Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, Nigeria, Saturday, 13 June 2026* – His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, joined distinguished African leaders in Abuja to celebrate the 84th birthday of former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, and the launch of his autobiography.
The event brought together eminent statesmen, diplomats, and regional leaders to honour one of Africa’s most respected champions of democracy, peace, and good governance.
Delivering the keynote goodwill message as Guest of Honour, President Bio reflected on his own democratic transition in Sierra Leone and drew parallels with General Abdulsalami’s historic decision to return Nigeria to civilian rule.
“Such courage requires a true statesman who places country above self-interest. Having also overseen a democratic transition and relinquished power to a democratically elected government, I understand the significance of such a decision. Within three months, I handed over power. I chose nation over personal ambition and democracy over self-interest,” President Bio stated.
Speaking as both ECOWAS Chairman and a grateful Sierra Leonean, President Bio recalled Nigeria’s critical role in restoring peace and democracy in Sierra Leone through ECOMOG.
“At one of the darkest moments in Sierra Leone’s history, ECOMOG, under Nigeria’s leadership, helped create the conditions for peace, stability, and democratic restoration. Sierra Leone remembers, Sierra Leone appreciates, and Sierra Leone is grateful,” he said.
President Bio praised General Abdulsalami Abubakar as a distinguished statesman whose humility and service continue to inspire leaders across Africa.
“Authority is temporary, but legacy is permanent,” he remarked, noting that the former Nigerian leader’s decision to facilitate a democratic transition twenty-seven years ago gave “Nigeria stability, West Africa hope, and Africa an enduring example of principled leadership.”
On behalf of ECOWAS and the people of Sierra Leone, President Bio congratulated General Abdulsalami on his 84th birthday and wished him continued good health and wisdom.
“ECOWAS salutes you, Africa honours you, and our continent is better because you served,” he concluded.
The event also featured goodwill messages from former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, and Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Responding to the tributes, General Abdulsalami Abubakar thanked President Bio for serving as Guest of Honour and for delivering the keynote goodwill message.
The celebration highlighted the enduring values of democratic leadership, peaceful transitions of power, and selfless service, principles that General Abdulsalami Abubakar continues to embody and champion across Africa.
