‎General IBB at 85: A Father, Mentor and Teacher

As former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR, clocks 85, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Vibranium Group, Dr. Mahmoud Bala Alfa, has described him as a father, mentor and teacher whose influence has continued to shape his journey in life and leadership.

Alfa, in a birthday tribute to the former Head of State, said Babangida’s influence on him went beyond his place in Nigeria’s political history, describing their relationship as a father-and-son bond built on respect, learning and genuine affection.

He said every opportunity to sit with the former military leader had provided him with lessons in leadership, politics, public policy and the future of Nigeria.

“General Babangida is not only a former Head of State and an important figure in Nigeria’s history. He is also a father, mentor and teacher whose influence has been an important part of my own journey,” Alfa said.

According to him, Babangida’s experience, wisdom, encouragement and understanding of Nigeria had shaped the way he viewed leadership and national development.

He said the former Head of State’s encouragement had also played a significant role in his personal journey, noting that there were moments when a few words from a respected elder could give a young person the confidence to keep going.

‎“General Babangida has been that kind of person to me,” he said.

‎Alfa noted that Babangida’s place in Nigeria’s history extended beyond the years he spent in government, adding that his military career, tenure as Head of State and continued participation in national discourse had made him an enduring figure in the country’s story.

He also acknowledged the reforms and initiatives introduced during Babangida’s administration, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, economic reforms, institution-building and opportunities for private sector participation.

According to him, several of the decisions taken during Babangida’s tenure remain relevant to conversations about Nigeria’s political and economic development.

He, however, said Babangida’s influence did not end with his departure from office, stressing that the former leader had, for more than three decades, continued to offer his views, experience and counsel on issues concerning Nigeria.

“At 85, he represents a living link between important periods in our national history and the present generation,” Alfa said.

The Vibranium Group boss also said Babangida’s recent reflections on some of the most difficult chapters in Nigeria’s political history deserved attention, particularly his acknowledgment of the outcome of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and his acceptance of responsibility for decisions taken under his leadership.

He described such reflections as important contributions to Nigeria’s historical record.

Alfa, who described himself as a student of leadership and political economy, said Nigerians must continue to study the experiences of the country’s past leaders, learn from their successes and understand the difficult decisions they made.

“We must learn from their successes, understand the difficult decisions they made and examine their mistakes. That is how nations learn from their past and build a better future,” he said.

Reflecting on his personal relationship with Babangida, Alfa expressed gratitude for the former Head of State’s guidance and encouragement, saying he always left their meetings with something new to think about.

He thanked Babangida for believing in young Nigerians and for giving people like him the confidence to dream bigger and contribute to the development of the country.

Alfa prayed for good health, peace and many more years for the former Head of State, expressing hope that his remaining years would be filled with the joy of seeing a stronger, more prosperous and united Nigeria.

‎He wished Babangida a happy 85th birthday, describing him once again as his “father, mentor and teacher.”

End.