Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, CON, the immediate past Minister of Transportation, represented President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, at the book launch of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s memoir, “A Journey in Service,” in Abuja on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, drew an elite gathering of past and present leaders who reflected on IBB’s legacy and the state of democracy in West Africa. Attendees included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, top members of his cabinet, former presidents of Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, former Nigeria Vice Presidents, State Governors, past and present, Ministers and heads of Parastatals, both former and present, military leaders, Captains of Industry, and statesmen from Nigeria and beyond.
President Buhari, who was unavoidably absent due to an earlier scheduled commitment, sent his warm wishes and prayed for a successful launching of the memoir, as it marks a watershed in the life of the former military president. He prayed for good health, long life, and satisfaction in all endeavours.
Sambo delivered a congratulatory message, expressing hope that General Babangida would continue offering valuable counsel to Nigeria’s leadership.
In his keynote address, former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of multi-party democracy in Africa’s development. He warned against the growing wave of military takeovers, calling them a setback to democratic progress.
Multiple parties are good for our continent, Akufo-Addo said, urging leaders to protect democratic institutions.
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), lauded Babangida’s rise from aide-de-camp (ADC) to head of state, describing him as a “boss of bosses.” Gowon also expressed gratitude for Babangida’s decision to restore his rank of General after it was stripped following the 1976 coup.
“Thank you for restoring my rank,” Gowon said, reflecting on how Babangida’s leadership impacted his life.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, another former military president, shared anecdotes about his over 80-year-long relationship with Babangida. He recalled a childhood prophecy foretold Babangida’s rise to power and commended him for documenting his life’s journey.
“Your memoir will enrich the country,” Abdulsalami remarked.
The book launch, set against the backdrop of a presidential library fundraising event, marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s political history. Babangida, known for his role in the country’s military and political landscape, shares his journey through his memoir, offering insights into his years of service and the complexities of Nigeria’s past.
The IBB Presidential Library Foundation, which oversees the event, expressed that the memoir’s launch is not just about commemorating Babangida’s legacy but also a call for support to preserve and promote Nigeria’s political history through the foundation’s library.
As the event unfolded, a unique blend of nostalgia, reflection, and forward-looking dialogue filled the air, drawing attention to the enduring influence of the country’s past leaders in shaping the present.
