Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has raised over ₦17 billion from the unveiling of his autobiography, A Journey in Service, in Abuja. The event, organized by the IBB Presidential Library Foundation, saw massive donations from Nigeria’s top business moguls, including Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and Theophilus Danjuma.
Held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the high-profile occasion was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and attended by prominent figures such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, and former Nigerian leaders Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan.
Dangote Leads with ₦8bn Donation
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, made the largest donation of ₦8 billion, pledging to pay ₦2 billion annually over four years. He credited Babangida’s policies for shaping Nigeria’s private sector, citing reforms such as the abolition of import licenses and the introduction of banking licenses.
“You were the architect of Nigeria’s private sector. Your policies helped businesses flourish. Today, 85% of Nigeria’s GDP comes from the private sector,” Dangote stated. He also pledged to continue donating if the library project extends beyond four years.
Other Major Contributions
- Abdul Samad Rabiu (BUA Group Chairman) – ₦5 billion
- General Theophilus Danjuma – ₦3 billion
- Arthur Eze (Atlas Oranto Petroleum CEO) – ₦500 million
- Mustafa Chike-Obi (Fidelity Bank Chairman) – ₦100 million
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio – ₦50 million
- Folorunsho Alakija and others – Undisclosed amounts
Tinubu: “Without IBB, I Wouldn’t Be in Politics”
President Bola Tinubu praised Babangida’s role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, crediting him for inspiring young leaders, including himself.
“Without your influence, people like me would not be in politics. Your visionary leadership shaped a generation,” Tinubu remarked.
He also acknowledged Babangida’s bold economic policies, including the licensing of new-generation banks, which transformed Nigeria’s financial sector.
Osinbajo, Akufo-Addo, and Jonathan Reflect on IBB’s Legacy
- Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo reviewed the book, highlighting key moments of Babangida’s era, such as the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election and the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP).
- Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo warned about the resurgence of military coups in Africa, emphasizing the need for stronger democratic structures.
- Former President Goodluck Jonathan stressed the importance of documenting governance history, urging the institutionalization of presidential libraries in Nigeria.
Obasanjo to IBB: “Ignore Your Critics”
Chairman of the event, Olusegun Obasanjo, advised Babangida to dismiss criticism, stating that it often signifies success.
“Do not be overly concerned about critics. Criticism is a sign of relevance,” Obasanjo said.
The book launch, doubling as a fundraiser, marked a historic moment for Babangida, reflecting on his decades-long impact on Nigeria’s governance and economy.
