Buratai Thanks Tinubu, Mangal, Military Chiefs, Others for Support at Book Launch
By Matthew Eloyi
Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, founder of Max Air, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, senior military officers, diplomats, traditional rulers, academics and other dignitaries for supporting the public presentation of his leadership legacy book.
The book, “Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era,” authored by Dr. M.S. Abubakar, was presented on Wednesday, September 16, at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday, Buratai described the event as a success, saying the gathering demonstrated the importance of documenting Nigeria’s military history and preserving institutional memory.
He expressed particular appreciation to President Tinubu, who served as Special Guest of Honour, for his support and message delivered at the occasion 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.
He also expressed profound gratitude to Alhaji Mangal, who donated N150 million as Chief Launcher of the book and was represented at the event by Alhaji Inuwa Baba.
Buratai also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for supporting the event and facilitating the Federal Government’s participation.
He commended the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab, CON, and the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, who presented the book and shared his testimony as a beneficiary of the leadership legacy documented in the publication.
The former Army Chief also appreciated the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Service Chiefs for their representation at the event.
They included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
Buratai further acknowledged the contributions of Major General I.D. Penap (rtd), who reviewed the book, and Lt. Gen. Domenico Giani (rtd), former Commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps, who delivered an address on leadership, integrity and human dignity.
He also thanked the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Senator Ali Ndume and members of the panel, including Professor Phillip Dahida, Amina Akano-Bello, Major General Victor Ezugwu (rtd), Major General JGK Myam (rtd), Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, and Rear Admiral Adamu Biu (rtd).
The former Army Chief expressed appreciation to the Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom, Osun State, His Royal Majesty Oba Hameed Oyelude Makama, Tegboosun III, and the G12 Obas from Osun State for their presence and support.
He also acknowledged members of the diplomatic corps, including the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni; President of the African Peoples Movement, Sheikh Mustapha Kouyatè; former ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Gen. Francis A. Behanzin; and Honorary Consul of Colombia to Nigeria, Maricel Romero.
Buratai commended the author of the book, Dr. M.S. Abubakar, for his scholarly work and the Institute of Security Nigeria for endorsing the publication.
He also acknowledged Nigerian academics and security researchers who contributed a festschrift examining the relationship between defence, intelligence and statecraft.
According to him, the participation of serving and retired military officers, veterans, diplomats, academics, civil society actors and other stakeholders enriched the discussion on Nigeria’s security and institutional development.
Buratai further commended the Buratai Legacy Presentation Committee, promoters, organisers, Sprezzatura Publishing Limited and Clarivox Creative Limited for their roles in producing the book and organising the event.
He said the goodwill, commendations and donations received before, during and after the launch had reinforced the importance of documenting Nigeria’s institutional history.
He equally thanked publishers, editors and journalists who covered the event, saying their efforts helped take the conversation on leadership, security and institutional memory to a wider audience.
“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,” Buratai said.
He expressed hope that the lessons documented in the book would continue to contribute to discussions on leadership, national security and the development of Nigeria’s armed forces.
