THE IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA LEGACY DIALOGUE

maiden edition

THEME: “IBB, the Man, His Vision, His Legacy”

The Dialogue

The maiden edition of the IBB Legacy dialogue took place on the 12^th of August, 2021 with the theme IBB, The Man, His Vision, His Legacy.

The event was covered live by Africa Independent Television (AIT) and streamed on most social media platforms to enable participants join the celebration online. It was a memorable occasion as evident by the calibre of invited guests and the quality of interactions and discussions by the carefully selected panellists who were mostly responsible for the implementation of most of the policies and practices of the regime.

Due to the restrictions imposed by the global pandemic, limited number of participants were invited while others were encouraged to join the conversation virtually with a web-master engaging virtual participants effectively to ensure their contributions were noted and issues raised appropriately addressed by the panellists.

The event was sectioned into four panels with different sub-themes and four moderators who hosted those sessions individually. There was an interlude of spoken word by Aisha Sambo, who focussed on the many achievements of the legend and left the audience captivated by her wonderful delivery. Another surprise was the special message by young Fatima Mohammed, Granddaughter of the Celebrant who eulogized him in very pleasant words that shows the leadership trend is already being transferred to the 3rd generation.

A virtual message was also received from Dr. Osita Chidoka, Former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), an institution created by the IBB administration and the first of its kind in Africa. The former Minister of Aviation had a lot to say on the leadership style of the legend, a man he described as a completely detribalized Nigerian who is great at fixing the right pegs in the right holes. The final session of the day, sub-themed Surprise Session was specially hosted by the media executive and owner of the first Private TV Station in Nigeria, High Chief (Dr.) Raymond Dokpesi.

This session was very interesting with several goodwill messages from the former presidents who had very encouraging messages to share with the world about the celebrant.

The first was former Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo CFR, who spoke extensively and wished the celebrant good health above all things. It was followed by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd.) GCFR who also participated in the panel session. He expressed excitement at the new age of the legend and wished him many more years.

Chief Ernest Shonekan, the man who became the head of Interim National Government after the IBB regime also gave a goodwill message. Chief Shonekan recalled the good times with the legend and prayed for his continued good health.

The goodwill messages continued with messages from former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR who described the legend as a man of the people, he recalled visiting him several times while he was Vice-President, President and even after leaving the office. He said the celebrant is no ordinary leader and wondered how he had stayed relevant in every area of Nigeria`s development having left office over 28 years ago. He mentioned that up till now, leaders aspiring to rule the nation still visit the Hilltop residence of the legend in Minna for consultations and guidance.

The last to speak was General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) GCFR., He expressed satisfaction at the contributions of the Legendary IBB to the development of democracy, he applauded the ingenuity of the option A4 and the 2-party system introduced by the IBB administration as one that could have been sustained despite the challenges of the annulment. He described the situation after the annulment as “throwing away the baby and the bath water”.

General Olusegun Obasanjo joined briefly to congratulate the legend. The highlight of the session was the sudden virtual appearance of the Legend himself from his Hilltop Mansion in Minna, as usual, he appeared calm and quickly responded with showers of gratitude to all who took out time to make the program a grand success.

Amongst all that were said during the discussions on the several panel sessions, excerpts from discussions from the panels session are highlighted below.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

.01

How he built his tribe

Moderator: Mrs Moji Makanjuola

Panelists

.02

Vision and foresight; Rebuilding a New Nigeria.

Moderator: Dr. Chidi Amuta

Panelists

Prof Sam Oyovbaire
Alh. Ahmadu Abubakar
Prof. Adele Jinadu
Col. Olagunsoye Oyinlola(Rtd),
Distinguished Senator David Mark(CFR
H.E Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu

.03

Economy, Rural Development and Infrastructure

Moderator: Ms. Adaora Onyechere

Panelists

.04

The Nigeria Foreign Policy Agenda and Pan-Africanism.

Moderator: Ms. Eugenia Abu

Panelists

Goodwill Message

At the maiden edition of the IBB Legacy Dialogue, Fatima Mohammed, granddaughter of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida presented a Goodwill message:

“Good evening my parents and grand-parents. I am honoured to stand here today in front of all of you to celebrate and honour Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, my grand-father for all he has done for our family and for this country.

You inspire us in many ways as you rose through the ranks in the Nigerian Army from fighting in the Nigerian Civil War to advancing to full rank as a General and becoming president of Nigeria. From all the stories I have heard today, you have lived quite an adventurous life, and I hope to one day find adventure, friendship, and happiness as you did. As we join you today to celebrate this great milestone in your life, may Allah keep you strong, healthy, and happy and may you have many more years to come. We will not only celebrate you today, but we also honour all your immense achievement from over the years.

Finally, I hope you enjoyed this Dialogue, and thank you all for being here for us today and for everything you’ve done for us and for this country.

Thank you.”

“Congratulations and many happy returns Baba @80, we are grateful for the privilege and opportunity to learn some of the art first-hand from the ‘DON’, thanks to Aisha (Iyan Zazzau Suleja) for this event."

"He IBB is a true statesman, his legacies shall never be forgotten"

"We wish Former military president a happy birthday. May the years ahead be better than what has passed."

"IBB was a leader that would always know he wanted to achieve and how to get about it smartly and above all who will get it done better. He promoted intellectualism in leadership."

"The celebrant actively supported the emergence of Nigeria’s only Nobel Prize till date. President Babangida received the news of the Nobel Prize for Prof. Wole Soyinka with great pride. He also supported Prof. Wole Soyinka’s trip abroad to receive the Nobel Prize."

"My husband also affirmed that President IBB understood delegation. He used the best Nigerians and if you were found wanting, he will immediately relieve you of your responsibilities. Aisha I salute you for this great honour done your father, a great and visionary leader."

"Undoubtedly, this is a befitting legacy for IBB by his children. Congratulations to all of them."