Buratai Hails National Icons: Yahaya and Daurawa Recognized with Honourary Degrees

Sokoto, Nigeria – A defining moment of national pride and academic excellence played out on Saturday, September 6, 2025, when Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) conferred honorary doctorates on two towering figures in Nigeria’s military and moral spheres.

Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (Rtd.), CFR, former Chief of Army Staff, was awarded the Doctor of Science (D.Sc. Honoris Causa) for his outstanding contributions to national defence, counter-insurgency operations, and military reforms. On the other hand, Sheikh Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, a revered Islamic scholar and peace advocate, received the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt. Honoris Causa) in recognition of his unwavering commitment to Islamic education, moral rejuvenation, and national cohesion.

The double conferment, which formed the highlight of UDUS’s 42nd Combined Convocation Ceremony, was met with thunderous applause from dignitaries, academics, and students. The university hailed the honourees as embodiments of its core values: knowledge, peace, security, discipline, and ethical leadership.

Former Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd.), congratulated the duo, describing the honours as “a national recognition for lives lived in service, sacrifice, and the upliftment of society.”

“Gen. Faruk Yahaya has stood firm as a patriot who strengthened Nigeria’s security architecture, while Sheikh Aminu Daurawa shines as a beacon of moral integrity and peacebuilding. Their recognition goes beyond their personal achievements—it represents the hopes of all Nigerians working towards a safer, stronger, and morally upright nation,” Buratai said.

Profiles of the Honourees

Gen. Faruk Yahaya (Rtd.), CFR: Widely respected for his tenure as Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of Army Staff, Yahaya is credited with strengthening counter-terrorism operations, improving troop welfare, and enhancing the discipline and combat readiness of the Nigerian Army.

Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa: A renowned Islamic scholar and Commander of the Kano State Hisbah Corps, Sheikh Daurawa has spent decades advancing Islamic education, promoting peace, and curbing social vices. He is known for facilitating marriages for widows and vulnerable groups, delivering impactful Tafsir sessions, and inspiring millions through his da’awah and reforms.

Observers described the awards as symbolic: honouring the sword that secures the nation and the pen that guides its soul. Together, Yahaya and Daurawa represent Nigeria’s quest for balance between security and spirituality, strength and morality.

Empowering the Next Generation: Girlity Foundation Begins Work with Over 400 Nigerian Girls

October 17, 2024

The Girlity Foundation for the Development of the Girl Child, founded by educationist and psychologist Simbiyat Natalie Folorunsho, successfully hosted the Second Annual Girlity Conference at the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA) House, Maitama, Abuja.

This year’s conference, themed “Value-Adding Girl: Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery”, built on the momentum of the inaugural edition and drew a vibrant audience of students, educators, and young women from across the capital.

The event featured dynamic keynote sessions and mentorship engagements led by renowned speakers, including Sotonye Ehimiaghe, Tolulope Grace Oyeniyi, Dr. Hadiza Gana Mohammed, and Barrister Vanessa Agwuncha (Bossladylaw). Together, they guided participants through powerful conversations on self-discovery, personal growth, community development, active citizenship, creating opportunities, feminine health and wellness, and the importance of rejecting drug abuse and harmful behaviors.

In her remarks, Simbiyat Folorunsho reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission to raise empowered girls who can make a lasting impact:

“The Girlity Conference is not just an event—it is a movement to raise confident, empowered, and value-driven girls who can make meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation.”

The Girlity Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to advancing the development of the girl child and empowering women through education, mentorship, and leadership training. Since its inception, the Foundation has impacted more than 600 girls through its Girlity Self-Development Initiative (GSDI), providing safe spaces for young women to learn, grow, and confidently lead.

Through its annual conferences, mentorship programs, and community outreach, Girlity Foundation continues to nurture the next generation of female leaders—ensuring that no girl is left behind.

Buratai Pays Tribute to Elder Statesman Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji in Sokoto

Sokoto — Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), paid a courtesy visit to elder statesman Alhaji Abubakar during his trip to Sokoto on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

The visit followed Gen. Buratai’s participation at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, where he joined dignitaries to celebrate the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degree on Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (Rtd), CFR, also a former Chief of Army Staff.

Speaking on the visit, Buratai described it as both a personal and historic reunion with the respected elder statesman, with whom he has had long-standing ties dating back to his early years as a young officer.

“My relationship with Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji goes as far back as 1992, when I was a captain in the Nigerian Army. His wisdom, guidance, and patriotic service to Nigeria remain exemplary,” Buratai said.

Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji is widely recognized as a distinguished figure in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development. Over the years, he has served the nation in several capacities, including:

Diplomatic Service: As Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, he promoted trade, investment, and cultural ties between the two nations.

Civil Service Leadership: He held senior positions in the Nigerian civil service, contributing to governance reforms and economic growth.

Economic Advisory: As an economic strategist, he offered guidance on policies addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

Community Development: He spearheaded initiatives in education, healthcare, and empowerment, particularly for marginalized groups.

Expatriate Advocacy: In the UK, he championed the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad, enhancing Nigeria’s global image.

Buratai’s visit featured warm exchanges and reflections on national unity, service, and leadership. Observers described the meeting as a symbolic bridging of generations — a retired general who served Nigeria in both uniform and diplomacy reconnecting with a statesman who shaped the nation’s civil, economic, and diplomatic path.

The Sokoto trip was therefore not only about honoring a fellow general but also about celebrating enduring bonds of mentorship, patriotism, and national service.