Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the Minna hilltop residence of former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), as a “Mecca of sort” for Nigerians, attributing it to Babangida’s leadership qualities and commitment to national unity.
Jonathan, who led a delegation of well-wishers to Minna on Sunday to celebrate Babangida’s 84th birthday, praised the former leader as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding statesmen.
“Nigeria has produced leaders since independence, but Gen. Babangida stands out clearly as one of those who want the best for the country. That is why today, his house is like a Mecca of sort. People come to him regularly, and that tells you a lot about his character,” Jonathan said.
He noted that Babangida never saw himself as a sectional leader but as one who believed in the unity of the nation, stressing that his contributions to Nigeria’s cohesion remain exemplary.
“Our prayer for him is for God to grant him long life so that he can continue to mentor the younger ones to follow his exemplary footsteps,” the former president added.
The birthday was marked with prayers and symbolic gifts presented by family members, associates, and political leaders who gathered to honour the elder statesman.
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