society
APPRECIATING THE LEGACY AWARD: LT GEN BURATAI, THE ARCHITECT OF MODERNIZATION—A LEGACY OF SERVICE, SACRIFICE, AND STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION
APPRECIATING THE LEGACY AWARD: LT GEN BURATAI, THE ARCHITECT OF MODERNIZATION—A LEGACY OF SERVICE, SACRIFICE, AND STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION
The prestigious Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award conferred by the Federal Government during the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 stands as a definitive national appreciation for an epoch of deliberate institutional transformation. It recognizes the distinguished career and strategic vision of His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd) CFR, whose tenure as the 20th Chief of Army Staff embodies a profound covenant of service. From the pivotal moment of his appointment in July 2015, he embarked on a comprehensive mission to rebuild the Nigerian Army’s foundations, moving beyond immediate combat imperatives to engineer a holistic modernization legacy that endures.
His vision materialized through landmark achievements, beginning with the establishment of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, a pioneering institution designed to foster innovation in defense and technology, ensuring future self-reliance in human capital for a technology-driven battlefield. This was complemented by the creation of the Army War College Nigeria, the premier centre for developing the operational and strategic depth required by senior commanders to manage complex, multi-theater security challenges. In direct response to asymmetric threats, he championed the establishment of the 4 Special Forces Command in Doma, Nasarawa State, a transformative move that professionalized the NA’s elite strike capabilities. Integral to this command is the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, also located in Doma, which standardized and institutionalized rigorous special forces training as essential predeployment preparation, decisively enhancing precision, deep reconnaissance, and counter-terrorism proficiency across all theatres of operation.
With prescient foresight, cyberspace was formally recognized as a critical domain of warfare through the establishment of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, shielding digital infrastructure and modernizing the NA’s toolkit for information warfare. He further revolutionized battlefield dynamics by revitalizing the Nigerian Army Aviation Corps through aggressive training and procurement, providing ground troops with indispensable close air support and aerial intelligence. On the logistics front, the creation of Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches, *and ST Foods *exemplified practical, sustainable logistics that combated food insecurity for frontline troops and bolstered operational independence. Understanding the profound link between welfare and focus, the Barracks Investment Initiative Programme empowered soldiers and their families through micro-credit and entrepreneurship, tackling financial anxiety and fostering societal reintegration.
The strategic architecture of this transformation was further solidified by two pivotal institutions. The Nigerian Army Resource Centre stands as a premier think-tank and repository of strategic knowledge, fostering doctrinal development, policy analysis, and future-oriented research to ensure the Army’s intellectual readiness aligns with its operational ambitions. Similarly, the Land Forces Simulation Centre revolutionized training methodology, providing a state-of-the-art, technology-driven environment for immersive command post exercises and tactical rehearsals in a risk-free simulated battlespace, sharpening the tactical acumen of the force’s leadership.
Beyond strategy and combat, the legacy is profoundly human, exemplified by the complete rehabilitation and modernisation of the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, and the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, including the establishment of *NAOWA Command Hospital*, Asokoro, Abuja. This monumental investment in world-class medical care stands as one of the finest morale and moral legacies, affirming the sacred value of the soldier’s life and well-being, boosting morale, and reinforcing the covenant of service and sacrifice.
The sheer breadth of additional initiatives—from the establishment of the Women’s Corps and the “Homes Fit for Heroes” housing scheme to the development of indigenous armored vehicles like the EZUGWU and CONQUEROR MRAPs—illustrates a leadership philosophy of total institutional rejuvenation. His tenure witnessed an unprecedented infrastructural boom, enhanced intelligence capabilities, and successful large-scale exercises that stabilized various regions.
Ultimately, the Legacy Award is a testament to this unparalleled period of building. Ambassador Buratai preserved the Army’s apolitical ethos, subordinated it to democratic civil authority, and left behind a force that is more professional, resilient, and capable. His legacy is not just in the institutions he built but in the rekindled spirit of a Nigerian Army repositioned to defend and protect the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria for generations to come.
