85th Birthday: Ex-Presidential aspirant hails IBB, says contributions important part of Nigeria’s history

By Praise Chinecherem

One time presidential aspirant and founder of the Good Leadership Movement in Nigeria and Africa, Chief Eusebius Onyemelukwe has described former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd) as a leader whose contributions remain an important part of Nigeria’s history.

Onyemelukwe, in a congratulatory message marking the former leader’s 85th birthday, wished Babangida many more years in good health, peace, strength and wisdom.

He said the Babangida administration recorded notable achievements in infrastructure, national development, security, housing, transportation, power and the development of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

According to him, the administration was also associated with the creation of 11 states, including Abia, Enugu, Delta, Edo, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Taraba and Yobe.

Onyemelukwe further credited Babangida’s government with establishing and strengthening key national institutions and security agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the State Security Service (SSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

He also highlighted major infrastructure projects undertaken during the administration, including the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Third Mainland Bridge, Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station, the International Conference Centre, the National Assembly Complex, the ECOWAS Secretariat Headquarters, as well as housing estates, roads, water projects, hospitals and military facilities across the country.

The former presidential aspirant said the projects represented only a fraction of the developmental legacy associated with Babangida’s years in office.

He urged current and future Nigerian presidents to study the positive achievements of past administrations and strive to surpass them through greater investments in infrastructure, security, economic development, employment and citizens’ welfare.

Onyemelukwe also called on Nigerians to assess the contributions of past leaders objectively and recognise achievements wherever they exist.

“As General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida celebrates his 85th birthday, I join millions of Nigerians and well-wishers in celebrating a former Head of State whose contributions remain an important part of Nigeria’s history,” he said.