Mu’azu Sambo Shines as He Represents Former President Buhari at IBB Book Launch

Mu'azu Jaji Sambo, CON, the immediate past Minister of Transportation, represented former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, at the book launch of former Nigerian Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). The book, titled A Journey in Service, was unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, February 20, 2025, drawing a distinguished gathering of past and present leaders who reflected on IBB's legacy and democracy in West Africa.

The prestigious event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, along with top members of his cabinet, former presidents of Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, past and present Nigerian vice presidents, state governors, ministers, and military leaders. Captains of industry, prominent statesmen, and other dignitaries from Nigeria and beyond also graced the occasion.

Muhammadu Buhari, unable to attend due to a prior engagement, sent his warm wishes and prayers for a successful launch, describing the memoir as a landmark moment in Babangida's life. He also extended prayers for IBB's continued good health and fulfillment.

Delivering Buhari's congratulatory message, Sambo expressed confidence that General Babangida would continue offering valuable counsel to Nigeria's leadership, emphasizing his enduring influence in national affairs.

In his keynote address, former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo underscored the significance of multi-party democracy in Africa's development. He cautioned against the resurgence of military takeovers, describing them as setbacks to democratic progress. "Multiple parties strengthen our continent," Akufo-Addo noted, urging leaders to uphold democratic institutions.

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), praised Babangida's rise from aide-de-camp (ADC) to head of state, hailing him as a "boss of bosses." Gowon also expressed gratitude for Babangida's decision to restore his military rank after it was revoked following the 1976 coup. "Thank you for restoring my rank," he said, acknowledging IBB's leadership.

Similarly, former military president General Abdulsalami Abubakar reminisced about his lifelong association with Babangida, spanning over 80 years. He recalled a childhood prophecy that predicted Babangida's rise to power and lauded him for documenting his life's journey. "Your memoir will enrich the country's historical records," Abdulsalami remarked.