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In Chief Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu : Death took away one of Africa’s best and Nigeria’s brightest. By Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi.
Published
8 months agoon

In Chief Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu : Death took away one of Africa’s best and Nigeria’s brightest.
By Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi.
One of Africa’s greatest icon, Chief Dr, Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu MFR, OFR, CFR, FNSE, KSC died on Thursday 25th July, 2024. In a Country like our own, where the teaching of history is no longer a priority, many young Nigerians may not readily remember most of the accomplishments and contributions of Chief Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu to nation building and consolidation of our country’s democracy and truly know the man that died at the ripe age of eighth one years (81years).
Though, he has retired from business and politics, but trust me, if you’re talking of old money, good business and good character, he was a colossus, a giant amongst men physically and literally.
It is easy to imagine that Chief Iwuanyanwu made his mark only in business and politics. But, for those who have known him for quite some times. His remarkable exploits in his chosen field is no news. In fact it was on record that before he ventured into politics and then sports, he was already an accomplished engineer with notable feats in Nigeria, including the design of an ocean barge using hydraulic technology, design of an innovative rocket system as well as the design of the Enugu airport runway among others. Chief Iwuanyanwu was a colossus whose reputation was as big as his frame. Straight out of the blocks, as a young engineering graduate, Chief Iwuanyanwu showed remarkable character far exceeding the capacity of his age and experience. He cut his teeth as an employee of a foreign engineering firm that he later acquired and expanded into a business empire spanning over twenty companies. In the world of mortals, this feat only exists, in the realm of fairytale.
Few men could have ventured into the realm of private enterprise and public service and left such monumental marks in both sector. Fewer still could have built an empire while devoting unquantifiable time and resources to the service of the society. Chief Iwuanyanwu managed to accomplished this feat and much more. He demonstrated that with hard work and dedication to duty, there is no limit to what any man can accomplish and that was why he was a role model for many members of my generation.
Like too many people have openly attested too. It will be difficult, if not impossible to replace Chief Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. He came, he saw, he conquered.
Chief Iwuanyanwu has flew away on the wings of time into eternity and the sure hands and embrace of our Lord, when he finished his assignment on Earth. Even as we lovers and admirers of his ideals, politics and characters still feel that we need him more.
Such is the unchangeable ways of the Almighty God, that we must give thanks for his monumental life.
A life in which he gave his all for us. Even as a writer, words still fails me as I try to pen this tribute to a very special man to me and my household. Apart from a father to son, mentor to mentee relationship, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and I share the same birthday of Fourth September, (4th September).
Some people are just too wonderfully created, that one would expect that they will live forever. Chief Iwuanyanwu is one of such person, though he has transformed from mortal to immortal,.and has departed this sinful world. I know he will live in my heart forever.
Before we met close to two decades ago, his great name and pedigree had preceded him. He was a shinning star in the Engineering and Political firmament and one of the truly dedicated political actor renowned as totally dedicated, committed, determined, principled and fearless about nation building.
I am delighted to call Chief Iwuanyanwu my father, mentor and benefactor, in fact a lot of young men of my generation, aside from their biological father, equally have Chief Iwuanyanwu as a father too.
Apart from knowing Chief Iwuanyanwu closely, I equally had the privilege of enjoying a close and harmonious relationship with him, hence I named my first son, Emmanuel after a man I have come to love and adore.
I was honored to have been welcomed into his inner circle so warmly and privilege to have had unrestricted access to him, to all his homes, offices and bedrooms in Nigeria. Chief Iwuanyanwu would make sure you enjoyed the good food, drinks and the hospitality of the Iwuanyanwu’s every time we had the opportunity of meeting.
Because of my love and adoration for Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, for years, I spent most of my Christmas season with him and his extremely accommodating family in his expansive Country home in Umuohii Atta, Ikeduru LGA of Imo State.
