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IBB:The Abstruse Of The Autobiography Of An Aptitude

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By Bala Ibrahim.

32 years after leaving office, former military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, popularly referred to as IBB, has today launched his long-awaited autobiography in Abuja. Titled, “A Journey In Service”, the event was originally billed to be chaired by his boss, former president Olusegun Obasanjo, but for some reasons, he was visibly absent at the venue. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was physically present as the special guest of honour. In attendance also was the former President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, who delivered the keynote address, while former Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, played the reviewer of the autobiography. As expected, the event brought forward eminent members of the society, amongst whom are former Head of state Gen.Yakubu Gowon, former Head of state Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The book and Presidential Library were launched by the duo of the former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, ably represented by Gen. Martin Luther Agwai and the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu. As at the time of writing this article, the biggest donation of N5 billion came from Alhaji Abdussamad Rabiu of BUA, followed by the generous donation of N3 billion from Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, the co-launcher. But dramatically, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Group, announced the donation of N2 billion each year for the next four years. And if the project exceeds four years, he would continue to pay N2 billion every year, he pledged. Technically, he is the largest donor.

A Journey In Service is a book that is coming after three decades of waiting, and as the publisher put’s it, there is a world of difference between engineering a nation and ruling a nation. According to the publisher, he never ruled a nation, he only engineered a nation. And that to me, is an abstruse, or, one of the complications I anticipated in IBB’s account of his journey in service. Hate him or like him, IBB is an enigma. Yes, a person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.

Although he had since dissociated himself from the widely held view that he is an evil genius, because of his demonstrative skill and cleverness in political manoeuvring, in his days as military president, the minds of many is still filled with questions on the abstruse of this autobiography. Like former President Muhammadu Buhari, who Babangida pushed out of power in 1985, once said, “There is hardly any major episode in Nigeria’s short history where your name and contribution does not feature.” Undoubtedly, IBB is an aptitude that had repeatedly said he is a trustworthy person with an excellent background.

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Years back, at a press briefing held in Minna, as part of activities to mark his 75th birthday, Babangida told newsmen thus, “I am not the evil genius that a lot of people think I am. I have an excellent background and by my training I am trained to love people.” One may be forgiven if he comes confused, in differentiating between whether IBB is an intelligent person or simply an aptitude, because he possesses the two qualities in quantum. While intelligence test measures your current cognitive skills, on the other hand, an aptitude test measures whether you have the potential to develop skills in specific areas in the future. And IBB is excellent in both.

In reviewing the book, former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo said, the book is a story of stories of the journey of Nigeria as a nation. Although the book had touched on many areas, but the section that watered the appetite of every reader most, is what he has to say about June 12. Yes, the annulment of the Presidential election that took place in 1993, who annulled it, why was it annulled? etc. Characteristically, IBB devoted a segment of the book to what he called, the events that shock his administration to its foundation. He listed events like the death of Dele Giwa, the Vatsa coup, the Orka coup, OIC palaver, SAP riots, the C130 Air force plane crash in Lagos and of course the June 12 saga.

With a sober sense of responsibility, and in a solemn manner, IBB said and I quote, “with regards the June 12, mistakes and misteps were taken, and I deeply regret them, but take full responsibility. There was no doubt that based on the recorded votes, MKO Abiola won the election. Undoubtedly that decision was the most challenging moment of my life. With hindsight, if I have to do it again, I would do it differently. The book dwelled on how as a Lt. Colonel, he played a role in the coup that toppled the man who lured him into the military- Gen. Gowon. And today, Gen. Gowon admitted in person, to that episode, but showered encomiums on IBB, for a number of reasons, including the restoration of his rank, his salary areas and his dignity, after their withdrawal by a previous regime. In all, A Journey In Service is the abstruse of an autobiography of an aptitude. And the aptitude is IBB, otherwise called, “The Maradona”.

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Just In:Governor Yusuf  Sacks Head of Service 

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Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday evening.

The decision is part of the ongoing efforts by the present administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across all government institutions.

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Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.

“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life.”

The Governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, the Permanent Secretary, Admin and General Services at the Cabinet Office, to serve in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Head of Service.

By this announcement, the outgoing Head of Service is directed to handover the affairs of the office to the Ag. Head of Service latest tomorrow, Wednesday 11th March, 2026

 

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Table Water Producers Increase New Price for Sachet Water in Kano

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The Kano State Chapter of the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) has officially announced an upward review of the price of sachet water (popularly known as “pure water”) across the state.

This decision is a direct response to the unsustainable surge in the cost of production materials.

In a statement representing the association, it was disclosed that the price of a bag of sachet water, which was previously sold at N220, has now been adjusted to a minimum of 300 Naira.

This adjustment is necessary to prevent the collapse of the industry, as the cost of essential production materials has increased by two-thirds.

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The association highlighted several critical economic challenges, including:

– Printing Film: The price has risen to 3,700 Naira.
– Gas/Fuel: Prices have reached 1,500 Naira per liter.
– Power Supply: The lack of stable electricity has forced factories to rely entirely on expensive generator power.

Despite these financial pressures, the Chairman, Alhaji Ahmad Bala Hudu, has issued a stern warning to all producers against compromising water quality.

The association emphasizes that:
– Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems and water purification standards must be strictly maintained.
– The association is working in collaboration with health authorities to inspect factories.
– Any producer found bypassing health standards will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

The association appeals to the public for understanding and patience during this period, particularly as we are in the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement issued to newsmen, Anas Idris Hassan, the Public Relations Officer of the association, said the price review is a last-resort measure to ensure that safe drinking water remains available in the state.

 

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Governor Dauda Lawal Defects to APC After Stakeholder Consultations

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The Zamfara State Government has announced that Governor Dauda Lawal has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following what officials described as “extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state.” This was contained in a statement signed by Nuhu Salihu Anka, Director General, Media and Communication, Office of the Governor.

According to the statement, Governor Lawal’s decision was driven by the overriding interest of stability, progress, and sustainable development in Zamfara State. “After careful consideration, His Excellency has decided to formally defect to the APC,” Anka said, noting that the move followed prolonged internal crises within the PDP at both national and state levels.

The government explained that unresolved leadership disagreements and structural challenges in the PDP had created uncertainty and distractions that threatened effective governance. “These challenges have continued to hinder the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara State,” the statement emphasized.

Governor Lawal reiterated that his primary responsibility remains the peace, security, and development of Zamfara State. “It became necessary to align with a political platform that provides greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government,” Anka quoted the governor as saying.

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The statement further revealed that the final deliberation leading to the defection was held at the Government House in Gusau, under the coordination of the Deputy Governor, alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders. “This was a collective decision reached after wide consultations,” Anka explained.

Governor Lawal expressed appreciation to PDP members and supporters for their cooperation over the years. However, he noted that the prevailing political realities and unresolved crises within the party made it necessary to take what he described as “a bold step in the interest of good governance and the future of Zamfara State.”

By joining the APC, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara State benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government. “This is a new political phase aimed at promoting unity, stability, and development,” Anka stated.

The government therefore called on citizens, political leaders, party supporters, and stakeholders to remain calm and supportive. “We urge everyone to embrace this transition peacefully as Zamfara enters a new chapter of political cooperation and progress,”

 

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