AANI CELEBRATES ELDER STATESMAN AND ONE OF ITS PIONEER MEMBERS, GENERAL ABDULSALAM ABUBAKAR GCFR mni ON HIS 82ND BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY TODAY
The National President, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador EO Okafor mni, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and the entire AANI family, heartily rejoices with and congratulate one of our highly respected elder statesmen and an outstanding AANI member, General Abdulsalam Abubakar GCFR mni, SEC 7, 1985, former Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria on his 82nd birthday anniversary celebration today.
On this momentous occasion of your 82nd birthday, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and profound appreciation for your exceptional service to our nation, Nigeria. Your illustrious military career, marked by unwavering dedication, unparalleled leadership, and a steadfast commitment to national development, stands as a beacon of inspiration to us all.
Your journey began in Minna, Niger State, where you were born to Abubakar Jibrin and Fatikande Mohammed. From your early education at Minna Native Authority Primary School and Government College, Bida, to your technical studies at Kaduna Technical College, your path has always been one of excellence and perseverance. Your pioneering spirit was evident when you enlisted as one of the first officer cadets in the Nigerian Air Force in 1963, before transitioning to the Nigerian Army where your distinguished military career truly began.
Throughout your years of service in the military, from your commissioning as a second lieutenant in 1967, through various commanding roles in infantry battalions, to your leadership positions as Chief Instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy and Chief of Defence Staff, your contributions have been both profound and transformative.
Your leadership as Nigeria’s Head of State during the most critical period of our national history was marked by your visionary leadership and commitment to democratic principles. The adoption of a modified version of the 1979 constitution and the successful transition of power to a democratically elected civilian government in 1999, are testaments to your dedication to Nigeria’s unity, peace, progress and stability.
As the current Chairman of the National Peace Committee, your role in fostering peace and unity continues to be invaluable. Your numerous awards and honour, including the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR), Member of the National Institute (mni) and international recognitions like the Rainbow/Push Coalition Peace Prize and the Ufuk Dialogue Peace Award, reflect the global acknowledgment of your contributions to peace and development in Nigeria and beyond.
Within the esteemed Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), your status as one of the pioneering members and a formidable pillar of strength clearly denote your enduring legacy and commitment to nurturing future leaders, towards a better society. We are truly proud of these legacies.
Therefore, on this special day Sir, we celebrate not just your birthday, but the incredible impact you have made on our nation. Your life’s work continues to inspire us, and we are profoundly grateful for your service, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. We wish you happy birthday, God’s continuous blessings and many pleasant returns. We also pray that may your days be filled with joy, good health, and the continued respect and admiration of a grateful nation. Happy Sir!
Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni fnipr fapra fnarc FIOARM fspsp
Sarkin Yakin Kanwan Katsina
AANI National Publicity Secretary
Thursday 13th June 2024
