President says Babangida’s 8-year rule impacted Nigeria positively 

Jonathan visits IBB, declares he will continue to be relevant

Ex-leader voice of moderation in Nigeria, says Idris 

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna

President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago and ex-Senate President, David Mark, yesterday felicitated former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) as he clocked 84 on August 17, 2025.

In the same vein, former President Goodluck Jonathan for the second time in three weeks, yesterday visited Babangida at his Minna hilltop mansion in Niger state, declaring that the former Nigerian military leader will continue to be relevant in the scheme of things.

But Tinubu, in a release issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, rejoiced with the family, friends, and associates of the former military leader whose eight years of rule, he said, greatly impacted Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development.

He celebrated Babangida’s distinguished military career, which included serving as an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Commander of the 4 Reconnaissance Regiment, Commander of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, Director of Army Staff Duties and Plans, and Chief of Army Staff.

The President noted IBB’s stewardship to the country, saying his military administration will be remembered for its massive investment in infrastructure, such as the Third Mainland Bridge, and the reforms that liberalised the Nigerian economy.

The former military leader, he recalled, also established the State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), among others.

Tinubu also highlighted Babangida’s role in creating states and relocating the Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja. While thanking him for his sacrifice and leadership, the President prayed to God to grant the former military leader more years and renewed strength.

Besides, former Vice President, Atiku, in his tribute said that  IBB’s life was worthy of celebration as 84 years is a milestone in the journey of life, and in every aspect of his journey, noting that the former military President distinguished himself remarkably.

”As General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, former military President of Nigeria celebrates his 84th birthday anniversary, it’s my honour and privilege to join millions of Nigerians to felicitate with him and his family on this special occasion. 

”It’s difficult to write about Nigeria’s journey to progress and development without a mention of the role that he played in shaping the destiny of Nigeria. In terms of national infrastructure,  his legacy is still standing tall despite the passage of time. He gave Nigeria visionary and purposeful leadership. The foundation he laid is worthy of emulation. Babangida is widely respected because of his humble leadership style. 

”As one of those Nigerians privileged to know him closely enough, let me say without any fear of contradictions that it’s impossible to interact with him without being instantly inspired by his erudition, intelligence, and amazing wisdom. 

”His magnanimity and understanding of our national diversity is one of his finest virtues. In fact, even his stubborn critics may automatically change their perception of him once they have the opportunity to meet him. This is a widely held testimony about IBB,” Atiku stated.

According to the former vice president, Babangida’s understanding of Nigeria’s diversity is one of the reasons why he is held in high esteem, explaining that the massive attendance at the recent launch of his memoirs in Abuja was a revelation about how he is respected by Nigerians. 

”IBB is a household name in Nigeria, and this may not be unconnected with the impact of his leadership. Rarely do I come across a public figure with such broad-based national respectability. 

”No wonder he is perceived as a phenomenon in Nigeria and beyond. He is a military man with democratic disposition, and this is one of the great virtues that define him. Paying tribute to a remarkable leader like IBB is one of the hardest tasks because one may ultimately run out of adjectives to do justice to his shining virtues. 

“The former military President’s recruitment of Nigeria’s best and finest to implement his administration’s policies stands him out as a visionary leader. Ethnic and religious bigotry and bias are alien to his nature. This is one of the finest virtues for which he is widely respected. His commitment to our unity is laudable. Indeed, he is a nation builder. 

”I wish to put on record that IBB is a bold and decisive leader who never hesitated to take difficult decisions. Moreover, he never hesitated to take responsibility for difficult decisions. He didn’t sacrifice his subordinates for his own mistakes. At every point Nigeria faced challenges to its unity and survival, he didn’t hesitate to be part of the efforts to find solutions to those challenges. 

”As one of those who have been inspired by his visionary leadership, I am proud to recall his efforts towards African stability and unity. His role in bringing peace and stability to Liberia is well noted. IBB is respected by AU and ECOWAS leaders on account of his contributions to the stability of Africa. His role in bringing the apartheid system in South Africa to an end is no less remarkable. 

