President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former military ruler, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), on his 84th birthday, describing him as a leader whose bold reforms and infrastructural strides continue to inspire Nigeria’s development trajectory.
 
The President rejoiced with the family, friends, and associates of the ex-leader, noting that his eight-year stewardship significantly reshaped the country’s socio-economic and political landscape.

Tinubu celebrated Babangida’s distinguished military career, which saw him serve 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, before assuming national leadership.
   
Reflecting on his administration, the President said Babangida would be remembered for massive investments in infrastructure, most notably the Third Mainland Bridge, and for economic reforms that liberalised the Nigerian economy and widened opportunities for growth.
   
He further recalled the celebrant’s establishment of enduring national institutions such as the State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), alongside the creation of new states and the relocation of the Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja.
 
Tinubu lauded the former military president for his service and sacrifices to the nation, and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant him more years of good health, wisdom, and strength to continue offering counsel for the progress of the country.

IN his goodwill message, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan extolled the virtues of the ex-military leader, describing him as one of Nigeria’s finest and most committed leaders.
 
Jonathan made the remarks yesterday in Minna, Niger State, during a visit to Babangida’s residence to celebrate his 84th birthday.
 
Speaking with journalists after the visit, Jonathan said General Babangida’s contributions to national unity and governance have left a lasting legacy.
 
“Since Nigeria’s independence, the country has produced a number of leaders, but General Babangida stands out as a committed leader who wants the best for the nation,” Jonathan said.
 
He praised IBB’s leadership style, noting that his efforts during his time in office demonstrated a deep commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
 
“He did his best as a military head of state, and that is why his house has become like a Mecca – where people from all walks of life come to visit him regularly,” the former president added.

SIMILARLY, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has described the ex-military leader as a moral compass in global public discourse and an elder statesman, who led Nigeria with patriotism and commitment.
  
In a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Paul Mumeh in Abuja, yesterday, the ADC chairman, in his tribute to General Babangida, further described him as a patriot who believes firmly in the sanctity of one united and indivisible Nigeria.
 
“Today is not merely to mark the passage of time, but to celebrate the extraordinary life of a soldier, a patriot, and a statesman who, at 84, stands as a living monument to courage, service, and honour,” he said.