Chief Onyemelukwe Eusebius Zonyelu, former senatorial candidate, former presidential aspirant and founder of the Good Leadership Movement in Nigeria and Africa, has congratulated former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), on his 85th birthday.
In a congratulatory message, Onyemelukwe wished the former military leader continued good health, peace, strength, wisdom and many more fruitful years.
He described Babangida as a great Nigerian leader whose administration recorded notable achievements in infrastructure, national development, security, housing, transportation, power and the development of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
According to him, the Babangida administration was responsible for the creation of 11 states, including Abia, Yobe, Katsina, Taraba, Jigawa, Kebbi, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Osun and Akwa Ibom.
Onyemelukwe also commended the establishment and strengthening of major national institutions and security agencies during Babangida’s tenure, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
He further listed several major infrastructure projects associated with the administration, including the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Third Mainland Bridge, Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station, International Conference Centre Abuja, National Assembly Complex, ECOWAS Secretariat Headquarters, housing estates, roads, water projects, hospitals and military facilities.
The former presidential aspirant said the achievements highlighted were only part of what he described as the developmental legacy associated with Babangida’s years in office.
He called on current and future Nigerian presidents to study the positive achievements of previous administrations and seek to surpass them through greater investment in infrastructure, security, economic development, employment and the welfare of citizens.
Onyemelukwe also urged Nigerians to assess the contributions of past leaders objectively and recognise their achievements wherever they exist.
“As General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.) celebrates his 85th birthday, Chief Onyemelukwe Eusebius Zonyelu joins millions of Nigerians and well-wishers in celebrating a former Head of State whose contributions remain an important part of Nigeria’s history,” the statement said.
He concluded by wishing Babangida a happy 85th birthday and praying for continued good health, peace, strength and wisdom.
