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Former COAS, General Buratai’s Legacy of Service and Transformation in the Nigerian Army

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Former COAS, General Buratai’s Legacy of Service and Transformation in the Nigerian Army

By Benjamin Audu

The tenure of His Excellency, Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd) as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from 2015 to 2021 was marked by a series of remarkable achievements that not only transformed the Nigerian Army but also significantly contributed to national security and stability that are worthy of emulation.

Lt. General Buratai’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to service have left an indelible mark on the military landscape of Nigeria, inspiring a new generation of soldiers and instilling a sense of pride in the armed forces.

Reclaiming territories from Boko Haram:
Under General Buratai’s astute leadership, the Nigerian Army successfully reclaimed large swathes of territory previously under the control of Boko Haram in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. This monumental achievement was pivotal in restoring civil governance in regions that had been long overrun by insurgents. Major highways, including the Maiduguri-Bama and Damaturu-Maiduguri roads, were reopened, facilitating the return of displaced communities and the resurgence of local economies. This strategic reclamation of territory not only enhanced security but also rekindled hope among the populace.

Establishment of new military formations: General Buratai recognized the need for a more agile and responsive military structure, leading to the establishment of vital commands and formations. The creation of the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command and the Army Aviation Corps significantly enhanced operational flexibility and bolstered counter-insurgency efforts. These formations were instrumental in executing complex military operations with precision and efficiency, ensuring that the Nigerian Army was always a step ahead of threats.

Modernisation of military equipment:
A cornerstone of General Buratai’s tenure was the modernization of military equipment. Under his leadership, the Army acquired state-of-the-art armored vehicles, advanced artillery systems, and combat drones. This modernization drive significantly increased the Army’s firepower and tactical capabilities, enabling troops to engage effectively in multifaceted combat scenarios. The infusion of modern technology into military operations not only enhanced operational effectiveness but also ensured that Nigerian soldiers were equipped to face contemporary security challenges.

Establishment of Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State: In 2018, General Buratai founded the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) in Borno State, focusing on advancing military education and research. NAUB serves as a hub for innovation and technology in military operations, equipping future leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern warfare. This initiative reflects Buratai’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation within the ranks of the Nigerian Army.

Improvement of soldiers’ welfare:
General Buratai championed the welfare of soldiers, introducing various initiatives aimed at enhancing their quality of life. Housing initiatives, educational opportunities, and enhanced healthcare services were pivotal in improving the morale and effectiveness of troops. Notably, the establishment of one of the best hospitals in Abuja, the Command and NAOWA Hospital, underscored Buratai’s dedication to ensuring that soldiers had access to top-notch medical care, reinforcing the Army’s commitment to its personnel.

Promotion of civil-military relations:
Understanding the importance of public support, General Buratai emphasized mutual trust and understanding between the Army and civilians. His efforts in promoting civil-military relations fostered collaboration and enhanced public confidence in the military. This approach was crucial in ensuring that the Army could operate effectively within communities, gaining the support and cooperation of the populace in the fight against insurgency.

Support for Democracy: During election periods, General Buratai played a neutral and stabilizing role, ensuring that the Nigerian Army upheld constitutional order. His commitment to supporting democracy was evident in the Army’s professional conduct during elections, reinforcing the military’s role as a guardian of democracy in Nigeria.

Nigerian Army farms and ranches:
To bolster food security and provide alternative welfare support for soldiers and their families, General Buratai established agricultural projects through the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches initiative. This innovative approach not only addressed the nutritional needs of troops but also contributed to the economic well-being of military families, creating a sustainable model of support.

Nigerian Army institute of technology and environmental studies: General Buratai founded the Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies to equip soldiers with technical and environmental skills, facilitating their transition to civilian life after service. This initiative reflects Buratai’s forward-thinking approach to military service, ensuring that soldiers are prepared for post-service careers in a rapidly changing world.

Advocacy for cultural integration in security: Even after his retirement, General Buratai continued to advocate for the integration of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage into national security strategies. He emphasized that no indigenous culture supports criminality, promoting a narrative that seeks to unify rather than divide. His efforts in this regard highlight his belief in the power of culture as a tool for peace and security.

Army structural expansion under Buratai:
General Buratai’s tenure saw the establishment of new divisions and brigades, including the 6th Division (Amphibious) in Port Harcourt and the 8th Division in Sokoto State. This structural expansion was crucial in enhancing the Army’s operational capabilities and ensuring a robust response to emerging security challenges across the nation.

Infrastructural projects and capacity building: A hallmark of General Buratai’s legacy is the extensive infrastructure projects initiated during his tenure. These projects included the remodeling of Army headquarters, the construction of new barracks, medical facilities, and training centers. The establishment of the Nigerian Army War College and the Nigerian Army Aviation School are testaments to Buratai’s commitment to professionalizing the Army and enhancing operational readiness.

Unrelenting, even out of military service, using Buratai Foundations to deliver healthcare services to humanity across Nigeria: The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation as well as Tukur and Tukur Foundation have delivered and will continue to deliver healthcare services to the less privileged throughout the country.

