Victor Ezeja
Nigerian billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Arthur Eze, gave a glowing tribute to former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (Retd), expressing his profound gratitude for the ex-military leader’s impact on his life and career.
Speaking at the launch of Babangida’s book, titled “A Journey in Service”, held in Abuja on Thursday, Eze said he has known IBB since 1979 and recalled how the former military leader gave him opportunities that shaped his life. “You made me what I am today. Without you, I could have been a dead man,” Eze stated.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHis comment drew applause from the crowd of dignitaries. He said he was able to have access to all the military governors across Nigeria through Babangida.
Eze announced a donation of ₦500 million in support of IBB’s presidential Library project. He said the money is a token of his appreciation for what Babangida has done in his life and prayed for God’s blessings on the ex-military leader.
READ ALSO: IBB Book Launch: Ex-Head Of State Receives N17.5bn Donation For Presidential Library
Eze has been widely known for his philanthropic work and influence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, and business community.
The book launch, attracted political elites, business leaders, and cultural icons from across Nigeria and beyond who gathered to honour the legacies of Babangida.
The event had in attendance former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the book presentation, President Bola Tinubu, former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan, and former vice presidents, Atiku Abubakar, and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who was the book reviewer.
Others are former heads of state, Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, immediate past president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, who sent representatives and ex-President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, who delivered a keynote address.
The calibre of personalities who gathered that the event, held 32 years after Babangida left office, further reflects his level of influence across the political and business class.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
