Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has extended his congratulations to former military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.), on his 84th birthday. The felicitation was conveyed in a statement issued by George on Monday in Lagos.
George, a retired commodore who served as the military governor of old Ondo state from 1987 to 1990 during Babangida’s leadership, described him as a “patriot, visionary, and selfless leader.”
He added that Babangida had contributed immensely to national development during his tenure as Nigeria’s eighth commander-in-chief from 1985 to 1993. The message highlights the enduring relationships between figures from different eras of Nigerian governance.
He said the leadership style of the octogenarian was defined by “persuasion, charisma, and a high intelligence network.”
George said Babangida articulated a vision for the future by mobilizing Nigerians toward a desired goal.
He added, “As Head of State, Babangida was bold, resolute, persistent, communicative, inspirational, magnetic, open-minded, innovative, imaginative, collaborative, resolute, and goal-oriented.”
The PDP chieftain said he learnt so much as a military governor under IBB and in other military postings.
George said Babaginda was instrumental in stabilising democracy in the West African sub-region.
He cited use of ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) troops by Babangida to restore stability in Liberia after civil war erupted in that country.
‘I join millions of your admirers to celebrate you as you clock 84 years. I want to boldly say, as your boss, that you have made invaluable contributions to the economic and political development of this country.
“This was right from when you joined the Nigerian Army in the 1960s. Even today, you are still mentoring the younger generation to always add value to our democratic system.
“That.is why I strongly believe you deserve to be celebrated on your 84th birthday. Becoming Head of State at a young age of 44, you shaped the political and economic development of Nigeria in a dynamic way.
“You set out concrete steps to achieve your administration’s specific goals. When you assumed office in 1985, you met 19 states but on Sept. 23, 1987, you created Akwa Ibom and Katsina states.
“On Aug. 27, 1991, you also created nine more states: Abia, Enugu, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Osun, Kogi, Taraba and Yobe, bringing the total number of states in Nigeria then to 30.
“You also created many agencies to spread development across the country.”
