NIGERIA: Tinubu Hails Babangida At 84, Praises His Role In Nigeria’s Development

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), on his 84th birthday.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Babangida’s contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development during his eight years in power.

Tinubu highlighted Babangida’s military career and leadership, noting that his administration will be remembered for major infrastructure projects, including the Third Mainland Bridge, and for reforms that liberalised the Nigerian economy.

He also recalled that Babangida established key national institutions such as the State Security Service (SSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The President further acknowledged 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 prays to Almighty Allah to grant the former military leader more years and renewed strength,” the st

atement added.