IBB at 80: Ex-president optimistic Nigeria will overcome challenges

Former Nigeria Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar has expressed optimism that Nigeria will soon overcome all the myriad of challenges bedevilling the country.

Abubakar stated this during the first annual lecture in commemoration of the 80th birthday of a former Military President in Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, held in Minna, the Niger State capital.

He spoke on the theme of the lecture: “Nigeria; The Desperation Research for Nationhood Challenges of Common Sense and the Supremacy of Ideas the Re-vindication of the General”, and called for collective efforts by Nigerians to achieve the desired objective.

Eulogizing General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida at 80, General Abubakar described IBB as a great leader and prayed Allah to grant him sound health, long life and prosperity for Niger state and Nigeria to continue to benefit from his wealth of experience.

Former Niger state Governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, also applauded IBB for his selflessness and sacrifice to the nation, describing him as one of the best leaders Nigeria has ever produced.

He further eulogized the celebrant saying he has contributed immensely to the transformation, growth and development of the country.

The former Governor of Niger state however, implored youths in the country to emulate the tremendous sacrifices of Nigerian leaders and shun the get-rich-quick syndrome for meaningful results.

General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the former Military president of Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, was the sixth Military ruler and 9th in the number of presidents of the country.

Nneka Ukachukwu