“I Am a Beneficiary of Buratai’s Leadership Legacy” – Gen. Musa
By Matthew Eloyi
Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), has described himself as a direct beneficiary of the leadership legacy of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), particularly within the Nigerian Army.
Musa spoke at the public presentation of “Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era”, authored by Dr. M.S. Abubakar, where he highlighted Buratai’s approach to institutional reform, leadership development and succession.
The Defence Minister said Buratai moved quickly to address challenges confronting the Nigerian Army when he assumed office and demonstrated a strong commitment to institutional development.
According to Musa, one of Buratai’s significant contributions was his ability to identify and develop officers with leadership potential.
He said several officers who received opportunities to serve and develop under Buratai subsequently rose through the ranks to occupy senior positions in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Musa said the development demonstrated the importance of preparing future leaders as part of institutional transformation.
He also recalled Buratai’s work ethic and accessibility, describing his responsiveness to officers and colleagues as part of his commitment to duty.
The minister said leadership should be measured not only by immediate achievements but also by the capacity to develop people and institutions that would continue to function beyond the tenure of an individual leader.
Musa urged military personnel, students, policymakers and others interested in leadership and national security to read the book, saying it contains lessons that could be useful beyond the military.
He said the publication should not merely remain on bookshelves but should be read and studied by those interested in leadership, institutional reform and national security.
The minister congratulated Buratai, the author, publishers and organisers of the event, describing the publication as an opportunity to reflect on leadership experiences and their implications for the future of Nigeria’s security institutions.
His remarks formed part of wider discussions at the event on the leadership legacy of the former Army chief and the need to build institutions capable of sustaining reforms beyond individual tenures.