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A Journey in Service

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A Journey in Service
AuthorIbrahim Babangida
LanguageEnglish
GenreAutobiography
PublishedFebruary 2025
Publication placeNigeria
Media typePrint
Pages420

A Journey in Service is the autobiography of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), Nigeria's former military president. Released in February 2025,[1] the memoir offers a comprehensive look into Babangida's life, from his early years to his tenure as Nigeria's leader, and provides insights into the nation's political evolution during his time in office.[2][3]

Background and development

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A Journey in Service is an autobiography by Ibrahim Babangida, in which he recounts his life, military career, and time in leadership. The book was developed over several years and provides Babangida’s perspective on key political and economic events that took place during his tenure from 1985 to 1993.

Babangida’s decision to write the book was reportedly influenced by encouragement from associates such as Dr. Chidi Amuta and Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, who suggested that he document his experiences for historical reference. Both individuals, known for their contributions to Nigerian literature and media, emphasized the importance of preserving firsthand accounts of significant events in the country’s history.[4]

The memoir presents Babangida's personal account of his life and tenure, discussing both achievements and controversies. The writing process involved recollecting and documenting events, with an emphasis on balancing personal experiences with historical context.[5]

The book, spanning 420 pages, is structured into multiple sections covering Babangida's early life in Minna, Nigeria, his military career, and key events in his political journey. It details his deployment to the 1st Division under General Mohammed Shuwa during the Nigerian Civil War, his role in military operations within Biafran territory, and his involvement in the 1975 Nigerian coup d'état.[6] The book also examines major events such as the 1985 coup that brought him to power, the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP), and the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Babangida provides his perspective on these events, outlining the context and reasoning behind his decisions.[7]

Content

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  • Early life and education: Born in Minna, Nigeria, Babangida details his upbringing, including the loss of his parents at a young age. He attended the Provincial Secondary School in Bida, where he was a contemporary with future Nigerian leaders such as General Abdulsalami Abubakar.[8][9] His interest in the military was sparked during this period, and he was influenced by mentors like Pa Onimole and career talks from officers like Captain Yakubu Gowon. This passion led him to enlist in the Nigerian Army, setting the stage for his future roles in the nation's military and political spheres.[10]
  • Presidency and governance: During his tenure from 1985 to 1993, Babangida implemented several economic and political reforms. He introduced the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) in 1986, aiming to revitalize Nigeria's economy through measures like deregulation and privatization.[11] His administration also established institutions such as the Mass Mobilization for Self-Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) to promote social and economic development. Infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, were also highlights of his regime.[12]
  • June 12 election and annulment: One of the most contentious episodes of Babangida's presidency was the annulment of the June 12, 1993,[13] presidential election, widely regarded as free and fair, with Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola poised to win.[14] In his memoir, Babangida reflects on this decision, acknowledging it as a challenging and painful moment in his leadership. He expresses regret over the annulment, recognizing its profound impact on Nigeria's democratic journey.[15][16][17]
  • Personal reflections: Beyond his public life, Babangida shares personal anecdotes, including his marriage to Maryam Babangida.[18] He credits his recovery from war injuries as a pivotal moment leading to their union. Maryam's influential role as Nigeria's First Lady, particularly her initiatives aimed at improving the lives of rural women, is also highlighted in the book.[19][20]

Release and reception

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A Journey in Service was officially launched on February 20, 2025, at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.[21][22][23] The event also served as a fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library.[24] Olusegun Obasanjo chaired the occasion, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the special guest of honor.[25] The keynote address was delivered by Nana Akufo-Addo, and the book was reviewed by Yemi Osinbajo. Other notable attendees included former Nigerian leaders Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan. The event was marked by discussions on Nigeria's political history and Babangida's role in it.[26][27]

