President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm birthday wishes to former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who turned 84 today.
In a message released by his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the President joined Babangida’s family, friends, and associates in celebrating the former leader, describing him as a figure “whose eight years of rule greatly impacted Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development.”
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According to the statement, “President Tinubu celebrates 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.”
Highlighting his contributions as Head of State, President Tinubu recalled that “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.”
Babangida is also credited with establishing key national security institutions, including the State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
His administration also oversaw the creation of new states and the relocation of the nation’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude for Babangida’s service and prayed for his continued good health and strength, asking Almighty Allah to bless him with many more years.
