Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has congratulated former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on his 85th birthday, describing the retired general as a statesman whose years of service have left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s political and administrative history.
In a congratulatory message, Radda specifically acknowledged Babangida’s role in the creation of Katsina State on September 23, 1987, alongside Akwa Ibom State.
According to a statement issued by the Katsina State Government, the governor said the creation of Katsina opened a new chapter of development for the people of the state by giving them greater opportunity to determine their own development priorities.
“The people of Katsina State will always remember General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida for giving our state its identity and creating the opportunity for our people to chart their own course of development.
“That singular decision remains one of the defining moments in our history,” Radda said.
The governor said Babangida had remained a prominent national figure over the years, with his leadership and public service continuing to occupy an important place in Nigeria’s history.
Radda also joined Babangida’s family, friends and Nigerians in marking the former military leader’s 85th birthday and thanked God for his years of service to the country.
“As you celebrate your 85th birthday, we join your family, friends and millions of Nigerians in thanking Almighty Allah for a life of service to our country.
“We pray that He grants you good health, peace of mind and many more years filled with His mercy and blessings,” the governor added.
On behalf of the Katsina State Government and its people, Radda wished the former Military President a happy birthday and prayed for his continued well-being.
Babangida, who served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1985 to 1993, announced the creation of Katsina State on September 23, 1987, when the former Kaduna State was divided to create Katsina and Kaduna states, while Akwa Ibom was created from the former Cross River State.
Source: Statement issued by the Katsina State Government through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, on August 17, 2026.
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