Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has paid glowing tribute to former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), on the occasion of his 85th birthday, describing him as one of Nigeria’s foremost patriots and statesmen whose contributions to national unity and development remain enduring.
In a message shared on his verified X handle on Monday, Atiku said the significance of Babangida’s life and service to Nigeria could not be measured by the number of birthday candles, praising the former Head of State for his sacrifices and commitment to the country’s progress.
“To be candid, 85 candles will never be adequate in celebrating the birth anniversary of one of Nigeria’s most senior citizens, patriot and statesman of the calibre of former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retired),” Atiku wrote.
The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate commended Babangida for what he described as his lasting legacy of preserving Nigeria’s unity, investing in infrastructure and socio-economic development, and overseeing the relocation of the nation’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.
According to Atiku, Babangida also laid the foundation for generations of Nigerian leaders through his mentorship and administrative style.
“Sir, thank you for the sacrifice and love of country. Your long lasting legacy of keeping our country united, the massive investment in infrastructural and socio-economic developments, plus the visionary leadership of moving the nation’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.”
He continued: “Thank you for planting the nation-building trees that are currently providing shades to generations of Nigerian leaders. Your mentoring acumen and administrative prowess are both legendary and indelible.”
Atiku also highlighted one of Babangida’s well-known remarks on conflict resolution and respect across generations, describing it as a timeless lesson in leadership.
He quoted the former military president as saying:
“Do not fight your seniors, because elders are not to be insulted; do not trade insults with juniors, because they don’t have the experience that you have; and don’t fight your mates, because there will always be places to meet.”
The former vice president said Babangida’s role in shaping Nigeria’s political and socio-economic landscape reflected “great vision, bravery and patriotic courage of a rare genius.”
He further praised the retired general’s leadership style, noting that despite governing as a military Head of State, Babangida was known for his people-oriented approach and strategic communication.
“Despite being a military Head of State, your public relations driven interactions and persuasive engagements with people is a case study in intentional communication strategy. Our nation needs more of such wisdom,” Atiku stated.
He urged the elder statesman to continue praying for Nigeria’s unity and prosperity, particularly as the country prepares for next year’s general elections amid prevailing national challenges.
“Therefore, as the world celebrates your unique birth anniversary today, please continue to pray for the unity and prosperity of our dear country, especially in view of the precarious situations in our nation today, barely a few months from the general elections holding next year.”
Atiku concluded by thanking Babangida for what he described as his immense contributions to Nigeria’s history and heritage while praying for continued good health, long life and divine blessings.