This striking black-and-white photograph captures a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political history. In the image, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, Head of State, firmly shakes hands with a young Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida shortly after the latter took his oath of office as a member of the Supreme Military Council (SMC) at Dodan Barracks, Lagos, circa 1975.

The picture symbolizes more than a mere handshake — it represents the transfer of trust, responsibility, and the ushering in of a younger generation of military officers into the nation’s highest decision-making body. Babangida’s appointment to the SMC was highly significant, as he became one of the youngest members to sit on the council, serving from August 1, 1975, to October 30, 1979.

Historians note that General Olusegun Obasanjo played a vital role in recommending Babangida for the council. This endorsement was not only a recognition of his tactical brilliance and loyalty but also an investment in the future of Nigeria’s military leadership. Indeed, Babangida would later rise to prominence, eventually becoming the country’s military ruler in 1985.

The Supreme Military Council itself was the ultimate governing authority during that era, overseeing national policies, military administration, and the country’s political direction. For Babangida, being inducted into this elite circle marked the beginning of his journey into the inner corridors of power.

The photograph, preserved decades later, still resonates with students of Nigerian history as it captures the delicate interplay of power, loyalty, and ambition. It also reminds us of the pivotal role military officers played in shaping the trajectory of Nigeria during the 1970s, a turbulent but transformative period.

This image, therefore, stands as both a historical record and a symbolic representation of leadership transitions, one handshake at a time.