The unveiling of former Military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida’s autobiography, ‘A Journey in service’, was a grand affair, drawing a distinguished gathering of political and business leaders from across Nigeria and beyond.
Held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the event was marked by powerful speeches, nostalgic recollections and an outpouring of goodwill.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the roll call of dignitaries accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Olusegun Obasanjo, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar were present with former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Yemi Osinbajo.
International figures included former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who delivered the keynote speech, and former Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Wonie Bio.
Also in attendance were 2023 presidential candidates Peter Obi of Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
The event served a dual purpose, doubling as a fundraiser for the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida Library Project, which saw an impressive show of financial support from the nation’s elite.
Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, set the tone with a N5 billion contribution, followed by General Theophilus Danjuma’s N3 billion donation.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, pledged N8 billion over the next four years, reinforcing his commitment to education and national development.
Other major donations included Senator Sani Musa’s N250 million and Mustapha Chike-Obi’s dual contribution—N50 million on behalf of Fidelity Bank and N100 million from his personal funds.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio pledged N50 million, while the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, contributed N20 million.
Senator Aliyu Wadada, who represented Akpabio and Jibrin, pledged N10 million.
The atmosphere was a blend of celebration and reflection, with speakers lauding Babangida’s role in shaping Nigeria’s history.
In his remarks, President Tinubu praised the former leader for his “unparalleled contributions to national unity and economic growth,” while Goodluck Jonathan described the autobiography as “a vital historical document for future generations.”
As the event concluded, it was evident that ‘A Journey in Service’ was not just a book launch, but a testament to Babangida’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.
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