The book launch event included financial contributions from several Nigerian business figures, totaling nearly ₦17 billion.[28] Aliko Dangote pledged ₦8 billion, distributed as ₦2 billion annually over four years, while Abdul Samad Rabiu contributed ₦5 billion. T.Y. Danjuma committed ₦3 billion, and Arthur Eze donated ₦500 million.[29][30] These funds were intended to support the development of the IBB Presidential Library, which aims to serve as a center for preserving Nigeria's arts, political, and military history.[31]

Critical Reception

Prof Yemi Osinbajo, in his review, highlighted the book as a significant contribution to understanding Nigeria's political history. He noted that it offers insights into the complexities of governance and the challenges faced during Babangida's tenure.[3]

Conversely, other critics argue that the autobiography serves more as a self-justification than a candid reflection. Olufunmike Imoiko, writing for The Lagos Review, described the memoir as an attempt to sanitize Babangida's controversial role in Nigeria's history. She points out that while the book presents his version of events, it often sidesteps or downplays the more contentious aspects of his rule, such as the annulment of the June 12 election and the economic hardships resulting from SAP.[32] Similarly, Festus Adedayo, in the Nigerian Tribune, critiqued the memoir for omitting certain harsh realities Nigerians faced during Babangida's regime. He suggests that while the book covers various events of his administration, it fails to fully acknowledge the negative impacts of certain policies and decisions.[15]

Controversy

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The release of A Journey in Service by Ibrahim Babangida generated debate, particularly regarding his depiction of the January 1966 coup. In the memoir, Babangida states that the coup was not orchestrated by the Igbo ethnic group, presenting a perspective that differs from some historical narratives.[33] This claim prompted responses from various groups, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization.[34]

Following the book's publication, Ohanaeze Ndigbo called for a public apology from Nigeria President Bola Tinubu and requested ₦10 trillion in compensation, citing longstanding grievances related to perceived marginalization since 1966.[35][36][37] They argued that misrepresentations of the coup’s origins had contributed to discrimination against the Igbo community. Similarly, the Njiko Igbo Forum, an affiliate of Ohanaeze, advocated for ₦100 trillion in reparations, highlighting the economic and social impact of historical narratives surrounding the coup.[38][39]

These demands sparked nationwide discussions, with differing opinions on the viability and implications of such reparations. Some viewed the requests as a step toward addressing historical grievances, while others raised concerns about their feasibility and potential effects on national unity.[40]

