On the occasion of his 82nd birthday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his congratulations to former military head of state Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.).
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Wednesday, Tinubu honored the former military president, whose birthday is on Thursday, August 17.
The statement highlighted that Babangida had served in various roles within the Nigerian army, demonstrating remarkable excellence. He achieved the pinnacle of his career as Chief of Army Staff, leaving lasting marks for his courageous defense of our country during the Nigerian Civil War.
The Full Statement
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES GEN. IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA AT 82
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shares in the joy of celebration with family members, friends, and associates of Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd), as the former military President turns 82 on August 17, 2023.
President Tinubu congratulates the former military President, who had served in many capacities in the Nigerian army with distinction and reached the peak of his career as Chief of Army Staff with indelible legacies for his gallant defense of our nationhood during the Nigerian Civil War.
The President affirms the contributions of Gen. Babangida to national development, which include the creation of many states to strengthen the federal structure, physical infrastructure, the liberalization of the media industry, and other initiatives across the health and defense sectors.
President Tinubu notes the influential position of the former Nigerian leader, who has, after 30 years outside of power, consistently remained a voice of wisdom and counsel for many political leaders, both within and outside of Nigeria.
The President prays for the continuous well-being of Gen. Babangida and his family.
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 16, 2023
Additionally, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State and former Senate President David Mark have also extended warm greetings to IBB on the occasion of today’s celebration.
Senate Deputy President Barau Jibrin and former Kogi West Senator Tunde Ogbeha also conveyed their heartfelt congratulations to the former military leader on this significant day.
Governor Bago, through a statement released in Minna, the capital of Niger State, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Bologi Ibrahim, hailed IBB as a genuine patriot and nationalist who has significantly influenced the course of the nation’s history. He acknowledged IBB’s sacrifices to secure Nigeria’s unity and existence.
Senators Mark and Ogbeha, via a statement from the former Senate President’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Paul Mumeh, characterized Babangida as an esteemed leader and an extraordinary patriot.
They acknowledged the substantial contributions of the former leader to the political and socio-economic advancement of Nigeria.
“Your relentless efforts in fostering unity, promoting social justice, and advocating economic progress, transformed countless lives and communities,” the duo said.
Through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ismail Mudashir, Deputy Senate President Jibrin conveyed: “On the occasion of his 82nd birthday, I pray Allah to grant him good health and strength for us to continue to draw from his wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience.”