A frontline House of Representatives aspirant for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in Imo State, Mazi Ezebuilo Ceejay Henry, has met former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), at his hilltop residence in Minna to seek his blessings ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ezebuilo, who described Babangida as his political mentor and hero, said the visit was to formally inform the elder statesman of his political ambition and seek fatherly support as he prepares to contest under the platform of the National Democrats Congress (NDC).
Speaking with journalists after the closed-door meeting, he said discussions also centred on a proposed development initiative tagged the “IBB Technological Centre,” which he intends to establish in Niger State.
According to him, the project is designed to create at least 1,500 jobs through the establishment of a multi-million-naira electricity and fuel-powered tricycle assembly plant, which he said would be developed in collaboration with United States-based partners.
He explained that his decision to site the project in Niger State was driven by admiration for Babangida and respect for his legacy, adding that the initiative would serve as a tribute to the former Nigerian leader.
“IBB Technological Centre is aimed at creating jobs for young people. We are looking at an initial capacity of about 1,500 employment opportunities through industrial assembly operations,” he said.
Ezebuilo, who is also Chairman of SHEZ Energy, noted that similar projects had been implemented in two other African countries and expressed confidence in replicating the model in Nigeria.
Beyond his political ambition, the aspirant also called for a shift in Nigeria’s political accountability culture, urging citizens to scrutinise not only the executive arm but also the legislature, judiciary, and the media.
He argued that governance failures are often wrongly attributed solely to the executive, insisting that all arms of government must be held accountable for national development challenges.
Ezebuilo further stressed the need for competence-based leadership ahead of the 2027 elections, warning against electing individuals without sufficient understanding of governance responsibilities.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise merit in leadership selection, saying sustainable progress would only be achieved when capable individuals occupy elective positions at all levels.