Chief Iwuanyanwu is an extremely highly detrabalize Nigerian patriot and a dedicated Soldier of Christ, through him, I became a worshipper at his Church, St Matthew Anglican Church, Atta, Ikeduru, and at the Church of the Transfiguration of our Lord (CATOL) in Owerri. I recalled with nostalgia how he supported his people to get the Anglican Diocese of Ikeduru. Where I equally joined other eminent Nigerians from the Diocese to the Bishop Conference at Ife Osun State, where the Diocese was pronounced.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu equally introduced me into active politics, as a activist, he admonished and reawakening my consciousness and vibrancy to participate in the political process in order to change the society for good than seating on the fence.
Though he and his late friend and In law, His Eminence, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land and the Aare of Ibadan Land tried, albeit unsuccessfully to put me forward as a Federal Legislator from Ibadan, Oyo State. After the failed attempt and the disappointment, Chief Iwuanyanwu invited me into his inner recess, where he gave me a quality lesson that has changed my life for good using himself as an example. He counselled and admonished me that, for me to be a successful social crusader, and a true voice for the oppressed. I should work hard to build a strong economic means, hence politics will only be a passion combined with my vocation.
With Chief Iwuanyanwu’s advice and through him, with absolute faith in the Almighty God, I have been able to build a good social base, a formidable politics structure and a strong economic means.
More importantly, I have never met a man who loved his background and upbringing and glorious heritage so passionately. Despite being surrounded by a motley crowd of various Nigerians, but everyone knows him and referred to him as the big Iroko from Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State. For every Christmas season and celebrations, Chief Iwuanyanwu would at least spend a Month in his Country home at Umohii Atta, Ikeduru LGA of Imo State, where the gate of his house is opened widely for every member of the community to see him and he will meticulously attend to the need of each member of the community, including providing resources for households to celebrate the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, a distinguished Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), winner of the most distinguished Alumnus of the University of Nigeria Award, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, Balogun Bobagunwa of Ibadan, Obong Unwana Efik Eburutu, a scientist, a humanist, an entrepreneur, an industrialist, a patriot, a philanthropist, a leading politician, a pace setter and an image setter, was born on 4th September, 1942, into the humble family of Pa and Madam Hulder Iwuanyanwu of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru LGA, of Imo State, a Christian family that has solid genealogy and rich heritage. His names Emmanuel (God with us), Chukwuemeka (God has done wonderfully well).
Chief Iwuanyanwu rose to become an outstanding national giant of superlative class. He was an Iroko tree who gave economic and political shelter to everyone that came across him.
Most of his childhood days were spent at Port Harcourt, Rivers State where he had his elementary education at St Patrick’s School in Port Harcourt. He later transferred to Holy Trinity School, Rumuopara also in Port Harcourt. He attended New Bethel College, Onitsha and did his higher school at Federal Emergency School of Science, Onikan, Lagos. He was later admitted to the University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he studied Civil Engineering.
In his first year at the University, he won the German Government Academic Exchange Scholarship by scoring the highest grade in the Faculty of Engineering. By this award, all his fees and expenses at the University of Nigeria was paid by the German Government. The motto of his alma mater, “to restore the dignity of man” this became the lodestar of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s career.
Though, his university education was unfortunately distrupted by the Civil War, he eventually graduated with honors degree in engineering in 1971. Also in addition to his cambridge school certificate, he also completed many post graduate courses and he possessed the following academic qualifications,
B. Sc (Hon), Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria.
D. Sc Engineering, Morgan State University, Baltimore, USA.
L. Ld (Hon) Shaw University, Releigh, North Carolina, USA.
D. Ba (Hon) University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
D. Sc (Hon) University of Jos.
D. Sc (Hon) University of Calabar.
D. Tech, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State
D. Ba (Honoris Causa), Edo State University.
D. Sc (Honoris Causa), Imo State University.
He was a professional engineer and a scientist.
