President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, on his 85th birthday, describing him as an influential leader whose administration left a lasting imprint on Nigeria.
Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, was also celebrated by Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, the Northern Senators Forum and the Managing Director of the North Central Development Commission, Cyril Tsenyil.
In a birthday message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said Babangida’s contributions to national development had secured him an enduring place in Nigeria’s history.
The President recalled Babangida’s military career and his emergence as Nigeria’s leader following the 1985 coup.
Tinubu said the former military President’s eight-year administration had significant effects on the country’s political, economic and geographical development.
He highlighted the establishment of infrastructure, agencies and institutions during Babangida’s tenure, while also crediting him with decisions that contributed to the creation and development of several states.
According to Tinubu, Babangida’s foresight and sense of fairness played a role in shaping Nigeria’s federal structure.
The President also praised the former military leader for continuing to offer advice and guidance despite his withdrawal from active public life.
Tinubu said Babangida’s experience remained valuable to the country and described his counsel as an inspiration to younger generations.
He prayed for continued good health and strength for the former military President as he marked his 85th birthday.
Radda Celebrates Babangida
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda described Babangida as a statesman whose contributions had left a significant mark on Nigeria’s political and administrative history.
Radda particularly praised the former military President for the creation of Katsina and Akwa Ibom states on September 23, 1987.
The governor said the creation of Katsina State provided its people with greater opportunities to determine their own development path.
He noted that the people of Katsina would continue to remember Babangida for the decision, which he described as a defining moment in the state’s history.
Information Minister Hails IBB’s Experience
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris described Babangida’s years in public service as a valuable source of lessons for future generations.
Idris said the former military President remained an important figure in Nigeria’s contemporary history, particularly because of his experience in governance and nation-building.
He congratulated Babangida on attaining 85 and commended his continued commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
Northern Senators Praise State Creation
The Northern Senators Forum, led by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, also congratulated Babangida, describing his contributions to Nigeria’s political and administrative development as enduring.
The forum said Babangida’s leadership during a critical period helped strengthen national unity and influenced the country’s development.
The senators particularly highlighted the creation of 11 states between 1987 and 1989 as one of his major contributions to Nigeria’s federal structure.
The states created during the period included Katsina, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Jigawa, Abia, Osun, Taraba, Yobe, Delta, Kebbi and Kogi.
They also cited the relocation of Nigeria’s federal capital from Lagos to Abuja as another landmark decision of the Babangida administration.
NCDC Boss, AANI Join Birthday Tributes
Tsenyil described Babangida’s contributions to Nigeria’s unity, development and progress as significant.
He said the former military leader demonstrated a commitment to national development and leadership based on unity, peace, inclusion and progress.
The Alumni Association of the National Institute also congratulated Babangida, describing him as a distinguished elder statesman, military icon and one of the most consequential figures in Nigeria’s political history.
The association said Babangida played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s political, economic and social development.
As tributes poured in, the former military President was widely acknowledged for the influence his administration had on Nigeria’s political structure and national development.
