{
  "id": 1620549,
  "title": "Prominent Nigerians Praise IBB at 85, Hail His Contributions to Nation Building",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/prominent-nigerians-praise-ibb-at-85-hail-his-contributions-to-nation",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-18T02:37:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/08/18/prominent-nigerians-praise-ibb-at-85-hail-his-contributions-to-nation-building/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Nigerian military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida turned 85 years old, and prominent Nigerians lauded his significant contributions to the nation's progress. Among the well-wishers were General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the former Head of State, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, and Niger State Governor Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago.\n\nGeneral Abdulsalami Abubakar commended General Babangida for his successful tenure in the military and his role in developing the Nigerian Army. He also credited the former President for his valuable insights and guidance, stating that the nation will continue to benefit from them. Senator Sani Musa expressed his wish to maintain a long life for General Babangida, so that the nation can continue to learn from his wisdom. He highlighted Babangida's counsel as a source of guidance for political and economic decisions.\n\nIn his congratulatory message, Niger State Governor Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, supported by his Chief Press Secretary Bologi Ibrahim, described General Babangida as an elder statesman, visionary, patriotic, determined, and exemplary leader. Bago praised Babangida's bravery and charisma, particularly during his leadership, which played a crucial role in stabilizing the country. Furthermore, Bago acknowledged the Islamic scholars' special prayers for General Babangida's continued good health and long life.",
  "summary": "Laleye Dipo in Minna Prominent Nigerians have showered praises on and offered prayers for more long life for former military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as he marked his 75th",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}