Tributes as NILDS DG Prof Abubakar Sulaiman Marks 60th Birthday

By Chinedu Echianu

It was a day of celebration, reflection, and admiration in Abuja as Nigeria’s political elite, royal fathers, and academic giants converged to honour the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, on his 60th birthday.

The high-profile event was more than a birthday party, it was a celebration of leadership, scholarship, and national service. Guests applauded the NILDS boss for his visionary leadership and contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Adding depth to the occasion was the unveiling of two books authored by Prof. Sulaiman titled, Transformational Leadership in Practice: NILDS under Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman and Destiny, Character and Leadership: The Abubakar Sulaiman Story — both chronicling his ideas, achievements, and leadership journey.

President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, who was the Special Guest of Honour, described Sulaiman as “a man of vision and purpose,” praising his reforms at NILDS, particularly the annual parliamentary lecture series that has deepened legislative learning and civic engagement.

In a warm tribute, former President of the Senate Ahmad Lawan called him “a loyal, dedicated, and visionary leader,” crediting him with completing the NILDS headquarters and pioneering departments such as the Legislative Centre for Security Analysis and Democracy Radio.

The event also had a royal touch as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who made a regal appearance, describing Sulaiman as “a true friend and bridge-builder” whose influence extends beyond politics and academia.

Adding presidential weight to the celebration, former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by ex-Attorney General and Minister of Justice Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), commended Sulaiman’s service as Minister of National Planning.

He described him as “a visionary leader whose inclusive governance approach helped shape Nigeria’s development agenda.”

Delivering a glowing citation,  Uju Nwachukwu, General Manager of Democracy Radio 104.9 FM, noted that Sulaiman’s reappointment in 2023 reaffirmed the institutional trust in his leadership. “Under his watch, NILDS has become a continental hub for legislative excellence and democratic governance,” she said.

Book Review

The first book was reviewed by Prof. Attahiru Jega, former INEC Chairman and Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Reform, while the second was reviewed by Prof. Nimota Abdulraheem of the University of Ilorin.

The books were unveiled by prominent figures, including Senator Ahmad Lawan, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN),  Bola Shagaya, and Senate President Akpabio.

In his emotional response, Prof. Sulaiman expressed deep gratitude to all who celebrated him, acknowledging Akpabio and Lawan for their mentorship.

With a heartfelt tone, he appealed to Akpabio to “let God’s will prevail” in his political journey, hinting at his own aspiration to serve as governor of Kwara State.

The evening ended on a high note, with guests describing Prof. Sulaiman as a reformer, democrat, and intellectual trailblazer whose leadership continues to inspire the next generation of Nigerian policymakers and scholars.