26th April, 2014
Former military Head of State, retired General Ibrahim Babangida on Saturday commended Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state, for embarking on people-oriented developmental projects.
Babangida gave the commendation in Igueben, Edo, where he spoke as the Chairman at a reception marking the 70th birthday of Chief Tom Ikimi, the All Progressive Congress (APC) South-South leader.
He said that the efforts of Oshiomhole were ‘worth emulating by other governors in the country’. He noted that the essence of governance was to impact on the lives of the people through people-oriented policies that would foster development.
Babangida said that the development of infrastructure by the government did not only beautify the state, but also showed that government was committed in ensuring that the people enjoyed democratic dividends.
Babaginda was impressed with the red roofs in most schools in the state as it showed government’s drive in providing conducive learning environment for pupils and students.
Oshiomhole, who was the chief host of the ceremony, described the celebrant, Ikimi, as a “quintessential man”, whose lifestyle was worth emulating.
“Although Ikimi is a professional architect, he is also a political architect, designing alternative political platform to strengthen the nation’s democracy.”
Oshiomhole said that Nigeria needed leaders who could stand and make sacrifices for the nation so that the younger generation could enjoy and have better future.
Other dignitaries at the occasion included former Ghanaian President, Jerry Rawlings and former military Head of State, Alhaji Abdusalam Abubakar.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Edo House of Assembly Majority Leader, Philip Shaibu, Sen. Chris Ngige, former Lagos Gov. Ahmed Tinubu, and Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr Doyin Okupe were also present.