When people speak of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, they are rarely speaking solely of a military career; they are speaking of a legacy defined by peace-building, promise-keeping, and quiet diplomacy.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar proved that true power lies not in the ability to rule by force, but in the courage to build peace and the integrity to step aside for the greater good.
If one were to distill everything people have said into a single ethos, this would be it. You can read more beautiful pieces about his character and the ‘life architect’ who made him who he is today. We have articulated his experiences, honors, and significance in various pieces of writing.
TRIBUTES FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY
THESE ARE NEVER ENDING WORDS
In a nation of diverse tongues and faiths, General Abubakar is the language of unity we all understand. As a son of the soil and a leader of men, he has shown that nobility is not found in the regalia one wears, but in the integrity of one’s heart. He is a bridge-builder who respects tradition while championing the progress of the future.
His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, The Sultan of Sokoto
Capital is a coward; it flees from conflict. The thriving private sector we see in Nigeria today was built on the foundation of stability laid in 1999. General Abubakar’s short but impactful tenure opened Nigeria back up to the world, allowing businesses to breathe, grow, and compete globally. He understands that without peace, there can be no prosperity.
Aliko Dangote, GCON, President/CE of Dangote Group
Working beside him on the National Peace Committee, I have witnessed firsthand a man who listens more than he speaks—a rare quality in leadership. He has turned his retirement into a full-time vocation for Nigeria’s stability. When political tensions rise, it is often his calm voice that lowers the temperature. He is, without doubt, Nigeria’s moral compass.