Follow Us on Google
From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador (Lt General, retd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has said that Lagos State possesses all the qualifications of a modern city and is one of the most populated cities in Sub-Saharan Africa, adding that Lagos State’s stability is a barometer for Nigeria’s stability.
Buratai noted that Lagos is also indicative of the degree to which Nigeria’s economic, political, social, and cultural landscape is deeply embedded within the global system.
He stated this as the keynote speaker at the second edition of the Lagos State University of Education Security Summit, themed: “Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century.”
This was contained in a statement by Buratai’s media aide, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, made available to Daily Sun.
While delivering the lecture in a paper titled Lagos in Nigeria’s National Security and Defence Architecture: An Analysis, Buratai postulated that:
“The presence of strategic military installations, the vast Atlantic Ocean and extensive coastline has placed Lagos State on the strategic defence map of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“While the sea provides a strategic economic status, it could also be vulnerable to external attacks across the ocean. The Lagos State government should begin to look at the options and implications of having its own security.
“There is an urgent necessity to bolster our nation’s troop level to 800,000. A larger and more robust force will enhance operational readiness, improve our country’s capacity to respond to various contingencies, and strengthen our alliances on the international stage.
“There is a need for the establishment of a Marine Corps for the Nigerian Navy to be strategically stationed in key regions such as Lagos, Borno, Cross River, and Port Harcourt.
“There is the pressing issue of the persistent lack of a stable power supply in Lagos. The Lagos State Government must urgently prioritise the development of independent power generation.”
Other News
According to the statement, Ambassador Buratai lauded the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his security strategy, which provides an example for governors throughout Nigeria.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu recognises that genuine security transcends mere physical presence or reactive measures. The governor’s innovative approach, which has redefined urban governance, has also set a benchmark for other states to follow.
“During my tenure as the Chief of Army Staff, I had the distinct privilege of witnessing the fruitful collaboration between the Nigerian Army and Lagos State under the leadership of former Governor Ambode and now Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“The Lagos State Government’s infrastructural development, especially the Red and Blue Railway lines, is commendable.”
Buratai also commended the Federal Government’s interventions in Lagos State’s development. While applauding the construction of the Lagos to Calabar Highway, he advised both the Lagos State and Federal Governments on the security implications of opening the highway.
“He suggested to the government to be proactive by early planning for its security when opened and becomes operational.”
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education, Prof B. B. Lafiaji-Okuneye, welcomed Ambassador Tukur Buratai to the institution. In her words:
“The great warlord and global peace ambassador is visiting our great institution for the first time. Sir, we appreciate you and what you stand for. Your desire for a Nigeria that is peaceful and safe, where the citizens and residents are free and are given every opportunity to prove their worth and contribute to the growth and development of the nation, is evident.”
While making his contribution during the summit, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Lagos State, appreciated and commended Ambassador Buratai for adding value to the security summit and, more importantly, adding value to the Lagos State University of Education.
The Commissioner also drew the attention of the participants to parts of Ambassador Buratai’s paper, where he elaborated on the strategy of social inclusiveness rather than the use of force to curb insecurity.
On behalf of the Lagos State University of Education, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, presented a Plaque of Honour to Ambassador Buratai for his role in nation-building.
