Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), has officially launched his autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service’, offering a personal account of his leadership, governance, and contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The high-profile event, held on Thursday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, gathered past and present leaders, statesmen, and key political figures who reflected on Babangida’s legacy and Nigeria’s democratic journey.
A Chronicle of Service
Babangida, who led Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic and political landscape.
His memoir provides insights into critical decisions made during his tenure, the challenges of governance, and his vision for a stable and prosperous Nigeria.
In his keynote address, former Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo underscored the significance of democratic governance in Africa, warning against the resurgence of military coups across the continent.
“Multi-party democracy remains the foundation for Africa’s progress. We must continue to uphold democratic values and institutions,” Akufo-Addo emphasized.
Tributes and Reflections
Prominent leaders at the event paid glowing tributes to Babangida’s contributions to national development.
A former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), praised Babangida’s leadership and strategic influence, referring to him as a “boss of bosses.”
He also expressed gratitude for Babangida’s decision to restore his military rank, which had been revoked following the 1976 coup.
“Thank you for restoring my rank. Your leadership left a lasting impact,” Gowon remarked.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd.), another former military president of Nigeria, reflected on his long-standing relationship with Babangida, spanning over eight decades.
He described A Journey in Service as ‘a valuable historical document that offers deep insights into Nigeria’s governance.’
“This memoir is a rich addition to our national archives,” Abdulsalami noted.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan lauded Babangida’s charismatic leadership and called for the establishment of presidential libraries to document Nigeria’s political history.
“IBB’s legacy and contributions deserve institutional preservation. Presidential libraries should be created to chronicle the journeys of our leaders,” Jonathan stated.
Representing former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Minister of Transportation Jaji Sambo delivered a congratulatory message, commending Babangida for his continued role as a statesman and mentor to Nigeria’s leadership.
A Lasting Legacy
More than just a memoir, A Journey in Service captures the defining moments of Babangida’s leadership and the evolution of Nigeria’s governance.
As the nation continues to navigate its democratic path, his reflections provide valuable lessons on leadership, unity, and national progress.
VON