Opinion: Ibrahim Babangida – Eulogizing a colossus at 72

by Hassan Muhammad Jallo

Nigerian President Ibrahim Babangida

Your glorious image as an excellent God-fearing leader, father, peacemaker, diplomat and a living legend of our time, remains positive in the minds and memories of the Nigerian majority.

Today, August 17, would appear to onlookers as a day like any other day. But to true Nigerians, it is a day that heralded the birth of a hero, a true soldier, a benefactor, a motivator, a cheerful giver, a father, a true family man and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).

Since our paths first crossed in December, 1993, shortly after you left office, it has been such of moments of joy. That meeting opened up a vista of momentous memories in my life. By associating with you, I have had the rare opportunity and privilege of having a deeper glimpse of the true ideals of life.

Your home which for decades, has become a Mecca of sorts for all and sundry, is an attestation of your attitude towards life and human beings in general.

Your relationship knows no barrier. From east to west, north to south, you have built bridges of convivial relationships with all strata of persons, irrespective of creed, colour, religion and belief. This is discernible in yourmeritorious eight years as President of this noble nation and in your continued quest to deliver the nation from its present doldrums.

What more can I say? At 72, you have every reason to be grateful to God. Many still look back to your years as President of this nation with such envy and panache. The policies, both economic and political which you introduced during your reign, are not easy to forget in a hurry. Even years after you have left office, they have become points of reference to present generation and generations yet unborn.

With uncommon courage, you moved the seat of the nation from Lagos to what is today known as Abuja. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Secretariat and the International Conference Center, both in Abuja and other numerous projects across the length and breadth of Nigeria such as the establishment of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO), the National War College (now Defence College), military barracks, Police College, Wudil, Kano state, the Better Life Program for Rural and African Women, the Women Development Center, Abuja, are shining examples of your focused and purposeful leadership which you bequeathed to the nation. Similarly, you organized the best, free and fairest election in the political history of Nigeria.

Your glorious image as an excellent God-fearing leader, father, peacemaker, diplomat and a living legend of our time, remains positive in the minds and memories of the Nigerian majority.

When one takes a view at the history of Nigeria in terms of economic, political, security and other aspects of human life, you have made a mark. You enacted policies that have touched the lives of the people. Even successful regimes after you were only dusting and remodeling your policies and adopting them. Is it the micro finance banks? These were the former Peoples Bank and Community Banks which you put in place during your tenure. So, looking at successful regimes since you left power, they have not departed from your policies. They only remodeled them and changed the name. To me, that is one of your greatest achievements. You left a lot of enduring legacies, indelible marks in the annals of history and for posterity to judge.

You are a great leader that cannot be forgotten in a hurry. A strategic thinker, a careful planner, a professional soldier, a civil war veteran, a democrat, a philanthropist per excellence, an achiever, a performer, a transformer, and a cheerful giver. So, I will say you have come to stay in Nigeria and it is time for us to celebrate an icon. You are a legend of all times!

On this momentous occasion, I pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to bless and keep you in good health of mind and body for the good of His people, the nation and humanity.

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Read this article in the Premium Times Newspapers
Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.

Comments (2)

  1. I laff I guess u high or aving wet dreams is it not d same ibb d dictator worst HOS…..liars vipers like u stop lieing posterity will jugde u allll…..

  2. Wait, this article is a joke, right? hahaha, stop yanking our chain lady

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