The mid-February 2025 launch of “A Journey in Service,” the memoir of former Nigerian military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), was a significant event in Abuja’s literary and political circles. The ceremony, held on February 20, 2025, at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, drew an impressive array of dignitaries, underscoring the book’s importance.
President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu attended as the special guest of honor, accompanied by former Nigerian leaders such as Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan. The event also saw the presence of ex-presidents from other West African nations, highlighting IBB’s influence beyond Nigeria. Ghana’s immediate past leader, Nana Akufo-Addo, delivered the keynote address, adding a pan-African perspective to the occasion.
A notable moment was the commentary by Nigeria’s immediate past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who provided an enlightening review of the book, likely piquing the interest of many attendees. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo delivered a humorous yet cautionary address, originally intended for delivery in his absence. He predicted that readers’ reactions would include controversial views and critical assumptions, advising Babangida to brace for negative opinions, even from respected quarters. Since the launch, his foresight has proven accurate, as the memoir has sparked diverse reactions.
The initial chapters of “A Journey in Service” offer revelatory narratives of IBB’s early life. As a young child and later as an impressionable adolescent at Bida Government Secondary School, he was drawn to the military profession, inspired by figures like then-Captain Yakubu Gowon. A visit to his school by Captain Gowon solidified his resolve, leading him to enlist in the Nigerian Army upon graduation.
Babangida’s participation in the Nigerian Civil War under Commander-in-Chief General Gowon shaped his understanding of the military’s role in nation-building. The memoir reveals his efforts to instill discipline and efficiency, values he absorbed from his superiors as a young officer. A striking anecdote recounts his unarmed confrontation with coup plotter Lt. Col. Dimka, acting on the directive of his mentor, Lt. General T.Y. Danjuma. This incident underscores the transitional challenges faced by Nigeria’s post-colonial military as it evolved from a security apparatus to a governing body.
The memoir delves into events that have attained public notoriety in Nigeria, offering IBB’s personal perspective. One such event is the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as free and fair, which is explored in one of the book’s longest chapters. Another poignant chapter addresses the execution of his close friend, Major General Mamman Vatsa, for an alleged coup plot, reflecting the personal and ethical dilemmas inherent in leadership.
Since its release, “A Journey in Service” has elicited a spectrum of reactions. While some commend the memoir for its candidness and depth, others criticize it as an attempt to sanitize Babangida’s controversial tenure. The book has reignited debates about his policies and decisions, particularly the annulment of the 1993 election and the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Program.
The launch event also served as a fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library, amassing nearly ₦17 billion. Notable contributions included ₦8 billion from Aliko Dangote, ₦5 billion from Abdul Samad Rabiu, ₦3 billion from T.Y. Danjuma, and ₦500 million from Arthur Eze. These funds aim to support the library’s development, envisioned as a center for preserving Nigeria’s arts, political, and military history.
In summary, “A Journey in Service” provides an intimate look into Ibrahim Babangida’s life and tenure, offering readers an opportunity to reassess his legacy within the complex tapestry of Nigeria’s history.
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