Buhari, Okowa greet Babangida at 80

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent birthday greetings to former President Ibrahim Babangida, wishing him a “long and healthy life”, as he marks his 80th birthday.

Buhari noted that as former military commanders during the war, both retiring as Generals, they have mutual interests, great hopes and expectations in a strong and united Nigeria.

He expressed hope that privileged Nigerians, like Babangida and others, will recommit to ongoing efforts to help the nation attain more glory, progress, and prosperity.

x Similarly, Delta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, congratulated the former military President.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor felicitated with the elder statesman for attaining the octogenarian age and commended him for his commitment to the unity of the country.

He said: “Your Excellency, your life has been that of service to the people of Nigeria, and as Deltans, we remain grateful for your effort in ensuring that our dear state, Delta, was created in 1991.

“As you join the Octogenarian club, we commend you for your remarkable contributions to nation-building. As you mark 80 years of your life’s journey today, we celebrate you and all that you have accomplished through your humble beginnings to your illustrious career in the military, culminating to your attainment of military President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
As we mark the 30th anniversary of the creation of Delta, we recall with gratitude your exemplary and legendary contributions in making it a reality.”

He added: “The benefits of state creation have no doubt, manifested tremendously in the lives of Deltans and others, who live and do business in the state and have been impacted positively in economic, infrastructural and human capital development.

“I must also commend you for your fearless contributions to national issues and your strategic support to genuine efforts towards making our nation great. As a national icon and elder statesman, we hold you in very high esteem for granting the most important wish of Deltans at the time you did.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I heartily congratulate you, our great leader and elder statesman, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR, on your 80th birth anniversary.”