The Publisher of the Third Eye newspaper, Chief Akanni Aluko has felicitated with former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida on his 80th year birthday anniversary, describing him as a detribalized leader and builder of modern Nigeria.
Babangida, Nigeria`s former military president from Aug. 27, 1985 until his resignation in August 1993, is marking his 80th birthday with series of activities among which is the IBB Legacy Dialogue organised to celebrate the former president on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
Chief Akanni Aluko, a close associate of IBB, said it was a privilege for him to have met the celebrant through the former Director of Protocol, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Peter Aliyu and former Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF), Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, who he noted “is a man very dear to his heart”.
Chief Aluko, a business mogul, in a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Monday, eulogised the virtues of IBB, for his immense contributions to the economic and political development of Nigeria.
He said “IBB is now in the same group of Nigerian legends, with the likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, and Sir. Ahmadu Bello were.”
Chief Aluko said Babangida’s landmark achievements in the country would remain ever green in the anal of history.
“I thank God for his life, and for keeping him alive to witness this moment . He has a clear thought of what and where Nigeria should be in the comity of nations. And as President, he worked very hard to achieve greatness and understanding of various ethnic groups. And he was able to identity different individuals with talents all over Nigeria.
“Nigerians will continue to celebrate Babangida for positively impacting lives. Babangida brought consultative process even in the military while in government and came up with laudable policies and programmes to enhance the lives of Nigerians”, Chief Aluko said.
According to the Philanthropist, there is need for present political leaders to emulate Babangida`s intellectual and leadership style and his detribalised nature.
Recalling some of the landmark achievements of IBB, the Publisher stated that the former military President had great empathy that differentiated him from other political leaders in the country.
He pointed Babangida’s unmatched intellect to diagnose problems and his ability to come up with workable solutions for the progress of the country.
Making reference to the creation of eleven states during his administration, Chief Aluko said ” without been bias, Nigerians owe Gen. Babangida eternal gratitude, at the very least those states can never forget IBB and they must always remember him by celebrating every year he lives.”
He listed the states to include Katsina, Akwa-Ibom, created on September 23, 1987, and Abia, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Kebbi, Osun, Kogi, Taraba and Yobe, all of which were created on August 27,1991.
He prayed to God Almighty to continue to grant the celebrant more years in sound mind and good health.
Packaged by Dare Raji
