Billionaire industrialist and philanthropist Abdul Samad Rabiu received high praise from former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.) for his steadfast support and significant contribution to the IBB Presidential Library, launched on Thursday in Abuja.
The event, held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, served as both the unveiling of Babangida’s memoir, A Journey in Service, and a major fundraising drive for Nigeria’s second presidential library, following the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta. The fundraising campaign raised an estimated N17.5 billion, with Rabiu’s N5 billion contribution leading the donations.
In his remarks, General Babangida singled out Abdul Samad Rabiu for his early and sustained commitment to the project, acknowledging his role as a driving force in bringing the vision of the presidential library closer to reality.
“Abdul Samad has been supporting this project from the very beginning. His commitment and consistency have been critical in bringing this vision closer to reality,” Babangida said, referring to him as “my son” and expressing gratitude for his dedication.
Rabiu, the founder of BUA Group and head of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), is known for his quiet yet transformative philanthropy. His contribution stood out, not just for its size, but for the consistency of his support over the years.
Other prominent donors included General TY Danjuma, who pledged N3 billion, and Aliko Dangote, who donated N2 billion with a further pledge of N2 billion annually over the next three years, totaling N8 billion. Prince Arthur Eze supported the project with N500 million, while other notable contributions came from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Mustapha Chike Obi, and Fidelity Bank.
Reflecting on his donation, Abdul Samad Rabiu emphasized the importance of preserving Nigeria’s leadership legacy for future generations.
“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,” he stated.
