By National Record, with Agency Report
PROF. ADAMU Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, says the institution is immensely proud to celebrate former Military President retired Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) on his 84th birthday.
The vice-chancellor made the remark in a statement issued by Malam Auwalu Umar, Director, Public Affairs Directorate of the university, on Wednesday in Zaria. The statement said IBB clocked 84 years on Sunday.
Umar quoted the vice-chancellor as saying that the university was celebrating him not only for the grace of years he had attained but also for the enduring values he embodied.
It could be recalled that ABU was among tertiary institutions in the frontline of persistent opposition to the neoliberal policies of the Babangida military regime.
Among the regime’s ant-people policies that impoverished Nigerians and set them down the lane of poverty and hardship were the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), removal of subsidy, devaluation of the naira, among others.
Ahmed said in a letter of felicitation that the former military president was a holder of ABU’s Honorary Doctorate Degree (LL.D) conferred on him by the university on 24th November, 2012.
He also said Babangida’s life had been defined by strength of character and unwavering belief in the unity of Nigeria, and a commitment to service that continued to inspire generations.
“At 84, you stand as a living testimony that age should not be a deterrent to one’s continued contributions to the progress and development of our nation.
“Your wisdom, experience, and vision remain vital resources in the ongoing search for peace, stability, and national renewal,” he said.
Ahmed also prayed God to continue to bless the elder statesman with good, renewed strength, and long life to continue to lend his voice, counsel, and his guidance to Nigeria’s development journey.