The Foundations owned by General Buratai (Rtd) has initiated a medical outreach programmes to aid affected communities across the country.

The two Foundations are respectively anchored by the Chairman, TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, the Chairman,Tukur and Tukur Foundation, Col.Haruna Idris Zaria (Rtd)

For instance, the Niger State Government, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation and Tukur and Tukur Foundations have pledged to work collaboratively to restore health and wellness in the flood-affected Mokwa community.

The timeliness of the Foundation’s assistance during this challenging period is highly appreciated. The vital role of timely health interventions in post-disaster recovery cannot be overemphasized.

The outreach is part of a wider effort by the Foundations to deliver humanitarian and healthcare services to vulnerable populations across Nigeria, particularly in times of crisis.

Benjamin Audu, a public analyst writes from Kaduna.

Former COAS, General Buratai's Legacy of Service and Transformation in the Nigerian Army

By Benjamin Audu

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2027 BATTLE: David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola Must Petition IGP Tunji Disu To Declare Dumebi Kachikwu And His Goons Wanted 

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2027 BATTLE: David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola Must Petition IGP Tunji Disu To Declare Dumebi Kachikwu And His Goons Wanted For Parading Themselves As ADC Leaders, An Act Capable Of Destabilizing Nigeria’s Fragile Democracy 

 

*Nigerian media houses are also warned to stop overheating the polity with Kachikwu’s political shenanigans

 

As the rising main opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) preps for its all-important, much-awaited, no-holds-bar presidential primary election today in Abuja, we enjoin the party’s leadership led by the mercurial and consumate political juggernaut, former Senate President David Mark to immediately petition the Nigerian Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, to forthwith declare Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu and his goons, wanted, if they go on parading themselves as the leaders of the ADC.

 

Over last 24 hours, our team of eminent young political scientists and investigative journalists have with keen interest, religiously observed the resurgent conspiracy theories against the main opposition ADC, across the websites of various mainstream and online media platforms in Nigeria- Vanguard, Punch, The Nation, Peoples Gazette, et al. The headlines read: “ADC crisis deepens as Dumebi Kachikwu faction sacks David Mark-led leadership,” “ADC in trouble as Dumebi Kachikwu emerges Presidential candidate,” etc.

 

For Pete’s sake, we are shocked to the point of un-shockability that these jankara, jeunjeun, and they said, he said journalists in the Nigerian media have failed to understand that their attempts to side with the calamitous APC regime of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to manufacture these failed conspiracy theories against the main opposition ADC will come back to bite them all in the butt should Nigeria be transmogrified into a one-party state or an elected monarchy in 2027.

 

We are forced to ask: How soon did these media platforms forget that on April 30, 2026, the apex Supreme Court in a 5-0 unanimous ruling by the five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba upheld that the David Mark-led ADC leadership remains the authentic leadership, thus, summarily asking INEC to recognize it, in toto? INEC had since obeyed the Supreme Court of Nigeria and has reinstalled the names of the David Mark led ADC leadership on its official portal (website).

 

These media platforms failed in their attempts to engineer crises within the ADC with the usurper, one Nafiu Bala Gombe. These media platforms failed in their attempts to engineer crises within the ADC with Mr. Peter Obi and his radical wing of the Obidient Movement Worldwide. Now, they are back again and have been hired by senior officials of the Tinubu regime to use the rascal called Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu and his goons to attempt to engineer conspiracy theories against the rising main opposition ADC?

 

Without much ado, we state unequivocally and emphatically that these hired media houses in Nigeria must stop their latest demonic paid agenda sponsored by Bola Tinubu and his goons. We state without mincing words that Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu is no longer a member of the main opposition ADC, as he had since been suspended and sacked for anti-party activities.

 

Respectively, the Honorable Justice Joyce Abdulmalik and Honorable Justice James Omotosho have both dismissed the suit filed by the so-called Dumebi Kachikwu faction against the Senator David Mark-led leadership in October 2025 and March 2026 for lacking jurisdiction to entertain suits regarding the internal affairs of the ADC. Let’s be guided with Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026.

 

Enough is enough! Nigeria must not be morphed into a one-party state or an elected monarchy (the worst form of government), just to satisfy the ruinous agenda of one man called Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man with alleged drug trafficking past in the United States of America. Bola Tinubu, a man with alleged controversies regarding who his parents were, his date of birth, elementary school, high school, college, and even employment background?

 

We conclude by stating emphatically that Bola Tinubu does not mean well for the Nigerian State and must not be allowed to coronate himself freely as the Ayatollah of Nigeria, come January 16, 2027.

 

All mainstream and online media platforms in Nigeria are hereby warned before it’s too late to navigate in such a calamitous whirlwind.

 

Ikenna Asomba is a political scientist and investigative journalist. He writes from the State of Illinois, United States.

