From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd) has outlined a path for Nigeria to achieve greatness, emphasising that citizens must embrace tolerance across ethno-religious divides.
Speaking through his representative, Major General Bulama Biu (retd), at the Authentic Daily News Award Recognition event in Kaduna over the weekend, Buratai addressed the theme “Religion as a Tool for Peace and National Unity”.
“The theme before us today, ‘Religion as a Tool for Peace and National Unity’, is both a timely reminder and an urgent call,” Buratai said. “In the hands of the wise, faith becomes a bridge that spans rivers of misunderstanding; a balm that soothes ancient wounds. It teaches us that beyond creed and confession, our common humanity binds us more strongly than any differences could ever divide.”
Buratai stressed that Nigeria’s greatness depends on unity, not discord. “No nation can rise on the foundations of suspicion and discord. It is only when our pulpits, our altars, and our mosques become fountains of tolerance, of respect, and of compassion that Nigeria will truly step into the greatness she deserves,” he said, urging citizens to foster brotherhood and accommodate one another.
He called on awardees to see the recognition as a commitment to building a better society. “To the awardees present, may this recognition renew in you the silent vow we all make to labour not for applause, but for posterity,” he said. Addressing the youth, he added: “Nations are not built by wishful thinking but by the daily, patient sowing of seeds of understanding, tolerance, and selfless service. You must therefore eschew all those things that seek to undermine the development of our society.”
Buratai described the “Authentic Award of Recognition Year 2024” as a testament to discipline and faith in Nigeria’s potential. “This award… is not merely a plaque or a title. It is a silent testament to a journey travelled with discipline, with devotion, and with an unshaken faith in Nigeria’s promise,” he said, praising the organisers for choosing a timely theme. “It is common knowledge that all religions acknowledge peace and preach peace in our human engagements.”
Rev Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for 19 Northern States and FCT, commended Buratai’s exemplary leadership, particularly his mature handling of the Shiite crisis during his tenure. Other speakers also justified the award given to Buratai.