President Bola Tinubu has said that he shares in the joy of celebration with family members, friends, and associates of the former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who turned 82 on Thursday.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), noted that Tinubu congratulated the former military leader, who had served in many capacities in the Nigerian army with distinction and reached the peak of his career as Chief of Army Staff with indelible legacies for his gallant defense of our nationhood during the Nigerian Civil War.

The President affirmed the contributions of Gen. Babangida to national development, which include the creation of many states to strengthen the federal structure, physical infrastructure, the liberalization of the media industry, and other initiatives across the health and defense sectors.

The president noted the influential position of the former Nigerian leader, who has, after 30 years outside of power, consistently remained a voice of wisdom and counsel for many political leaders, both within and outside of Nigeria.

President Tinubu prayed for the continuous well-being of Gen. Babangida and his family.