Nigerians Lauded IBB’s Contributions To National Growth
Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida
Associates of former Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) on Thursday lauded his contributions to the growth and development of the nation, saying he assembled the best brains in the country who worked in his administration more than any other Nigerian leader.
They also said Babangida built enduring institutions many of which are still very functional today almost 30 years after he left office in August 1993.
Several keynote speakers stated this during their presentation at the IBB Legacy Dialogue, an event organised to mark the 80th birthday ceremony of the former Nigerian leader.
Among dignitaries who spoke at the event were Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Head of State; David Mark, former Senate President; Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, a former Minister of Finance; Prof. Jerry Gana, former Minister of Information and General Ike Nwachukwu; Gen. Haliru Akilu, a former Director of National Intelligence and Chief Raymond Dokpesi who was the chairman of the occasion.
Others are Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former governor of Osun state; Prof. Tunde Adeniran, a former Minister of Education; Prof. George Obiozor, President General of Ohanaeze Worldwide; Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Prof. Adele Jonathan and Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation.
All the speakers said Babangida did the best for his country within his ability and power, adding that no government, either past or present, has surpassed the good things he did in his eight-year reign.
Dokpesi who was the Chairman of the event dismissed the negative attributes by some Nigerians to Babangida’s reputation over the years.
He specifically absolved Babangida of the blame of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and the alleged missing $12 billion Gulf oil windfall while he held sway as military head of state.
“IBB brought into government a galaxy of intellectuals, specialists and professionals unarguably more than any other leaders before and after him”.
“Most notable amongst these were Prof. Olikoye Ransome Kuti, who turned around the healthcare system in this country, Chief Kalu Idika Kalu, Prof. Tam David West, Prof. Jerry Gana, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire and too many others too numerous to mention who contributed immensely to the development of our nation”.
Source: independent.ng
