IBB as he is popularly known is a native of Minna born in August 17th, 1941 to his late parents who earlier migrated from Kuta to Wushishi. He lost his parents at the age of fourteen, he was left with the Herculean task of facing the world alone, he believes and submits to the wish of Almighty Allah as the only solution to all problems. He has his first stint of education at an earlier stage from the Chief Imam of Minna, Mallam Najoji, a noble and well respected scholar of immense knowledge who taught him so many things about life and the power of prayers.

IBB [/b]had his elementary education in Minna from 1950-1956 and gained admission to the provincial secondary school that was later changed to Government Secondary School Bida from 1956-1961. He was selected and recruited with other young men from the North in 1962. He attended the 6th course of the Nigerian Military College, Kaduna now called the Nigerian Defence Academy after completion, he proceeded to India to complete the first level officers course at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and was commissioned a second lieutenant in late 1963. As a young officer, he continuously proves his steadfastness through hard work, courage, intelligence, humility, attendance, dedication, fitness, loyalty and professionalism in his various military locations he was posted in the military.

[b]IBB also attended the young officers course in Dorset, United Kingdom and soon after the instructors course in driving and general maintenance of armoured vehicles on return, he was transferred to the Armoured Corps where he exemplary proves himself and became the Pioneer officer of the unit. He was the Commander of 1st Reconnaissance Squadron in 1966 before taking over Command for the development of the Armoured Corps. After the Nigeria Civil War, he was posted to Nsukka in 1968 as Commanding officer of the 44th Infantry Battalion.

IBB was promoted to the rank of Captain in August 1968 and in April 1970, he was promoted again to the rank of Major, his displayed brilliance and intelligent saw him attending more courses which further helped in enhancing his professional career. He was an instructor and Company Commander with NDA which also assisted him in his academic knowledge, training and practical professionalism. He was appointed lieutenant Colonel and Commander of the Armoured Corps after his return from the Advanced Officers Course at the Army Armoured School in the United States from 1972 to 1973.

IBB proceeded to the Senior Officers Course at the Command Staff College Jaji and at the end of which he was again redeployed to the Armoured Corps as Commandant where he was until his promotion to the rank of Colonel and later to Brigadier General in 1977 when has in National Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru as a participant. He later proceeded to the Senior International Advanced Management Course at the Naval Postgraduate School, USA in 1980. He later became the Director Army Staff Duties involving in strategic, logistics and reorganization of the Nigerian Army. He later became a two star General (Major General) until the Armed Forces re-intervened in the Nigeria governance in 1983.

[b]IBB [/b]was appointed Chief of Army Staff in January 1984 after the return of the military rule in December 1983, he held unto this position under Major General Mohammed Buhari regime until the bloodless coup-d'etat in August 27th 1985 that overthrew the Buhari Regime. IBB got into the steering wheel of the country's most prestigious seat as President, Commander-in Chief of the Armed Forces in 1985. He was able to introduce many programs linked to political, social and economic reforms paving way for emerging and possible good governance. He ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993 before handing over to a Civilian Transition Government.

[b]IBB [/b]is undoubtedly the most controversial, the most popular, the most influential president Nigeria has ever had and it is a fact that time will tell as the history of the country is never complete without mentioning the name IBB and the wonderful programs he has carefully mapped out for the masses at large, the ones he has done and more to be done for our great country. His highly calculated strategies is simply out of this world, his unpredictable foresight, actions and reactions makes the people marvel about this wonderful man giving rise to him being called Maradonna, named after the world most famous football player and juggler from Argentina.

[b]IBB [/b]continues to bag more awards, awards after awards both at home and abroad in recognition of his outstanding contributions and achievements both for services and to humanity in general. The Defence Service Medal (DFM), The National Service Medal (NSM), The Royal Service Medal (RSM), The Force Services Star Medal (FSS), The General Service Medal (GSM), The Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR), The Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR), Nigeria's First Military President, Ex-Chairman of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ex-Chairman Organization of African Unity (OAU). Nigeria's First Military President 1985 - 1993 and Nigeria's Retired Five Star General. It is quite evident that success has a price that only few can pay, endurance, dedication, commitments, hardworking, perseverance, patience and courage will definitely take you to the sky if that is the limit.

IBB [/b]objectives is complete eradication of poverty at grassroots level which still remain a phobia to the accomplished General and his policy of "Live and Let's Live" has endeared him to so many people, he has touched the lives of so many people in so many ways and changing so many faces with his gestures. He is one of the most successful and influential Nigerian, he clocked 62 in August 17th 2003. He was well loved by most Nigerians as the President whose tenure the country witnessed abundance and surplus of food also value for money and services.

[b]IBB was married to Maryam Babangida nee Okogwu in September 1969 in Kaduna, they are blessed with four lovely children, Aishat Babangida, Mohammed Babangida, Aminu Babangida and Halimat Babangida. With his past managerial experience, he rose to become one of the most successful businessman in most human enterprises. His influence and popularity is clearly attested in the recent marriage of his daughter Aishat to Basheer Garba even after ten years of handing power to a transition govt.


Two of his which quotes which i love so much . . .

A society that does not correctly interpret and appreciate its past cannot understand its present fortunes and adversities and can be caught unawares in a fast changing world.

Democracy opens new vistas and opportunities. We should use the opportunities it offers to correct past mistakes not to blunder anew.