Ibrahim Babangida, Nigeria’s former military president, affectionately known as “IBB,” is poised to make headlines once again with the upcoming launch of his autobiography, 32 years after leaving office. The memoir, titled “A Journey in Service,” is scheduled to be unveiled on February 20 at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. This highly anticipated event will also serve as a fundraiser for IBB’s presidential library.

Former military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida

The IBB Presidential Library Foundation’s Board of Trustees has sent out invitations for a highly anticipated book launch and fundraiser, scheduled to take place early this week. This prestigious event boasts an impressive lineup of dignitaries, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo set to chair the occasion and President Bola Tinubu attending as the special guest of honor.

Adding to the excitement, the keynote address will be delivered by Ghana’s former President, Nana Akufo-Addo. Furthermore, the autobiography will be reviewed by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ensuring a thought-provoking and insightful discussion.

The guest list also includes former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari, Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan. Additionally, Theophilus Danjuma, former Minister of Defence, and Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, are slated as chief launchers.

Babangida’s tenure as head of state from 1985 to 1993 was marked by series of controversies including the execution of his close friend and colleague, Mamman Vatsa for coup plot and his seemingly endless transitions to civil rule programmes that culminated in the annulment of 12, June 1993 presidential election won by late Moshood Abiola.

The agitations that followed the annulment of the election that is still being described as the freest and fairest to be conducted in the country forced Babangida to step aside from power in 1993.He handed over to an interim government led by a civilian, Earnest Shonekan. Shonekan’s government was toppled by General Sanni Abacha after some months in office.

Abacha proceeded to unleash a brutal reign of terror on the country before he died in office in 1998, this, paving way for Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Many Nigerians believe that Babangida has not been forthcoming with reasons for the annulment of the June 12 election as well as the many twists and turns of his administration that earned his the nickname ‘Maradona’ since he left office and retired to his expansive hilltop mansion in Minna, Niger State.

It is hoped that the new book by Babangida will answer their curiosities.