ASR Africa Redeems N5bn Pledge To IBB Presidential Library Fund

LAGOS – The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has declared the full redemption of its N5 billion pledge to the IBB Presidential Library Fund, “fulfilling the commitment made by our Founder and Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON at the launch event.

The pledge was successfully redeemed the following day, February 21, 2025, ensuring that work can begin immediately on this landmark institution.

It would be recalled that while the evening showcased philanthropy at its finest, Abdul Samad Rabiu’s N5bn as the largest single commitment announced at the event, not only for its size, but for the consistency of his support over time.

The industrialist, known for his low-profile yet transformative philanthropy, has become a driving force in Nigeria’s development landscape.

Through his Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), he has committed over $300million to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and social development across the continent.

Rabiu, while reflecting on his donation, said: “History is not just a record of the past, it is a blueprint for the future. The IBB Presidential Library will serve as a vital resource for scholars, leaders, and all Nigerians seeking to understand the decisions and events that shaped our country.”

He specifically said: “Leadership is not only about the present; it is about the legacy we build and the history we preserve. Supporting this library is an investment in Nigeria’s history and future generations”.

The ASR Africa Initiative which is the brainchild of Rabiu in a statement, said: “ASR Africa extends our gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his inspiring remarks and to General Ibrahim Babangida, GCFR, for his bold vision in establishing this library and for honoring our Founder & Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu as Chief Launcher alongside General TY Danjuma.

“With this pledge fully redeemed, ASR Africa looks forward to seeing the IBB Presidential Library take shape as a lasting legacy for future generations”.

Rabiu, was followed by General TY Danjuma (rtd), who pledged N3bn. Both pledges are to be redeemed immediately while Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, donated N2bn at the event to be redeemed this year, with a further pledge to contribute N2bn annually over the next three years, bringing his total to N8bn. Billionaire businessman Prince Arthur Eze also supported the project with N500m.

General Babangida, visibly moved by the generosity of the donors, in his remarks,  singled out Abdul Samad Rabiu for special praise, acknowledging his steadfast support from the early days of the project.

Referring to him as his son, General Babangida said that Abdul Samad has been supporting the project from the very beginning.

 He further said that his commitment and consistency have been critical in bringing this vision closer to reality.

The IBB Presidential Library is designed as a national institution that will serve as a repository of Nigeria’s arts, political,and military history, preserving the evolution of leadership and governance in the country for future generations especially during General Babangida’s tenure.

 It follows the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, which was the first of its kind in Nigeria.

The event was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered a keynote address. 

It was an afternoon that brought together some of Africa’s most notable statesmen.

Present at the occasion were former Nigerian leaders General Yakubu Gowon, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (accompanied by his wife), former President Goodluck Jonathan, and former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma.

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a compelling speech, emphasising the importance of documenting Nigeria’s leadership journey and the impact IBB had on him and Nigeria’s history.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo provided a detailed review of Babangida’s book, which offers rare insights into the former leader’s time in power, including the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari and General TY Danjuma were represented by senior aides.