”As IBB marks this remarkable journey of life, may God continue to bless his life with good health and grant him more years in good health and vitality in the service of Nigeria and humanity.”, the former vice president stated.

Also yesterday, Niger State Governor, Bago,  in the message signed on his behalf by Bologi Ibrahim, his Chief Press Secretary, said Babangida has dedicated most of  his life to serving  the country.

 “General Babangida has demonstrated bravery and patriotism in ensuring the unity, stability, and progress of Nigeria during and after his active service”

Bago also said that the launch of the IBB presidential library, named after his late wife, Dr. Maryam Babangida, was a clear indication of his commitment to preserving rich history and promoting education, which will benefit Niger State, Nigeria, and beyond.

He maintained that the elder statesman had written his name in the sands of time through the numerous policies and programmes implemented when he was the Head of State.

In his tributes, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, described  Babangida as “a patriot who believes firmly in the sanctity of one united and indivisible Nigeria.”

He said: “Today is not merely to mark the passage of time, but to celebrate the extraordinary life of a soldier, a patriot, and a statesman who, at 84, stands as a living monument to courage, service, and honour. From the day he first donned the nation’s uniform, General Babangida embodied the creed of duty before self.”

He noted that Babangida’s career, marked by discipline and distinction, spanned decades of national service; defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, safeguarding her unity, and mentoring generations of officers who went on to lead with the same integrity he exemplified.

The former Senate President, in a statement by his Media Aide, Paul Mumeh, recalled Babangida’s stewardship during his years of service: “In the barracks and on the battlefield, he was resolute. In the corridors of policy and leadership, he was wise. His voice carried the weight of experience, yet it was always tempered with humility,” he stressed.

Mark further remarked that those privileged to serve under Babangida remember not only his tactical brilliance but also his humanity as a leader who could command with firmness yet inspire with compassion.

He added that even in retirement, Babangida has never withdrawn from service to the nation, stressing that instead, he has remained a moral compass in public discourse and an elder statesman whose counsel is sought across political divides.

“His patriotism was never about the uniform alone, but about a lifelong commitment to the ideals for which he once risked everything. At 84, his medals may have faded in shine, but his legacy gleams brighter than ever,” Mark stated.

In addition, former President Goodluck Jonathan for the second time in three weeks yesterday visited one of his predecessors, Babangida, at his Minna hill top mansion  in Niger state. The visit, according to Jonathan, was to felicitate with Babangida on his 84th birthday.

Jonathan, after the visit held behind closed doors said Babangida stands out as one  committed leader that wants the best for this country.

“He did his best for this country, he did his best as a military head of state.  That is why till today his house is like some sort of Mecca. People come here regularly. That tells you a lot about the character of IBB,” he said.

Jonathan added that Babangida “takes Nigeria, the whole country as his own”, adding that “he is not a sectional leader as his friends cut across the entire country”.

The former President, who was accompanied by a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain,  Segun Sowunmi, among others, also submitted that Babangida ” is one person that we will continue to celebrate”.

In the same vein, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris,  described  Babangida as someone who has continued to stand as a voice of wisdom, moderation, and guidance in the nation’s collective journey towards peace, unity and sustainable development.

Idris made the portrayal yesterday in a congratulatory message on the 84th birthday of the statesman, who was the head of a military junta from 1985 to 1993.

The minister said  Babangida is an enduring statesman whose life and service remain etched in Nigeria’s political history, adding he derived great joy to congratulate former Military President on his 84th birthday.

“As he marks this milestone, we celebrate not just his years, but also his immense contributions to the evolution of modern Nigeria, particularly through his championing of political and economic reforms. His legacy of service, courage, and vision continues to inspire leaders and citizens alike.

“At 84, General Babangida remains a vast reservoir of knowledge and experience, inspiring successive generations with his clarity of thought and depth of understanding.

“I pray that Almighty God grants him many more years in good health, strength, and fulfillment. May this new chapter of his life be marked by peace, joy, and the continued affection of a grateful nation that holds him in high esteem,” Idris said.

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