SGF, Olowu of Owu Kuta, Prof. Fayomi Extol Buratai’s Virtues
By Jerry Adesewo
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Olowu of Owu Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, and Professor Oluyemi Fayomi of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) have extolled the virtues and enduring contributions of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T.Y. Buratai (rtd), describing him as a distinguished military officer and an exceptional gift to humanity.
The tributes were delivered in goodwill messages at a private dinner in honour of the former Corp Commander, Gendermarie Corps, Vatican City, and Ambassador to Cyprus and the Gambia, Lt. General Domenico, Giani, Rtd, who was visiting Nigeria as Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker, at the public presentation of the book ‘Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era, in honour of Nigeria’s longest-serving Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, Rtd.
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Professor Oluyemi Fayomi of NAUB described Buratai as “an exceptional gift to humanity,” commending his transformational leadership and the enduring institutions associated with his vision. She specifically cited the establishment of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) and the T.Y. Buratai Institute for War and Peace as significant evidence of his visionary leadership.
According to Fayomi, NAUB is positioned to become a premier hub for automotive skills, technical innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment, serving Borno South and communities beyond.
She also highlighted the facilities at the T.Y. Buratai Institute for War and Peace, describing them as among the finest in the country. The facilities, she noted, provide NAUB students with opportunities to undertake advanced simulations, including Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Parliaments and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) simulations.
Fayomi said such initiatives demonstrated that Buratai’s legacy extends beyond his military career, particularly through his investment in institutions capable of equipping young Nigerians with knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity.
She concluded her message by praying for the continued success, well-being, and advancement of the former Army Chief.
On his part, the Olowu of Owu Kuta, Oba Adekunle Hameed Oyelude, commended Lt. Gen. T.Y. Buratai for his professionalism, describing him as an officer who consistently placed the interest of Nigeria above ethnic, regional, or personal considerations. He noted that Buratai’s military career was characterised by discipline, competence, and an unwavering commitment to national service.
According to the monarch, “Buratai is a thorough professional who served Nigeria without allowing tribal or sectional considerations to define his responsibilities.” He added that his conduct while in office, and afterwards, demonstrated that leadership in a diverse country such as Nigeria must be anchored on fairness, merit, and a strong sense of national identity.
The Olowu further praised Buratai’s “destribalised approach to leadership,” noting that he related with Nigerians from different backgrounds with the same sense of respect and responsibility. He said Buratai’s ability to build trust across ethnic and professional boundaries was one of the qualities that distinguished his public service.
“He saw Nigeria first; he saw Nigerians first,” the monarch said, adding that such qualities remain important examples for younger generations of leaders. He therefore described Buratai’s legacy as one that transcends his military achievements, encompassing professional integrity, national unity, service, and commitment to the greater good of Nigeria.
Distinguished Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, reflecting on his relationship with Lt. Gen. T.Y. Buratai from his days as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, described the occasion as a toast to friendship, service, and shared commitment to Nigeria. He recalled that their relationship gave him a close view of Buratai’s passion for the Nigerian Army and his determination to strengthen the institution.
“From my days as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, I saw firsthand the passion with which Buratai approached his responsibility,” he said, noting that the former Army Chief brought a clear sense of purpose and urgency to the task of transforming the Army, such that he had no choice but to support and help him succeed.
According to him, Buratai’s tenure was marked by “a remarkable turnaround in the Nigerian Army,” particularly in the areas of operational effectiveness, institutional development, welfare, and professionalism. He described Buratai not only as a military commander but also as “a friend whose commitment to the Army and to Nigeria was unmistakable.”
The SGF said the dinner in honour of the Vatican General provided him another opportunity to raise a glass to a friendship that began in the course of public service and endured because of a shared belief in the strength, unity, and progress of Nigeria.
The tributes from Professor Fayomi, the SGF, and the Olowu of Owu Kuta underscored Buratai’s years of service to the nation and his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s security and leadership institutions.
Together, the messages painted a picture of a military leader whose influence has continued beyond active service, particularly through education, institution-building, peace advocacy, and youth development.