By Egena Sunday Ode
President Bola Tinubu has felicitated former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, on his 84th birthday.
The President rejoiced with the family, friends, and associates of the former military leader whose eight years of rule greatly impacted Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development, a statesman said.
It added that President Tinubu celebrated General Babangida’s distinguished military career, which includes serving as an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy, 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 Gen. Babangida’s stewardship of 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 according to the statement by the Presidency Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
The former military leader established the State Security Service, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), among others.
The statement said President Tinubu also highlighted Babangida’s role in creating states and relocating the Federal capital from Lagos to Abuja.
It added that while thanking him for his sacrifice and leadership, the President prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the former military leader more years and renewed strength.
In related development, former president Good luck Ebele Jonathan has also congratulated Babangida on his 84th birthday, describing him as a Nigerian committed leader.
He made this known during his visit to the resident of the elder statesman at his uphill mansion in Minna, Niger state capital, saying that “General IBB stands clearly as one of those committed leaders that wants the best for this country.
Jonathan emphasized that Babangida did his best as a military Head of State that’s why today his house is like a visit to Mecca, hence people comes regularly, that tells a lot about the character of IBB.
He added that general Babangida takes Nigeria the entire country as his own, he is not such a sensational leader but believes in the unity of Nigeria, hence he has friends that cut across all the corners of this country.
According to him, “is he is such a person that we will continue to celebrate because he has done his best for the entire country, while he prayed for his good health and longer life to continue to mentor the young ones.”
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