Lt Gen LO Adeosun Rtd CFR
15 January 2025
society
Prophet Genesis extends heartfelt condolences on the transition of beloved Nollywood actress Aunty Ajara to eternal glory.
Prophet Genesis extends heartfelt condolences on the transition of beloved Nollywood actress Aunty Ajara to eternal glory.
I received the news of Aunty Ajara’s passing with great shock and sadness. At 25, her passing is particularly painful, and her loving presence will be deeply missed. My beloved Aunty Ajara arrived and made a lasting impression despite the inevitability of death.
The demise of this remarkable Ajara has deprived her family and the entire Nollywood industry of a profoundly resourceful and distinguished sister.
As mortals, we acquiesce to the divine will of the Almighty. I join the esteemed members of the Nollywood entertainment industry in acknowledging the Almighty’s greatness in our lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during this period of mourning.
I offer my condolences and prayers, beseeching God Almighty to grant her gentle soul eternal peace and imbue her family with the fortitude necessary to cope with this irreparable loss.
May her gentle soul find comfort in the Lord Amen!
COURT ADJOURNS PROCEEDINGS AGAIN AS FOPCHEN MAINTAINS CALL FOR MORAL REBIRTH
Proceedings in the ongoing court case involving Oyewale Olufemi Ezekiel resumed today at the High Court of Ogun State, Ota Division, following the last adjournment on July 30, but were once again adjourned.
At the resumption, the court addressed pending procedural and legal matters arising from earlier sessions. However, after brief proceedings, the presiding judge adjourned the case, citing the need for further consideration of issues before the court. The matter was subsequently adjourned till March 24, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
The case, which has continued to draw public attention, revolves around multiple counts preferred against the defendant under existing Nigerian laws. Since its commencement, the matter has witnessed a series of adjournments, largely due to legal objections, documentation reviews, and procedural deliberations.
Reacting to the fresh adjournment, the Foundation for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Nigeria (FOPCHEN) reiterated its position that the case underscores broader concerns about moral values in contemporary society. The organisation restated its call for a moral rebirth, urging stakeholders to look beyond the courtroom and address what it described as a growing erosion of cultural and ethical standards.
FOPCHEN emphasised that while it respects the judicial process and the right of all parties to fair hearing, society must also engage in meaningful dialogue around values, responsibility, and cultural identity.
As the court awaits the next adjourned date of March 24, 2026, the case continues to spark discussion on the intersection of law, culture, and morality in Nigeria, with observers keenly watching how the legal process unfolds.
Westpaq International Opens State-of-the-Art Energy Industry Training Facility in Lagos
Lagos, Nigeria – January 30, 2026 – Westpaq International, in partnership with Subsurface Consultants and Associates (SCA), has opened a cutting-edge Energy Industry Training Facility at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos. The facility is designed to enhance capability development, leadership, and transformation in the energy sector, catering to integrated energy companies, service providers, and regulatory agencies.
The official opening ceremony was attended by Bradley McKinney, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for the U.S. Commercial Service, who was joined by the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Consul General, senior officials from Commercial Services, and representatives from the U.S. Embassy and Consulate.
“This training facility is a significant milestone in our efforts to support the growth and development of the energy industry in Nigeria,” said a representative from Westpaq International. “We are committed to working with our partners to build local capacity and drive innovation in the sector.”
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, DAS McKinney led a round table discussion with representatives of leading US energy and services companies operating in Nigeria, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Schlumberger, Halliburton, and Westpaq International. The discussion focused on collaboration opportunities, challenges, and ways to support the growth of Nigeria’s energy industry.
The Energy Industry Training Facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, providing a unique learning environment for professionals in the energy sector. The facility will offer a range of training programs, workshops, and seminars to enhance technical skills, leadership development, and industry best practices.
For the 2026 Training Catalog, visit https://www.scacompanies.com/attachment/702/show.pdf
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