By Our Correspondent
The management and staff of Newskeeper Media Consult (NMC) has extended its warm felicitations to the former Nigeria’s Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on his 83rd birthday anniversary.
NMC, publishers of the Nigerian based online newspaper ‘NEWSKEEPER’ and the ‘Newskeeper Hausa’ joined other family and well wishers in celebrating the auspicious years of blessing for the icon, nicknamed “Maradona” in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday.
According to the statement signed by the Deputy Editor-in- Chief of the Newskeeper Online Newspaper, Salisu Ismail Kabuga said that, “NEWSKEEPER Team, wish to extend our warmest felicitations to General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on the occasion of your 83 birthday anniversary, born August 17th, 1941.
“As you mark another year of life, we pray that Almighty Allah grants you good health, wisdom, and continued service to our great nation. Your contributions to Nigeria’s development and growth are still celebrated and cherished.”
“May this special day bring joy, peace, and happiness to you and your loved ones. We hope your birthday is filled with love, laughter, and all your favorite things.”
The statement quoted that, “History of the entire Nigerian Media Industry will not be completed without mentioning the roles (IBB) played during his reign as President (1985 – 1993) especially in laying the groundwork for the emergence of Private Media Organizations in Nigeria.
It’s still in record, Sir, that, “Your media deregulation policies since then, the liberalization of the press, Introduction of the Nigerian Press Council decree (1990), broke the government’s monopoly on broadcasting and paved the way for independent media outlets.”
“This created an enabling environment to the growth of independent media, which played a vital role in promoting democratic values and holding leaders accountable.”
His policies, inadvertently contributed to the growth of private media in Nigeria.
Newskeeper’s Team concluded that, Today’s democratic dispensation has benefited from those development, with a vibrant and diverse media landscape that continues to play a crucial role in promoting democracy and good governance.
Happy Birthday, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida ! May you continue to be a blessing to Nigeria and beyond.