KEEP HOPE ALIVE, IBB URGES NIGERIANS
Although the ship of state currently appears unsteady and buffeted by strong winds from all sides, Nigeria would emerge from the turbulence intact and stronger,former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has assured.
Babangida stated this yesterday in Minna, Niger state during a special prayer session held to mark his 71st birthday at his palatial hilltop home.
He submitted that Nigerians of all ages owed the nation the responsibility of keeping it one, as it has the potential of becoming a global powerhouse.
The former military president asked all Nigerians to continue to pray for the continued survival of Nigeria as it is the only nation 'we can call our own.'
Babangida restated his conviction to the indivisibility of the country and challenged Nigerians on the need to gear their efforts towards enhancing the nation's unity.
'We should pray for the survival of Nigeria. We have to work together as a people.We must make it (Nigeria) work. Anything you can do to keep Nigeria together, do it. The country will be better for it,' he declared.
Babangida thanked the government and people of Niger State as well as the whole country for always identifying with him, assuring that he remainedcommitted to the nation's unity.
Acting Niger State Governor, Ahmed Musa Ibeto, who led a government delegation to the event, said the government and people of the state would continue to appreciate Babangida's landmark achievements in the country, especially in politics, the economy and social affairs.
Ibeto submitted that Babangida taught Nigerians how to continue to pursue policies and programmes that could enhance national integration.
He assured that Nigeria would continue to tap from the wisdom of the former military president.
At the event, Chief Imam of Minna, Alhaji Abu Fari, offered prayers for the former military president, peace and unity of Nigeria and for the repose of the soul of late former First Lady, Mrs Maryam Babangida.
Former Managing Director, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Umoru Ndanusa, Vice Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party in Niger State,Alhaji Tanko Beji, Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta, Senator Abbdulmalik Ndayako, Secretary to the Niger State Government, Mr Daniel Shashere and diplomats, among others, attended the event.