Sambo Honors Babangida at Book Launch, Represents Buhari
In a grand ceremony held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on February 20, 2025, the memoir of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, titled "A Journey in Service", was launched amidst an elite gathering of past and present leaders. The event was a celebration of Babangida's leadership, democracy, and Nigeria's political history, with dignitaries from across the country and beyond in attendance.
Mu'azu Jaji Sambo, the immediate past Minister of Transportation, represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event, delivering a congratulatory message on behalf of the President. President Buhari, who was unable to attend due to a prior commitment, sent his warm wishes and prayed for the successful launch of the memoir. He also prayed for Babangida's good health, long life, and satisfaction in all endeavors.
The keynote address was delivered by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who emphasized the importance of multi-party democracy in Africa's development. He warned against the growing wave of military takeovers, calling them a setback to democratic progress. "Multiple parties are good for our continent," Akufo-Addo said, urging leaders to protect democratic institutions.
Other notable speakers included former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who lauded Babangida's rise to power, describing him as a "boss of bosses." Gowon also expressed gratitude for Babangida's decision to restore his rank of General after it was stripped following the 1976 coup. "Thank you for restoring my rank," Gowon said, reflecting on how Babangida's leadership impacted his life.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, another former military president, shared anecdotes about his over 80-year-long relationship with Babangida. He recalled a childhood prophecy that foretold Babangida's rise to power and commended him for documenting his life's journey. "Your memoir will enrich the country," Abdulsalami remarked.
The book launch marked a significant moment in Nigeria's political history, with Babangida's memoir offering insights into his years of service and the complexities of Nigeria's past. The IBB Presidential Library Foundation expressed that the memoir's launch was not just about commemorating Babangida's legacy but also a call for support to preserve and promote Nigeria's political history through the foundation's library.
As the event unfolded, a unique blend of nostalgia, reflection, and forward-looking dialogue filled the air, drawing attention to the enduring influence of the country's past leaders in shaping the present. The launch of Babangida's memoir served as a reminder of the importance of documenting Nigeria's political history and the need for continued dialogue and reflection on the country's past, present, and future.
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