Follow Us on Google
Former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd) has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, senior military officers, diplomats, traditional rulers, academics, and other dignitaries who supported the public presentation of a book chronicling his leadership years in the Nigerian Army.
The book, Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era, was presented on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja.
Buratai, who is also a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, described the event as a significant contribution to the preservation of Nigeria’s military history and institutional memory.
In a statement signed by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), Buratai said the gathering demonstrated the importance of documenting the country’s security and military experiences for future generations.
“Their presence honoured the occasion and affirmed the importance of documenting Nigeria’s military history and institutional memory,” the statement said.
The former Army chief expressed particular gratitude to President Tinubu, who served as Special Guest of Honour, saying the President’s message, delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, contributed to discussions on security, leadership and institutional memory.
He also acknowledged the support of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for facilitating the Federal Government’s participation.
Buratai thanked the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab, CON, as well as the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, who presented the book and offered what Buratai described as testimony to the leadership legacy documented in the publication.
The former Army chief also recognised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Service Chiefs for their representation at the event.
The Service Chiefs included Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff.
According to Buratai, their participation reinforced “the continued partnership between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the preservation of institutional memory.”
The event also featured contributions from military officers, academics, traditional rulers, diplomats and security experts.
Buratai specifically commended Major General I.D. Penap (rtd) for reviewing the book, while thanking Lieutenant General Domenico Giani (rtd), former Commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps, for his address on leadership, integrity and human dignity.
He also acknowledged the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, for his contribution on the need for shared responsibility in national security.
Other News
Other contributors recognised included Senator Ali Ndume; Professor Phillip Dahida; Madam Amina Akano-Bello; Major General Victor Ezugwu (rtd); Major General JGK Myam (rtd), OFR, Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre; and Rear Admiral Adamu Biu (rtd).
Traditional rulers, including His Royal Majesty Oba Alhaji (Dr) Hameed Oyelude Makama, Tegboosun III, the Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom, Osun State, and the G12 Obas from Osun State, were also acknowledged for their presence.
The gathering equally attracted members of the diplomatic corps, including the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni; Sheikh Mustapha Kouyatè, President of the African Peoples Movement; General Francis A. Behanzin, Chairman and Co-Founder of the World Network of Security and Defence Professionals for the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and former ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; and Maricel Romero, Honorary Consul of Colombia to Nigeria.
Buratai praised the author of the book, Dr M.S. Abubakar, for what he described as “scholarly rigour and intellectual commitment.”
He also thanked the Institute of Security Nigeria for endorsing the publication and Nigerian academics and security researchers involved in a festschrift examining the links between defence, intelligence and statecraft.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the event, Buratai said its success could not be attributed to one individual or organisation.
“The success of the event was not the achievement of any one individual or institution. It was the result of collective effort, shared purpose, and the generosity of all who believe in the importance of preserving Nigeria’s institutional memory and learning from its history,” the statement said.
He further expressed appreciation for the goodwill, commendations and donations received before, during and after the book presentation.
According to him, the response reinforced his belief that documenting Nigeria’s institutional history remains a worthwhile national undertaking.
Buratai also commended the Buratai Legacy Presentation Committee, publishers Sprezzatura Publishing Limited and Clarivox Creative Limited, as well as journalists and other media professionals who covered the event.
He expressed hope that the lessons contained in the book would continue to contribute to the development of Nigeria and its Armed Forces.
“May the lessons documented in this work continue to guide the nation and its armed forces in the years ahead,” Buratai said.
