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| Delegates discuss Yar’Adua library plans in Abuja |
Speakers at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Leadership Conference urged Nigeria’s leaders to back a presidential library. They met in Abuja on June 28, 2025. They want a centre that captures Yar’Adua’s reforms and values .
A presidential library holds records, speeches, and research materials. It offers students and scholars insight into a leader’s work. It also boosts local tourism and learning. The United States has had many since Franklin D. Roosevelt’s time .
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua served as Nigeria’s president from May 2007 until his death in May 2010. He won praise for honesty, humility, and rule of law . He launched the Seven-Point Agenda to fix power, health, and education. He later granted amnesty to Niger Delta militants, ending years of unrest .
The Global Initiative for Leadership Success (GILS) hosted the event. GILS CEO Chief Sunnie Chukumele led the call. He said Yar’Adua’s life shows duty over power. He wants a place where his reforms inspire future leaders .
Key Features of the Proposed Library
1. Archive Wing: Houses Yar’Adua’s speeches, letters, and policy papers.
2. Research Centre: Offers scholars grants and study rooms.
3. Exhibit Hall: Displays items from his presidency, including personal effects.
4. Lecture Theatre: Hosts seminars on governance and democracy.
5. Digital Hub: Provides e-learning tools and global access to records.
Many suggest Katsina State, Yar’Adua’s home. Local shops and hotels could gain from visiting scholars. The state government can partner in land provision. The site would draw national and international guests, boosting jobs.
A mid-size library may cost ₦12 billion to build and equip. Annual running costs could be around ₦500 million. Funds may come from:
Federal budget allocation
Private donors and endowments
Alumni groups like KOBA
Voices in Support
Prof. Jideofor Adibe wants an exhibit on Yar’Adua’s INEC reforms .
Prof. Biodun Ajibade asked that economic plans be studied here .
Gov. Aminu Bello Masari promised land for the project in Katsina .
Some citizens worry public funds face more urgent needs. Health care and roads still need money. They ask for clear oversight rules. Experts say a multi-stakeholder board should report on spending each quarter.
The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Ogun State includes a museum, hotel, and park. It cost over $70 million (about ₦35 billion) to build . That scale shows what Nigeria can achieve with focus.
Groups like the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) pledge to follow up on any FG approval. They want public town halls to gather citizens’ views. That ensures the library stays relevant to all Nigerians.
The library could run essay contests on leadership. It can host school visits and mock UN sessions. Digital tools can let students nationwide access records. This widens the impact beyond Abuja or Katsina.
Implementation Plan
1. Form a Steering Committee: Include FG reps, GILS, the Yar’Adua family, and civil society.
2. Design Phase: Hire architects to present plans within six months.
3. Fundraising Drive: Launch a national crowdfunding campaign in three stages.
4. Construction: Break ground within one year. Aim for a two-year build.
5. Launch Event: Open on May 5, 2027, the 17th anniversary of Yar’Adua’s passing.
A strong library will keep Yar’Adua’s memory alive. Yet, it must not drain funds from health or education. Clear budgets and public audits can ensure fairness. Oversight by all stakeholders will build trust.
KOBA alumni tested the e-library concept at Government College Keffi. They saw its value for students . Turai Yar’Adua, his widow, has backed calls to finish that project. She said it “honours his memory and helps young minds.”
A Yar’Adua Presidential Library can teach service, fairness, and unity. It can stand as a national landmark. With clear plans and shared oversight, Nigeria can build a centre of learning that matches Yar’Adua’s ideals.