Former military president of Nigeria, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), is set to release his much-anticipated memoir titled A Journey in Service. The autobiography, which has been in the works for years, will be officially launched on February 20, 2025, at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
This marks a significant moment for IBB, who left office 32 years ago in August 1993. His tenure as Head of State from 1985 to 1993 remains one of the most talked-about eras in Nigeria’s political history, with events such as the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), the June 12 election annulment, and the unresolved murder of journalist Dele Giwa sparking nationwide debate.
Known for his controversial leadership style, IBB was often referred to by the media as “evil genius” and “Maradona” due to his calculated and strategic political decisions. Reflecting on these nicknames, he once noted, “That’s the very good thing about the Nigerian media and Nigerian people, you have to anticipate them. If you anticipate them then you live well with them. They call me ‘evil genius,’ I marvel at that. The contradiction, you can’t be evil and then a genius. The definition of Maradona I got from the media is because of deft political moves.”
While IBB has granted several interviews over the years, many contentious issues from his administration remain largely unresolved. Seven years ago, he expressed doubts about writing an autobiography, stating he was unsure if Nigerians would be interested in reading about a former dictator. However, he eventually decided to pen his story, addressing key moments of his leadership and correcting what he considers public misconceptions.
The book launch will be attended by notable figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who will serve as the special guest of honor. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo will chair the event, while Ghana’s former president, Nana Akufo-Addo, will deliver the keynote address. The autobiography will also be reviewed by Nigeria’s former vice president, Yemi Osinbajo.
The event will double as a fundraiser for a presidential library under the IBB Presidential Library Foundation. Other dignitaries expected include ex-presidents Muhammadu Buhari, Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Goodluck Jonathan, and business moguls like Theophilus Danjuma and Abdul Samad Rabiu, who will serve as chief launchers.
