Birthday: Tinubu congratulates Babangida at 85, says ex-military president impacted Nigeria like no other

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), on his 85th birthday, describing him as an outstanding leader whose eight-year administration left enduring marks on Nigeria’s political, economic and geographic landscape.

Babangida, an elder statesman who governed Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, turned 85 on Monday, August 17.

In a birthday message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said the former military President’s contributions to national development had secured him an indelible place in Nigeria’s history.

The President recalled Babangida’s remarkable military career, which culminated in his emergence as the nation’s leader following the 1985 coup.

Like him or not, former President Babangida impacted Nigeria in ways no other leader has. His eight-year reign left enduring marks on our political, economic, and geographic landscape.

He expanded the nation’s economy, established lasting infrastructure, and created several agencies and institutions that continue to serve the national interest. But for his foresight, wisdom, and sense of equity and fairness, many states in the federation might not exist today.

The President also acknowledged Babangida’s continued contributions to national discourse, in spite of his retirement from public life, and wished him continued grace, good health, and renewed strength.