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
Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise” — Dr Chris Okafor
Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise”
— Dr Chris Okafor
…Evil communication corrupts good character
…The Holy Spirit is the seal of redemption
True Christian living, beyond winning souls, requires nurturing and sustaining new converts in the faith. This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during a teaching on “Understanding the Act of Discipleship.”
According to him, soul winning without proper establishment and follow-up defeats its purpose. “The goal is not just conversion but fruitfulness and continuity in Christ,” he emphasized, noting that believers must also understand the conditions that make prayers effective.
The Necessity of Discipleship
Dr Okafor outlined why discipleship is essential in the Christian journey:
New converts require guidance to withstand temptations that could pull them back into their former ways.
They must gradually disconnect from relationships and habits that previously weakened their faith.
Support systems should be in place to help them navigate personal and spiritual challenges.
Consistent follow-up, rooted in love and care, helps prevent discouragement and negative perceptions.
Proper integration into the body of Christ strengthens their sense of belonging and commitment.
Understanding Discipleship
He described discipleship as a deliberate process of helping believers grow in Christ and align with godly principles rather than worldly influences. It involves:
Guiding converts until Christ is fully formed in them.
Transmitting biblical values that strengthen their faith and daily conduct.
Practical Approach to Discipleship
The cleric highlighted key methods for effective discipleship:
Fervent prayer for the spiritual stability of new believers.
Demonstrating genuine love and consistent care.
Regular follow-up visits and visible engagement.
Encouraging early infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Teaching habits that sustain spiritual growth.
Habits That Strengthen Faith
To remain grounded, believers were encouraged to cultivate:
Daily study of the Word of God
Consistent prayer and fellowship with God
Active participation in church gatherings
Bold expression of their faith
A conscious rejection of unrighteousness
Deep-rooted commitment to the house of God
A Foundation for Growth
In conclusion, Dr Chris Okafor stressed that discipleship thrives when believers are rooted in sound spiritual guidance. “When you walk with the wise, you become wise,” he said, adding that strong spiritual formation protects individuals from negative influences and preserves godly character.
The Grace Nation Global Sunday Communion Service, observed by members worldwide, featured testimonies, healing sessions, deliverance, and a special child dedication, rounding off the service on a note of faith and celebration.
By Sunday Adeyemi
[email protected]
society
APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo
*APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo
The attention of right-thinking Nigerians has been drawn to the misguided and politically contrived statement issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which it accused Governor Seyi Makinde of incitement over his reference to “Operation Wetie”. Let it be stated without equivocation, the APC’s reaction is not only a gross distortion of context but also a troubling exhibition of either wilful ignorance or a fundamental inability to comprehend even the most elementary use of historical analogy. One is left to wonder whether those who crafted that statement possess even a kindergarten grasp of the English language, let alone the intellectual depth required for serious political discourse.
Governor Makinde’s remarks were clearly cautionary and not incendiary. His reference to “Operation Wetie” was an invocation of history, nothing more and nothing less. It was a sober reminder of the catastrophic consequences that follow when democratic processes are subverted, dissent is stifled and political arrogance is allowed to fester unchecked.To interpret such a warning as a call to violence is either intellectually dishonest or deliberately mischievous.
By attempting to criminalise a legitimate historical reference, the APC exposes a deeper anxiety, an unease with truth and a discomfort with reminders of what unchecked political excess can produce. The tragedy of the Western Region crisis is not a subject to be buried under partisan convenience, it is a lesson to be studied, understood and heeded.
It is both ironic and alarming that a party which claims to defend democracy would seek to undermine historical consciousness. Such conduct betrays a troubling tendency towards authoritarian thinking, where even words of caution are twisted into offences and dissenting voices are vilified rather than engaged.
The statement by Felix Morka, in particular, collapses under the weight of its own exaggeration. To leap from a historical reference to claims of “anarchy” and “murderous rage” is not only illogical but borders on the absurd. It is political theatre of the lowest quality. Furthermore, the attempt to cloak this mischaracterisation in the language of “national security” is both reckless and disingenuous. National security is far too important to be reduced to a tool for partisan intimidation.
The APC would do well to engage in introspection rather than projection. This pattern of deliberate misrepresentation and inflammatory overreach poses a greater risk to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Nigeria deserves a political culture rooted in honesty, maturity and intellectual rigour not one diminished by propaganda, distortion and opportunism. In the final analysis, the issue is simple, those who cannot understand history are often the first to misinterpret it and unfortunately, the most likely to repeat its errors.
-Olufemi Aduwo is a
Permanent Representative of CCDI to the ECOSOC/United Nations.
NB: Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, is a non-profit organisation with Consultative Status of United Nations
society
Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos
Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos
Genesis Global Isheri is set to host an extraordinary spiritual gathering tagged PPP, Praise, Power & Prophetic Night, themed Jehoshaphat Night, on May 1st, 2026, from 8PM till dawn. This highly anticipated event will take place at Genesis Bus Stop, LASU–Igando Road, Isheri Idimu, Lagos, bringing together worshippers, believers, and seekers from across the city for a night of intense spiritual upliftment. With a vibrant atmosphere already expected, the event promises a unique blend of deep worship, prophetic ministrations, and life-transforming encounters.
The night will be led by Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, the host and founder of Genesis Global, known for his dynamic prophetic ministry and impactful teachings. Attendees can also look forward to powerful ministrations from guest ministers Minister Dare Oxygen and Mista Olamilekan, who are set to usher in an atmosphere of heartfelt praise and spiritual revival. The theme “Jehoshaphat Night” draws inspiration from the biblical account of King Jehoshaphat, where praise became a weapon for victory setting the tone for a night centered on breakthrough, faith, and divine intervention.
Beyond just a gathering, Jehoshaphat Night is positioned as a transformative experience where attendees can expect spiritual renewal, prophetic direction, and a deeper connection with God through music and the Word. With a carefully curated lineup and a strong spiritual focus, this all night event aims to ignite faith and inspire testimonies. Whether you’re seeking clarity, breakthrough, or simply a powerful worship experience, this is a night not to be missed in Lagos. Make it an event.
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