Former Nigerian military president, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), is set to release his much-anticipated autobiography, A Journey in Service, 32 years after leaving office. The book launch will take place on February 20, 2025, at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
The memoir, expected to shed light on IBB’s years in power from 1985 to 1993, is already generating interest across the country. The event will also serve as a fundraising platform for the IBB Presidential Library Foundation.
Controversial Leadership Legacy
IBB’s administration remains one of the most debated in Nigeria’s history. His government was marked by major decisions such as the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which caused widespread protests and economic hardship. Additionally, his time in power saw the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.
One of the darkest moments of his rule was the unresolved murder of Dele Giwa, a renowned journalist and editor of Newswatch, who was killed by a letter bomb in 1986. The incident remains a sore point in Nigeria’s history, and critics have often linked IBB’s regime to it, though he has repeatedly denied involvement.
IBB was often referred to by the nicknames “Maradona” and “Evil Genius,” which he claimed were coined by the media to describe his political style. In one of his interviews, he remarked, “The definition of Maradona I got from the media is because of deft political moves. That’s the way the media described it.”
A Journey to the Memoir
Despite granting interviews to both local and international media since stepping down, IBB has largely avoided discussing certain contentious aspects of his leadership. In 2018, he expressed doubts about writing a book, questioning whether Nigerians would be interested in the story of a former dictator.
At the time, he said Nigerians misunderstood his role in key events, such as the June 12 crisis and the policies he implemented during his military rule. However, his decision to finally author the memoir marks a change of heart, giving Nigerians an opportunity to hear his perspective on these issues directly.
Star-Studded Launch
The book launch is expected to attract a host of dignitaries from across Africa. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be the special guest of honor, while former President Olusegun Obasanjo is slated to chair the event.
Ghana’s former president, Nana Akufo-Addo, will deliver the keynote address, and Nigeria’s former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, will provide a critical review of the autobiography. Other notable attendees include former presidents Muhammadu Buhari, Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan.
Additionally, prominent figures such as former Minister of Defence Theophilus Danjuma and BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu will serve as chief launchers.
A Significant Moment in Nigerian History
The launch of A Journey in Service offers Nigerians a chance to revisit a critical period in the nation’s history. It is expected that the memoir will not only recount IBB’s achievements but also address longstanding questions about his leadership style, policy decisions, and controversies.
For many, this book could be an opportunity to better understand the complexities of his time in office and the lasting impact of his policies on Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.
The memoir’s release also comes at a time when Nigeria faces ongoing challenges in governance, economy, and national unity, drawing parallels to the critical decisions made during IBB’s tenure. Whether the book provides clarity or adds to the debate surrounding his legacy, it is certain to spark renewed interest in one of Nigeria’s most pivotal eras.
