Former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on Tuesday, marked his 79th birthday without much guests, as was usually the practice in the past. The only major guest was the governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Belllo, who led few people to the house to present the usual birthday card. The governor had extolled the virtues of the former Nigerian leader and prayed for long life and good health for IBB and his family.
However, in a short message sent to journalists after cutting his birthday cake with the members of his family, IBB who did not allow many guests and journalists into his house amidst fear of the spread of coronavirus, said he felt good clocking 79 years of age. Asked how he felt at 79, the former Nigeria Military President said, “I feel good, I thank God for His mercy and grace.”
He said that he appreciated those who sent him goodwill messages at his 79th birthday and thanked them for their good comments about him.
When asked about his birthday message to Nigerians, IBB briefly said, “They should still remain and keep hope alive.”
IBB yesterday marked his 79th birthday without much guests, as was usually the practice in the past.
It was gathered that this might not be unconnected with the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile the Niger State commissioner for Information, Mohammed Sani in a statement marking IBB’s birthday said, “It is with profound sense of joy that the Niger State government on behalf of the entire citizens of the state wishes to join millions of well wishers in rejoicing with Nigerian Icon and Elder statesman whose wealth of experience in leadership has remain a source of reference as he clocked 79 years.|”
He stated that,” IBB is not only a professional soldier, pragmatic leader but also a role model for all politicians and political leaders within the nation, continent and the world at large,” adding that, “we appreciate and identity with him (IBB) especially the numerous outstanding achievements in the military and politics amongst which was the moving of the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja.”
The commissioner further stated that the state government and the people of the state salute the steering qualities displayed by IBB as a military President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pointing out that, “his (IBB) tenure as military President also brought in many improvement which has made Nigeria a united and indivisible nation till date