celebrity radar - gossips
GENERAL BURATAI IN THE EQUATION OF INSECURITY DOWNPLAY IN TINUBU’S GOVERNMENT BY FEMI OYEWALE
GENERAL BURATAI IN THE EQUATION OF INSECURITY DOWNPLAY IN TINUBU’S GOVERNMENT
BY
FEMI OYEWALE
BURATAI– As Nigeria prepares for a fresh phase in its democratic existence on May 29, 2023, a peaceful environment for socio-economic and cultural growth has, yet again, become a critical issue in the mix. This is essentially so because the country, unarguably reputed as one of the biggest markets for raw and finished goods on earth, attracts humans of all kinds to its geographical space. Incidentally and over the years, anti-democratic forces in collaboration with fifth columnists, constituted themselves into national security nuisance, disrupting activities across sectors.
As of mid-2022, the orchestrated violence has cost the country 11% of its GDP and N119 billion loss of revenue. Similarly, projects worth about N12 trillion have been abandoned according to data from Town Talk Solutions. Looking ahead, these challenging scenarios, Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All-Progressive Congress, APC, now President-Elect, had, in October 2022, unveiled his presidential agenda where he prioritized security. Titled “Renewed Hope 2023 – Action Plan for a Better Nigeria,” Tinubu affirmed that he would continue with the social investment programmes of the Buhari-led administration.
The President-Elect equally added that total transformation of Nigeria can be achieved, building on the foundation laid by the APC administration of President Buhari. Specifically, he emphasized that security is the “bedrock of a prosperous and democratic society”, assuring that his administration would make it a fundamental responsibility to protect the life and property of its citizens by mobilizing the country’s national security, military and law enforcement assets to protect all Nigerians from danger and the fear of danger.
“The current government has made important inroads. When it came into office, the Buhari government met a situation in which terrorists had planted their flags and claimed Nigerian territory as their own. “The Buhari government eliminated these incursions against our national sovereignty, bringing peace to many areas. Thousands of formerly displaced people have returned home to rebuild their lives,” Tinubu disclosed. However, and interestingly so, General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), was the arrowhead of the team that helped President Buhari’s government to achieve these significant successes in the reduction of insurgency which Tinubu has promised to build upon.
Essentially, the pre-Buhari government was a session of anger in the land where nihilism became the official dictum through organized terrorism. The peace in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, was displaced by vengeful, omnidirectional hatred. On assumption of office in 2015, this ugly situation provoked President Buhari to employ a trusted and tested General to change the insecurity narrative in Nigeria. Lieutenant General Yusufu Tukur Buratai (rtd), was widely recommended on account of his outstanding military pedigree. He was, unarguably, the pick of the pack. And he became the Chief of Army Staff in July 2015. Buratai hit the ground running and soldiered on.
Despite distractions ostensibly by segmented bashings from some misinformed stakeholders and sections of the human rights groups who orchestrated hugely unsubstantiated allegations, Buratai continued in a most commendable fashion. He provided leadership and inspired the troops to work harder through dedicated strategies.
Notably, Buratai intelligently enhanced Army-Civilian relationship with the Northeast populace including other parts of Nigeria as a major step that turned the tables against insurgents during his time. He reinvigorated joint civil-military operations, comprising all operational formations of the Services with a central coordination Headquarters which coordinated civil and humanitarian activities. These strategies greatly assisted the joint force commander.
Humanitarian, national-assistance operations, theatre campaigns and civil-military operations worked concurrently and cohesively. With these strategies, the military under Buratai sustained the tempo of operations and kept up the aggressive assaults on insurgents as well as enhanced collaboration and synergy with other sister agencies.
Towards the last half of 2020, the bandits had been overwhelmed. They were calling for negotiations through some prominent individuals. This was as a result of the pressure mounted on the bandits. Many of their fighters, collaborators, logistic suppliers and informants were neutralised, captured or escaped out of the country for safety.
By the time Buratai left office in early 2021, the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents have been confined to the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region, with no territory under their control and largely carrying out hit-and-run skirmishes.
Curiously, President Buhari beckoned yet again for “Another important assignment”, a few days after Buratai ended his selfless service in January 2021. The former Chief of Army Staff was faithfully obliged to take part, as fully as he can, in any measure designed, in particular, to keep the constituent ethnic units in the federation of Nigeria as one as well as preserve Nigeria as an economic and political entity. But, this time, through diplomatic channels.
The President’s brief was clear and straightforward forward, especially from the already well-known international influence, funding and support for the insurgency in Nigeria. Given his deep understanding of the President’s intentions because of his direct involvement in counter-insurgency operations for a reasonable length of years as Army boss, Buratai easily subsumed into Buhari’s tactical design to secure Nigeria’s borders through neighbouring countries as an ambassador.
He particularly felt it would be untidy of him to abdicate such responsibility when the war against insurgency was yet over.
He reckoned that there was an important need to reinforce service chiefs’ efforts from the outside through diplomatic push and support. Expectedly, his resumption at the Republic of Benin as Ambassador was the needed signal to smugglers of arms and architects of economic sabotage that the game was over.