References

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  1. ^ "IBB book: Who be General Ibrahim Babangida, wetin dey im book and why e cause reactions". BBC News Pidgin. 2025-02-21. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  2. ^ Adedayo, Festus (2025-02-23). "Babangida's journey and his service". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  3. ^ a b "Former President Ibrahim Babangida's Autobiography: "A Journey In Service"". Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN). 2025-02-20. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  4. ^ "Babangida's Book – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  5. ^ "Autobiographies as constructed narratives: Reflections on General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida's "A Journey in Service" – The Daily Reality". Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  6. ^ "Gen 'IBB' Babangida's book: Former Nigerian military ruler reveals all". www.bbc.com. 2025-02-25. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  7. ^ Oyedokun, Taofeek (2025-02-21). "June 12 election: What Abiola polled in each state - IBB". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  8. ^ "Painful tales from Bida college that produced IBB, Abdulsalam, Vatsa, Sani Sami, others - Daily Trust". dailytrust.com. 2021-11-06. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  9. ^ Jamiu, Basit (2025-02-23). ""Nickname Given to Me by My Colleagues in Secondary School that I am Yet to Forgive Them For" - IBB - Legit.ng". www.legit.ng. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  10. ^ "On IBB's Autobiography -Journeys in Service -". The NEWS. 2025-02-21. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  11. ^ Adedayo, Festus (2025-02-23). "Babangida's journey and his service, By Festus Adedayo". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  12. ^ "Babangida's journey and his service -". The NEWS. 2025-02-23. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  13. ^ Rapheal (2025-02-21). "IBB expresses regret for annulling June 12, 1993 election". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  14. ^ "June 12: Mixed Reactions Trail Revelations in IBB's Memoir, Questions Arise Over Abiola, Kingibe's Privileges – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  15. ^ a b Adedayo, Festus (2025-02-23). "Babangida's journey and his service". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  16. ^ "President Tinubu Commends Gen. Ibrahim Babangida for Admitting MKO Abiola's Victory in the June 12 Elections in 1993 – The Statehouse, Abuja". Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  17. ^ "Ibrahim Babangida: Nigeria's ex-military leader admits regret over cancelled poll". www.bbc.com. 2025-02-21. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  18. ^ Omosola, Friday (2025-02-23). "How I met, married Maryam, abandoned old ways - Babangida". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  19. ^ Bankole, Idowu (2025-02-22). "How Maryam captured my heart, changed my life – IBB". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  20. ^ "Autobiographies as constructed narratives: Reflections on General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida's "A Journey in Service" – The Daily Reality". Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  21. ^ USMAN, Mustapha (2025-02-20). "Babangida launches autobiography 31 years after quitting office, raises funds for presidential library". The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  22. ^ Oyedokun, Taofeek (2025-01-23). "IBB to launch autobiography 'A Journey In Service' on February 20". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  23. ^ "IBB Releases Memoir, 'A Journey in Service', Today – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  24. ^ Abdullah, Abdulsalam (2025-02-20). "Jonathan asks Tinubu to create department to manage presidential libraries". TheCable. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  25. ^ Gulloma, Abdullahi M. (2025-02-21). "Obasanjo speaks as IBB reveals top regret, 32 years after". Blueprint Newspapers Limited. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  26. ^ Agada, Johnson (2025-02-20). "PHOTOS: Tinubu, Obasanjo, Jonathan attend IBB's autobiography launch in Abuja". TheCable. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  27. ^ MARK, Isuma. "Buhari Avoids IBB As Tinubu, Jonathan, Gowon, Obasanjo, Others Attend Book Launch – The Whistler Newspaper". thewhistler.ng. Archived from the original on 2025-02-20. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  28. ^ Ugwu, Francis (2025-02-20). "'A Journey in Service': IBB rakes in nearly N17bn from book launch". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  29. ^ Bamgbose, Temi (2025-02-20). "Rabiu, Dangote, Danjuma come through with billions for IBB Library". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  30. ^ "Babangida's presidential library receives N17.5bn in donations at book launch". The Street Journal. 2025-02-21. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  31. ^ Abidoye, Bisi (2025-02-20). "IBB raises N17.5 billion for presidential library at book launch". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  32. ^ Kan, Toni (2025-02-21). "Ibrahim Babangida's disappointing tale of "A Journey in Service" - Olufunmike Imoiko". The Lagos Review. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  33. ^ Ugwu, Francis (2025-02-24). "IBB has confirmed 1966 coup was Igbo-led - Fani-Kayode". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  34. ^ Ugwueze, Emmanuel (2025-02-25). "IBB's revelation: Ohanaeze affiliate group demands N100 trillion compensation". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  35. ^ AriseNews (2025-02-24). "Ohanaeze Ndigbo Demands Apology from Tinubu Over Civil War, Calls for N10 Trillion Reparations". Arise News. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  36. ^ "The Igbo apex group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, demanded an apology and N10 trillion as compensation from President Bola Tinubu to the Igbos". Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  37. ^ Isaac, Dachen (2025-02-24). "IBB: Ohanaeze faction demands apology over 1966 coup, N10tr compensation". Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  38. ^ Opanuga, Jimisayo (2025-02-25). "IBB: Igbo group demands N100tr compensation for Ndigbo". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  39. ^ Jeremiah, Urowayino (2025-02-25). "'Igbo Coup': South East Youths Stakeholders Forum demands apology, justice from Nigeria". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  40. ^ Nwankwo, Casmir (2025-02-23). "IBB's revelation on 1966 coup: Ohanaeze demands apology". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
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