By Abraham Moses
What do a historical autobiography and a self-help motivational book have in common? At first glance, not much. But what caught my attention was the fact that these two books—Babangida: A Journey in Service and Master Your Life @30: The Habits That Guarantee Success—hit the shelves in the same week. The former was launched with great fanfare at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on February 20, 2025, attended by Nigeria’s elite, while the latter quietly made its debut on social media platforms on February 22, 2025. This coincidence sparked my curiosity and led me to compare and contrast these two very different works.
Let’s dive right in. Beyond the names of the authors—Ibrahim and Abraham (which, by the way, are linguistically connected, with Abraham being the English version of the Arabic name Ibrahim)—there’s little similarity between the two books. Babangida: A Journey in Service is an autobiographical and historical account, chronicling the life and times of former Nigerian military leader Ibrahim Babangida. On the other hand, Master Your Life @30 is a concise, practical guide aimed at helping young adults build habits for success and personal growth.
Structurally, the two books are worlds apart. A Journey in Service is divided into five parts, with a total of 13 chapters. Chapter 12, titled Transition to Civil Rule and the June 12 Saga, stands out as the longest and most detailed section of the book. In contrast, Master Your Life @30 is a slim, 49-page volume with 11 chapters, the longest of which is Chapter 10: Surround Yourself with People Who Inspire You: A Key to Unlocking Success.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during the book launch in Abuja, provided a compelling review of Chapter 12 of A Journey in Service. He highlighted how the chapter delves into the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election—a decision that had far-reaching consequences for Nigeria. Osinbajo quoted the author, who admitted that, upon reflection, MKO Abiola did indeed win the election, meeting both the majority vote and geographical spread requirements. The author also expressed regret, stating, “If I had to do it all over, I’d do it differently.” Osinbajo praised the book for shedding light on one of Nigeria’s most contentious historical events, urging readers to read it and form their own opinions.
Meanwhile, Chapter 10 of Master Your Life @30 focuses on the importance of surrounding yourself with inspiring people. It emphasizes that the company you keep significantly influences your mindset, habits, and ultimately, your success. The chapter encourages readers to intentionally build relationships with positive, ambitious individuals who can motivate and uplift them. It also provides practical advice on how to identify and connect with such people, whether through networking events, mentorship, or strengthening existing relationships. The chapter concludes by stressing the importance of avoiding toxic influences and creating a supportive social circle that fosters growth and accountability.
Prof. Osinbajo aptly described Babangida: A Journey in Service as not just the story of one man’s life but also a reflection of Nigeria’s complex and often tumultuous history. He called it a fascinating account of a nation’s journey, filled with unpredictability and moments that are “sometimes stranger than fiction.”
On the other hand, Master Your Life @30 is a call to action for young adults to take control of their lives and unlock their full potential. It offers 11 powerful habits—ranging from prioritizing health and continuous learning to mastering emotions and increasing income—that serve as a blueprint for achieving success, wealth, and fulfillment. The book is a practical guide for anyone looking to build a life of purpose and freedom by the age of 30.
In terms of accessibility, the two books couldn’t be more different. Babangida: A Journey in Service is currently available only in hard copy, priced at ₦50,000 in bookstores. In contrast, Master Your Life @30 is a digital-only release, available for just ₦2,000 on platforms like Amazon via https://a.co/d/7RWDFIW and Selar on https://selar.com/113pa3 . Also a quick search for the title will lead you to your own copy.
In conclusion, while these two books may seem worlds apart in content and purpose, they both offer valuable insights—one into Nigeria’s history and the other into personal growth. Whether you’re drawn to the historical significance of A Journey in Service or the practical wisdom of Master Your Life @30, both books have something unique to offer. The choice is yours!
