Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida: Biography, Family, Education, Career, and Net Worth

Introduction

Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida, also known as IBB, is a Nigerian retired general and politician who served as the military ruler of Nigeria from 1985 to 1993. He was born on August 17, 1941, in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. Babangida is a member of the Gbagyi ethnic group.

Family

Babangida is married to Maryam Babangida, with whom he has seven children. His children are Mohammed Babangida, Aisha Babangida, Halima Babangida, Aminu Babangida, Haliru Babangida, Aliyu Babangida, and Ibrahim Babangida Jr.

Education

Babangida received his early Islamic education before attending primary school from 1950 to 1956. From 1957 to 1962, he attended Government College Bida, together with classmates Abdulsalami Abubakar, Mamman Vatsa, Mohammed Magoro, Sani Bello, Garba Duba, Gado Nasko, and Mohammed Sani Sami. Babangida joined the Nigerian Army on December 10, 1962, where he attended the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna.

Career

Babangida rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, holding various positions, including Commander of the Armoured Corps School, Commander of the Brigade of Guards, and Commander of the 3rd Mechanized Division. In 1985, he led a coup d’état that overthrew the military government of General Muhammadu Buhari. Babangida then became the military ruler of Nigeria.

As military ruler, Babangida implemented a number of economic and political reforms. He also introduced a number of economic programs, such as the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). Babangida also created a number of political parties in preparation for a transition to civilian rule. However, he repeatedly annulled elections, including the 1993 presidential election, which was won by M.K.O. Abiola.

In 1993, Babangida was forced to step down as military ruler following mounting pressure from the public and the international community. He was succeeded by Ernest Shonekan, who was overthrown by General Sani Abacha a few months later.

Babangida has since retired from politics. He has been accused of corruption and human rights abuses during his time as military ruler. However, he has denied these allegations.

Net Worth

Babangida’s net worth is estimated to be over US$5 billion. He is believed to secretly possess a multi-billion dollar fortune via successive ownership of stakes in a number of Nigerian companies.

Conclusion

Ibrahim Babangida is a controversial figure in Nigerian history. He is credited with implementing a number of economic and political reforms, but he is also accused of corruption and human rights abuses. Babangida is a retired general and politician who served as the military ruler of Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.