Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, popularly known as IBB, relinquished power in 1993. And decades after his willful exit from power, IBB has somehow been able to retain his influence in the Nigerian political landscape. His influence can be seen in the regular ‘pilgrimage’ to his Minna hilltop mansion by influential political leaders across party lines and tribes. Described as one of the ‘owners’ of Nigeria, the former Nigerian leader has developed a reputation for excellence. You can accuse IBB of anything, but mediocrity is not one of his shortcomings. He is regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest military officers. And he’s gifted with wisdom, too. The former Nigerian leader, IBB, had a reason to celebrate on August 17, 2024. He turned another year older in fine style. And in honour of IBB’s 82nd birthday, it was befitting to celebrate his many legacies. It was also an opportunity to educate the Generation Zoomer, aka Gen Z gang, about one of Nigeria’s leaders who shaped the future of the most populous black nation on earth.
IBB assumed power in 1985 after the Buhari military regime was shown the exit door via a non-violent military coup. After grabbing power, IBB quickly hit the ground running by assembling a cabinet filled with some of Nigeria’s bright minds. And in no time, he was able to warm his way into the hearts of Nigerians thanks to his infrastructure projects and policies. Looking back now, it looks almost impossible for any democratic government in Nigeria to match the impressive track record of IBB’s military government in eight years. In terms of infrastructure projects, IBB covered himself in glory. Abuja, a magnificent city known as Nigeria’s capital, is one of IBB’s visions. It was IBB’s government that moved the country’s capital from Lagos to Abuja. A visionary par excellence, IBB started most of the iconic infrastructure projects domiciled in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) today, such as the building of the Aso Rock Villa, the ECOWAS Headquarters Secretariat, the Kano-Abuja Dual Carriageway in the FCT, the International Conference Centre, and the Federal Secretariat, among others. He literally built the foundation of Nigeria’s capital city. Not only that, IBB also extended his infrastructure projects to other parts of the country. Some of the notable projects completed under the Babangida government include the Third Mainland Bridge, Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station, Toja Bridge in Kebbi, and Jibia Water Treatment Plant. While he was building infrastructure to fast-track Nigeria’s economic development and improve connectivity via massive road construction and transportation facilities, the IBB government also kept an eye on the country’s economy. With a brilliant economist like Chief Olu Falae in his corner, he was able to stabilise the exchange rate and ensure prompt payment of pensioners and federal civil servants as and when due. Yes, he had his fair share of economic challenges, but he was able to fix things and maintain fuel subsidies.
In addition to building infrastructure that is still functioning today, the Babangida government decentralises power by creating new states.
The reason behind the creation of new states was to bring government closer to the people at the grassroots. Again, IBB was right. His idea opened up new developments and progress in these new states. Below are some of the states created under the military government of IBB: Yobe, Kastina, Taraba, Jigawa, Kebbi, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Osun, Ekiti, and Akwa Ibom. Like or hate him, it’s hard to deny this man some credit for his vision and contributions to the development of Nigeria. Not done yet, IBB also established several important government agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the State Security Service (SSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). Years after his government, these agencies continue to protect the country’s integrity and keep our sovereignty intact. No doubt, IBB has etched his name into history as one of the modern builders of Nigeria. Even the June 12 crisis many have crucified him for wasn’t entirely IBB’s fault. A lot happened behind the scenes, and as the leader, he was thrown under the bus for something that was apparently beyond his control. He has had his highs and lows in life. Like a soldier, he continues to fight even at 82. Ever ready to share his wisdom on how to move the country whenever he’s called upon, IBB has played his part well in the Nigerian project.