The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has congratulated former Military President, retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, on his 85th birthday.
The Minister gave the eulogy in a statement that was issued to newsmen by his Media Aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, on Monday in Abuja.
In it, Idris described Babangida as an elder statesman whose life and service remain significant.
He said Babangida’s military service, national leadership, and subsequent statesmanship represented a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political and institutional evolution, with enduring lessons for nation-building.
He said that decades after leaving office, Babangida had remained engaged with issues of national importance, particularly those concerning Nigeria’s unity, stability and development.
He said Babangida’s leadership and public service experiences constituted a valuable reservoir from which succeeding generations could draw lessons about the complexities and responsibilities of nation-building.
The minister also acknowledged Babangida’s enduring faith in Nigeria and continued interventions in support of national cohesion and peaceful coexistence across the country.
He said: “Gen. Babangida remains an important voice in our national journey, and at 85, we celebrate his service, his statesmanship and his enduring commitment to a united Nigeria.”
Idris wished the former military president many more years of good health, peace, and fulfilment, while praying that he continued enjoying his family’s affection and Nigerians’ goodwill.
