Former Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, CON, represented former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, at the book launch of former Nigerian Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), titled “A Journey in Service”. The event, held on February 20, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, brought together distinguished leaders who reflected on Babangida’s legacy and the state of democracy in West Africa.
Dignitaries in attendance included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, past and present state governors, former presidents of Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, as well as military leaders, ministers, industry captains, and prominent statesmen.
In a message conveyed by Sambo, Buhari extended his warm wishes, praying for Babangida’s continued good health and acknowledging the memoir as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s history. Sambo also expressed optimism that Babangida would continue offering valuable guidance to the nation’s leadership.
Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, in his keynote address, underscored the importance of multi-party democracy in Africa, cautioning against the resurgence of military takeovers. He emphasized that democratic institutions must be protected to ensure the continent’s progress.
General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) praised Babangida’s leadership and recalled how he reinstated his military rank after it was stripped following the 1976 coup. General Abdulsalami Abubakar also shared personal anecdotes about Babangida, recalling a childhood prophecy about his rise to power and commending him for documenting his experiences.
The book launch, which also served as a fundraising event for the IBB Presidential Library, was hailed as a significant moment in Nigeria’s political history. The memoir offers insights into Babangida’s years of service, shedding light on the complexities of Nigeria’s governance and political evolution.
As the event unfolded, discussions centered on leadership, governance, and the enduring influence of past leaders in shaping Nigeria’s future.