Niger council, CAN, NUJ felicitate with Babangida at 83

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, and Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), under the chairmanship of Comrade Abu Nmodu, has felicitated with Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on his 83rd birthday.

While highlighting General Babangida’s unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of the country, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, referred to General Babangida as a leader of inestimable value.

In a birthday message delivered to General Babangida at his mansion in Minna, the CAN Chairman, who led other members of the executive committee, prayed that God would grant the former Nigerian leader wisdom and the sagacity to continue intervening in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

According to him, “Your dedication to our great nation is unwavering, and we honor your selfless service, which has been a beacon of hope for our country.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of the executive committee members and the entire Christian community in the State, I wish you a happy birthday.”

While thanking the Almighty God for his 83rd birthday, Yohanna, who was represented by his Deputy, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim, said, “Your role in ensuring peaceful coexistence among Nigerians is top-notch.

“It is pertinent for you to reflect on the tremendous contributions you have made to the development of our dear country, especially your recent support and resolve to champion the reintroduction of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) in all public primary and secondary schools in Niger State.

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“It is therefore fitting and proper to wish you a very happy birthday, and may the Almighty God grant you long life, good health, and continuous peace of mind.”

In response, the elder statesman thanked the Body of Christ for celebrating him, saying, “I thank you for the prayers and good wishes.”

Also, in a statement issued by the Council through the office of the Assistant Secretary, Comrade Abubakar Adamu Kuta, the chairman described the former Nigerian Leader who  is highly patriotic and a shining example of service to the nation.

Nmodu said, “IBB’s outstanding charisma and visionary leadership as well as his indelible footprints on Nigeria’s history has contributed a great deal to the unity and development of our beloved country.

“In the past, broadcasting was an exclusive central government preserve which means private individuals do not have the right under law to invest in the sector. Notably, liberalisation of media industry by IBB did break monopoly of the media sector by opening the industry to competitiveness and abundant access to information.

“General Babangida and his Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory led by the late Maj. Gen. Mamman Vatsa, Air Commodore Hamza Abdullahi and later Gen. Gado Nasko, led the regime’s relocation of the seat of government from Lagos to Abuja on December 12, 1991.

“His dedication to our great nation is unwavering, and we honour his selfless service, which has been a beacon of hope for our country” Abu Nmodu said.

The Award winning Council Chairman, noted the influential position of the Elder Statesman, who has, after 31 years outside of power, consistently remained a voice of wisdom and counsel for many political leaders, both within and outside of Nigeria.

He pointed out that the octogenarian’s impact on our nation’s growth and development is immeasurable, adding that his legacy will continue to inspire new generations of leaders.

The Chairman thereby, prayed for the continuous well-being of General Babangida and his family.