By Laleye Dipo in Minna
Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Banagida (rtd), has expressed the hope that Nigeria will overcome its present political and economic challenges and become a great nation again.
Babangida made the remarks in Minna yesterday when he spoke to a group of journalists.
The former military president also used the occasion of the media briefing to dispel the rumour making the rounds at the weekend that he was dead.
“I still believe in the greatness of Nigeria. Nigeria will surmount her present challenges,” he declared, before saying the youths of the country had a beautiful country ahead of them.
He added that the future of the country is bright and the dreams of Nigerian people for actualising her independent were “worth the while.”
“I still believe very strongly in this country which is further demonstrated by the people of this great nation because they are very industrious people, hardworking, that give me the hope for Nigeria” he stated.
About the rumour peddling around that he was dead, the elder statesman said: “For me, it doesn’t shock me neither did it border me because I know I must go and meet God my Creator, there is nothing really to worry about, my religion has told me that.
“Well as a Muslim, I strongly believe everybody will die; everybody will die and everybody has to die, it could be now or in hundred years time or two days to come but it doesn’t matter everybody must die,” he submitted.
The former leader emphasised that nobody is above sickness or death because nobody is above what God has destined for him or her as everybody will fall ill or will die or either of their relations must have died.
Babangida also used the occasion to congratulate the Queen of England who marked her 90th birthday last week, describing her “as gracious person who is much concerned about her people.”
