Nigerians Celebrate IBB AT 80, Laud His Contributions To Nation’s Growth
Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello yesterday described former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) as an icon and a role model worthy of emulation.
The governor spoke at the maiden annual IBB Leadership Lecture and presentation/launch of a book, titled: Pyrography of a General during the 80th birthday celebration of the former military leader in Minna, the Niger State capital.
Sani-Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, said Babangida’s fatherly role has kept the state as well as the nation together in peace and unity.
He said the government under the ex-military leader recorded several achievements in various areas of the country.
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, expressed optimism that Nigeria will soon overcome its current challenges.
He called for collective among Nigerians to enable the country to overcome its challenges.
Abubakar said IBB, from his young age till now, exhibited leadership qualities which he advised the nation’s youths to emulate.
Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who was also represented by his deputy, Mr. David Onoja, described IBB as a soldier and an elder statesman.
He said the nation still learns from his wealth of knowledge and experience, despite his age.
Former Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu said the celebrant contributed immensely to the transformation, growth and development of Minna and Nigeria.
Also, dignitaries from different walks of life yesterday converged on IBB’s Top-Hill mansion in Minna for the former military leader’s 80 birthday.
They included the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Uche Secondus; Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal; former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Other are: Niger East Senator Sani Musa; former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senator Philip Aduda; former National Security Adviser (NSA), General Aliyu Gusau and ex- Director of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Gen. Alilu Akilu.
There were politicians from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as well as members of the State Executive Council (Exco).
During the celebration, journalists were barred from accessing the mansion
An inscription at the gate said: “No journalists, no camera allow here.”
But The Nation gathered that the dignitaries eulogised IBB for his feats while he led the country for eight years and since he left power.
Emmanuel said IBB united Nigeria and ensured its peaceful co-existence.
“This is one leader who succeeded in uniting this country. He succeeded in bringing people from diverse religious backgrounds, people from all tribes across the six regions of this country together,” he said.
Tambuwal said: “President Babangida has been a great statesman, a leader who is very well respected. He has done a lot for the country, right from his days in the military. He is still being celebrated because of his experience, and he is a man of inestimable value for Nigeria.”
…Buhari, Atiku, Lawan, governors, others hail IBB at 80
President Muhammadu Buhari and many eminent Nigerians have poured encomiums on former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) on today’s celebration of his 80th birthday.
Other Nigerians who sent birthday greetings to the former military leader include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Governors Abubakar Sani-Bello (Niger), Muhammed Badaru (Jigawa), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), frontline businessman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A statement in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said: “President Buhari sends birthday greetings to former President Ibrahim Babangida, wishing him a ‘long and healthy life’, as he marks his 80th birthday.
“President Buhari notes that as former military commanders during the (civil) war, both Generals have mutual interests, great hopes and expectations in a strong and united Nigeria.
“President Buhari expresses hope that privileged Nigerians, like President Babangida and others like him, will recommit to ongoing efforts to help the nation to reach more glory, progress, and prosperity.”
Atiku Abubakar described IBB as a pillar of unity and a firm believer in one Nigeria.
In a statement in Abuja by his Media Adviser, Mr. Paul Ibe, the former Vice-President said IBB established an inclusive government that reflected Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversities.
“You can’t deny IBB the credit for his sincere efforts to build a viable federation founded on equitable representation,” he said.
Lawan described IBB as a patriot and firm believer in the Nigerian project.
In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi, the Senate President said: “While in government, he worked to keep Nigeria united and to make it stable and prosperous.
Source: thenationonlineng.net
