President Goodluck Jonathan has conveyed assurances of his high esteem and warm personal regards to General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.) on the occasion of the former President’s 72nd birthday anniversary tomorrow, Saturday, August 17, 2013.
In a congratulatory letter to General Babangida, President Jonathan praised his life of outstanding accomplishments.
“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I rejoice with you as you mark your 72nd birthday anniversary.
“I join your family, numerous friends and many well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past seventy-two years of a life of outstanding accomplishment,”President Jonathan wrote.
The President wished General Babangida a very happy birthday and many more years of good health and personal fulfillment.
Also,the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has felicitated with the man widely regarded as the Peoples General, former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida who turns 72 years of age on Saturday, commending his untiring efforts at preserving the unity of the nation.
“General Babangida’s life symbolizes statesmanship, patriotism, vision and courage which are some of the excellent leadership virtues that have guided him through his years of active public service life,” Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State,Dr Mu’azu Aliyu said in Minna on Friday.
The forum’s message which is contained in a statement signed by Governor Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo said the former Military leader excelled in his chosen profession and went on to preside over Africa’s most influential country during which period he showed rare vision, courage and exemplary leadership.
The statement noted that IBB has consistently remained on the path of promoting national unity, integration and development with his influential networks cutting across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond.
The forum said the history of Nigeria will always be incomplete without paying tribute to IBB’s contributions and achievements to the socio-economic and political development of our country.
It listed the achievements of the former leader, to include the realization of the vision of Abuja as the Federal Capital City by providing the most vital infrastructure and moving the seat of power from Lagos in 1991.
The statement also made reference to the privatization of the broadcast industry, the licensing of private universities and airlines, the liberalization of the banking industry, including the establishment of community banks (now microfinance institutions) as ranking among IBB’s notable legacies.
It then prayed God to grant IBB excellent health, courage and many more years of selfless service to Nigeria and humanity.