He reawakened all the unused diplomatic regulations including bilateral relations in line with the science and philosophy of international laws to ensure appropriate diplomatic steps were deployed without infringement on fundamental rights. He injected fresh directives into their operational codes, maintaining that never again should the border become the hub of economic sabotage and illegal arms snuggling.
Just in his early 60s, it is morning yet for Buratai in national service. His unmatched professionalism, military skills and understanding of Nigeria’s security issues blended with diplomatic knowledge perfectly recommend him for the Defence portfolio in Tinubu’s government.
Femi Oyewale is the President of the National Association of Online Security Reporters and Publisher of Sahara Weekly magazine and SaharaOnline.
Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu
Taofik Afolabi
The gospel music community continues to grieve the painful loss of Taiwo Adegbodu, a beloved figure whose sudden departure left a deep void among fans, colleagues, and loved ones. In response to this loss, renowned gospel minister Rotimi Onimole, popularly known as Oba Ara, has released a moving tribute song that captures both the sorrow of the moment and the enduring legacy of the late singer.
Oba Ara, a proud son of Isale Eko, channels raw emotion throughout the song, using heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies to reflect on his personal connection with Taiwo Adegbodu. In the tribute, he openly expresses how deeply the news of Adegbodu’s passing shook him, describing it as a painful and unexpected loss that is difficult to come to terms with.
The song goes beyond mourning, it celebrates the life, ministry, and impact of Taiwo Adegbodu. Oba Ara highlights the late artist’s dedication to spreading the gospel through music, his inspiring voice, and the spiritual influence he had on many within and beyond Nigeria. Through powerful verses, he paints a picture of a man who lived for God and touched countless lives through his ministry.
Listeners have described the tribute as both comforting and deeply emotional, as it resonates with the collective grief of the gospel music community. It serves as a reminder that although Taiwo Adegbodu is no longer physically present, his music, message, and legacy will continue to live on.
In honoring his late colleague, Oba Ara not only pays his respects but also offers a source of healing for fans and fellow ministers, using music as a tool to process grief and celebrate a life well lived.
celebrity radar - gossips
Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch
Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch
Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026.
From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance.
Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI);
Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp);
Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria;
Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry, Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ;
Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown.
Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden.
The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come.
” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added.
To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work.
Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health.
The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah.
The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’
Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people.
” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince Fagbemi added.
The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation.
Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society.
” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai, I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all. To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.
celebrity radar - gossips
Adron Homes Elevates Cultural Pride as Dignitaries Grace 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta
Adron Homes Elevates Cultural Pride as Dignitaries Grace 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta
The ancient city of Abeokuta came alive in a grand display of culture, history, and unity as dignitaries from across Nigeria converged at the iconic Ake Palace Ground for the 39th edition of the Lisabi Festival, an annual celebration deeply rooted in the Egba people’s heritage.
The event, proudly supported by Adron Homes and Properties Limited, witnessed an impressive parade of distinguished personalities, traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders, and cultural enthusiasts, all captured in vibrant pictures that tell the story of a people united by history and pride.
From richly adorned monarchs in regal attire to elegantly dressed guests reflecting the depth of Yoruba tradition, the images from the festival encapsulate moments of honour, reverence, and celebration. Each photograph portrays not just faces, but influence, leaders, and stakeholders who continue to shape cultural preservation and community development.
At the heart of the celebration was the revered Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, whose presence underscored the festival’s significance as a symbol of Egba resilience and identity. Surrounding him were eminent dignitaries whose attendance further amplified the prestige of the event.
Adron Homes and Properties Limited stood out prominently, not only as a sponsor but as a key driver of cultural sustainability. Through its strategic support, the company reinforced its commitment to preserving indigenous heritage while fostering community engagement. The brand’s visibility across the venue and within the pictorial highlights reflects a deliberate alignment with culture, tradition, and people-centered development.
Beyond real estate, Adron Homes has continued to position itself as a cultural partner, investing in platforms that celebrate history and strengthen communal bonds. Its involvement in the Lisabi Festival is a testament to its broader vision of building not just homes, but legacies rooted in identity and pride.
The 39th Lisabi Festival, as captured through the lens of dignitaries in attendance, is more than an event, it is a narrative of continuity. And through its unwavering support, Adron Homes has once again set the pace, demonstrating that corporate institutions can play a vital role in sustaining the cultural heartbeat of a people.
As the echoes of drums fade and the colours of the festival linger in memory, one thing remains clear: the story told through these images is one of unity, heritage, and the enduring partnership between tradition and progress.
-
society6 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news4 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
society6 months ago“You Are Never Without Help” – Pastor Gebhardt Berndt Inspires Hope Through Empower Church (Video)
-
celebrity radar - gossips2 months agoDr. Chris Okafor Returns with Power and Fire of the Spirit -Mounts Grace Nation Altar with Fresh Anointing and Restoration Grace on February 1, 2026