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King Dokubo-Asari Storms Benin Republic for President Ramona Wadagni’s Historic Inauguration

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King Dokubo-Asari Storms Benin Republic for President Ramona Wadagni’s Historic Inauguration

Honouring Friendship: King Dokubo-Asari Attends Inauguration of President Ramona Wadagni in the Republic of Benin

 

 

Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari, Dabaye Amakiri I, Amakiri Ekpeke, Amanyanabo of the Source, Elem Kalabari, was among the over 6,000 distinguished dignitaries from across the world who witnessed the historic transition of power in the Republic of Benin, as outgoing President Patrice Talon formally handed over leadership to the newly inaugurated President Ramona Wadagni on Sunday, March 24, 2026.

 

The colourful and historic ceremony took place at the Palais des Congrès de Cotonou, drawing world leaders, diplomats, royals, business figures and respected traditional authorities from different parts of the globe.

 

For Dabaye Amakiri, the occasion went beyond diplomacy and state protocol. President Wadagni is a longtime friend of the revered Kalabari monarch, and his presence at the inauguration was a demonstration of loyalty, friendship and enduring personal ties built over many years.

 

Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari is widely regarded as a major stakeholder in the Republic of Benin, a country he has maintained deep ties with for more than two decades. He is the proprietor of the King Amachree International Children’s School and the defunct King Amachree University.

The King Amachree Children’s school has for many years been an international school with students coming from Congo, Togo, Ghana and Nigeria

 

Over the years, he has also established significant investments in real estate, hospitality and other business interests within the country, making the Republic of Benin a true second home to him.

 

In keeping with the rich traditions of ancient Kalabari royalty, the Amanyanabo of the Source did not journey alone.

His distinguished entourage included eminent Kalabari chiefs and respected personalities such as Se-Alabo EMI Membere-Otaji, MD, DSSRS, OON, Chief Executive Officer of Elscon Group and Deputy National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.

 

Also present were Se-Opu Alabo Dr. David T. Briggs, Deuin-Ala XII of Kalabari, Paramount Chief of the Ancient Deuin-Ala Chieftaincy House (1968), and Prince Tonye T. J. T. Princewill, Da OGO VI, Head of the Queen Elababene/Da OGO Group of Houses of the Kalabari Kingdom.

 

Speaking with journalists shortly after the inauguration ceremony, Dabaye Amakiri described the Republic of Benin as a place that has consistently shown him warmth, acceptance and friendship.

 

“The Republic of Benin has been a second home to me. I have always enjoyed the hospitality of the great people of this country, and I am here on the invitation of the President to honour him and this great nation,” he said.

 

Renowned for his deep respect for friendship, loyalty and longstanding relationships, Dabaye Amakiri is also known to share a close personal relationship spanning over three decades with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria.

 

Three days earlier, driving into the Republic of Benin via the Seme land Border, Dabaye Amakiri stopped over to exchange pleasantries with the new Deputy controller General of Immigration. Who was happy to receive the reverred monarch and graciously stepped out for a few minutes for photos with Dabaye Amakiri and his team

 

King Dokubo-Asari Storms Benin Republic for President Ramona Wadagni’s Historic Inauguration

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Apostle Omotosho Marks 40th Birthday, 7th Church Anniversary Amid Jubilation

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Apostle Omotosho Marks 40th Birthday, 7th Church Anniversary Amid Jubilation

 

CALABAR — Jubilant scenes filled the atmosphere on May 21 as family members, church congregants, associates, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the 40th birthday of Apostle Omotosho Tope Joseph alongside the 7th anniversary of his ministry.

 

The colourful double celebration attracted religious leaders, dignitaries, and members of the Christian community, who described the occasion as a reflection of God’s faithfulness and the steady growth of the ministry over the years.

 

Among dignitaries present at the event were Pastor Dr. Elizabeth Aremu, the wife of Bishop Thomas Aremu, Assistant Director-General of the Department of State Services, Kolawole Sokoya, as well as other notable guests.

 

Speaking during the event, Apostle Omotosho expressed gratitude to God and appreciated everyone who contributed to the success of the celebration through prayers, gifts, goodwill messages, and physical presence.

 

He described his attainment of 40 years and the progress recorded by the church within seven years as evidence of divine grace and unwavering support from members and partners of the ministry.

 

“With a heart full of gratitude, I sincerely thank everyone who celebrated with me on my 40th birthday and our 7th Church Anniversary. Your prayers, kind words, gifts, presence, and overwhelming show of love made the occasion truly unforgettable,” he said.

 

The programme featured prayer sessions for Nigeria, prophetic ministrations, thanksgiving, and tributes from members and associates, who praised the cleric for his commitment to spiritual growth, humanitarian service, and mentorship.
Several speakers at the gathering described

Apostle Omotosho as a compassionate leader dedicated to uplifting lives and advancing Christian values within the community.

Apostle Omotosho Marks 40th Birthday, 7th Church Anniversary Amid Jubilation

The cleric also appreciated his family, friends, church workers, and members for their steadfast support toward the vision of the ministry.

 

“Thank you to my family, friends, members, and well-wishers for standing by me and supporting the vision God has given us. May the Lord richly bless each and every one of you for your love, sacrifices, and continued support,” he added.

 

The celebration ended with a special thanksgiving service and renewed prayers for greater impact and expansion of the ministry in the years ahead.

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