President Goodluck Jonathan has conveyed assurances of his high esteem and warm personal regards to General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.) on the occasion of the former President’s 72nd birthday anniversary tomorrow, Saturday, August 17, 2013.
In a congratulatory letter to General Babangida, President Jonathan praised his life of outstanding accomplishments.
“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I rejoice with you as you mark your 72nd birthday anniversary.
“I join your family, numerous friends and many well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past seventy-two years of a life of outstanding accomplishment,” President Jonathan wrote.
The President wished General Babangida a very happy birthday and many more years of good health and personal fulfillment.
On his part, President of the Senate, David Mark, in a message of goodwill to General Babangida, described him as a quintessential statesman whose leadership quality remains a reference point in contemporary history of Nigeria.
He noted with pride that General Babangida’s goodwill cut across ethnic and religious boundaries, adding “Babangida remain a true statesman and a nationalist who believe in one indivisible, united, peaceful and progressive Nigeria.”
Mark praised Babangida for remaining steadfast and always making his rich knowledge and wealth of experience available to the new generation of leaders to benefit from.
He prayed that Almighty God grants Babangida good health, wisdom and courage so that the present and future leaders continue to draw from his fountain of experience and knowledge in the task of moving the nation forward.