There are names in Nigerian history that provoke admiration, anger, and endless debate. Some leaders fade into history books, while others remain on the lips of the people, years after they have left power. General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) is one of those figures.

Even today, conversations about him stir emotions. His supporters argue that he was a visionary leader, a strategist who understood power and played the political game better than anyone before or after him. His critics call him a master manipulator, a man whose actions weakened Nigeria’s institutions and set the stage for many of the country’s present-day struggles. But why does his name still command so much attention?

A Library Sparks Old Wounds

Recently, discussions about IBB resurfaced due to the construction of his multi-billion naira Presidential Library in Minna. A presidential library is typically a monument to a leader’s legacy, meant to preserve their achievements and contributions to the nation. But in Nigeria, where the past is still fresh, such a monument can also serve as a painful reminder of betrayals, political backstabbing, and controversial policies.

But beyond the history, is this what we really need right now?

In 2025, how many people still go to read hard-copy books? With such a huge amount of money being pledged and donated for this project, one has to ask; why? If it wasn’t political, could this investment have been something more advanced, something that aligns with the current needs of the country?

What if, instead of a presidential library, this was a technology-driven innovation hub, a center for artificial intelligence, human capacity building, or an economic think tank? Wouldn’t that add more value to the country’s economy? In a time when nations are moving forward with groundbreaking advancements, why are we still building monuments to the past instead of investing in the future?

It’s not to say that a library holds no value, but how much impact will it truly have on the economy? If it had been designed as a smart digital library, integrated with AI, research labs, or even an incubation center for young Nigerian minds, it would make more sense. But as it stands, one can’t help but wonder; what exactly is this about?

The Power of Historical Memory

History is never just about what happened; it’s about how people remember what happened. Babangida’s era was one of high drama, secrecy, and unexpected twists. Some saw him as a bold reformer, introducing Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAP), political experimentation, and military diplomacy that shaped Nigeria’s trajectory. Others remember a man whose tenure was filled with economic hardship, political assassinations, and broken promises.

But if history is written by the victors, then who gets to define IBB’s legacy?

~ To some, he is the Evil Genius; a man who knew how to play power games better than anyone else.

~ To others, he is a Patriotic Strategist; a leader who made difficult choices for the survival of Nigeria. ~ And for many, he is simply The Architect of Uncertainty; a leader whose decisions left more questions than answers.

IBB and the Business of Power

One undeniable truth about IBB is that he understood power not just as something you hold, but something you control. He built a system where loyalty mattered more than principles. He surrounded himself with a network of businessmen, politicians, and military officers who benefited from his rule.

But in the process, he created a culture where money, influence, and connections became the true currency of leadership. This is the Nigeria we still live in today; where who you know often matters more than what you can do.

As discussions about his legacy continue, one thing is clear: Babangida remains a central figure in Nigeria’s political history. Whether history will judge him as a hero or a villain is still up for debate. But as Nigeria moves forward, perhaps it’s time to ask: Are we learning from the past, or are we still stuck in it?