As a young engineer, he published several books on the engineering profession, which included, the role of road in agricultural development in Nigeria. The Nigerian Engineer in the 1990 decade. The Engineer as a Politician etc. He was also a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and also a fellow of more than thirteen other professional associations. He was also a lover of sports, as a true sports enthusiast channelling his financial weight towards the development of sports at all levels. It was this enthusiasm that made him answered the clarion call from the Imo State Government for the take over of the Spartan Football Club, which was renamed Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a complete family man, who married his late first wife, Chief Mrs Eudora Iwuanyanwu on May 10, 1969, and the marriage is blessed with successful Children. After the demise of his loving wife, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu remarried to an equally outstanding woman, Princess Frances Chinonyerem on Saturday 14th September 2023, and the marriage is also blessed with Children.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was commissioned into the Biafran army during the Civil War, where he served in the research and production unit of Biafra, he was an infantry officer of the Biafran army who was one of the personnel that developed the dreaded locally fabricated bomb popularly called the “Ogbunigwe”.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu held over eighty traditional titles harvested around the Country, but the pinnacle of these title was his conferment as the Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, which was conferred on him on 12th October 1997 by all traditional rulers representing all the Igbo states in Nigeria.
In the corporate field, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s activities spanned across virtually all fields of human endeavors including, Engineering, Industries, Insurance, Advertising, Publishing, Airlines, Banking, Sports and Politics, some of his establishment included the Champion Newspaper, Hardel and Enic Construction Company, Oriental Airlines, Hetco Limited, Sunrise Insurance Brokers, Enic Advertising Agency Limited, Subterranean and Aerial Lines Limited, Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, First Atlantic Petroleum Company Limited and others.
Chief Iwuanyanwu shown outstanding leadership in virtually all fields. He was involved as a Trustee, Patron, Life Member, Chairman and Grand Patron of over a hundred associations within and outside Nigeria. But among all these, he did distinguished himself as the Chairman of the National Productivity Merit Award of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and also on his last assignment as the President General of the Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide.
In politics, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu blazed the entire landscape like a Legend. For so many years, he flew the flag of his people, the Ndigbo, as a front line Presidential Aspirant. In a nation that has experienced more than its fair dose of identity politics, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s desire to be President of our dear country was more a mark of his faith in the Nigerian project than a product of ambition. But even at that, his commitment to national integration was not at the expense of his immediate constituency. He was a proud Igbo man who would never compromise the good of his people for any thing. He was at the forefront of exhorting his kinsmen to embrace mainstream politics by seeking the highest office of the land, rather than the pursuit of self determination. Rarely has a Nigerian politician managed to promote national cohesion and also look out for the interest of his community, without conflict in both objectives. Indeed, it was a mark of this dexterity that Ahaejiagamba attracted multiple national honours as well as traditional titles from different parts of the country, indeed Chief Iwuanyanwu could only be described as a quintessential Nigerian.
He ventured into the Nigerian political terrain since 1978. From being a member of the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP). Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu later emerged as the National Chairman of the formidable but unregistered All Nigeria Congress (ANC), which he cofounded with the likes of Late Malam Adams Ciroma, the Late Umaru Shinkafi and other prominent politicians. He later ran for the Presidency of Nigeria under the National Republican Convention (NRC). With the return to civil rule in 1999, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu emerge again as a front line presidential aspirant of the All Progressive Party (APP), before he lost confidence in the ideals of the APP, which led him and his teeming supporters across the Country into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In the PDP, he was a member of the National Executive Committee, a Member of the Board of Trustees and also a member of the National Caucus of the party representing the Southeast geopolitical zone before his eventual resignation from active politics.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, before his last assignment as the President General of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, was the Chairman of the Ohaneze Ndigbo State Creation Planning Committee, he was also the Chairman of the Strategy and Planning Committee of the same body.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu also served the Federal Republic of Nigeria in different sector where he brought his wealth of experience in the areas of nation building to bear on the governance of the Country. He was the pioneer Chairman of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, a Former board Chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, (FERMA) the board under him built the Ultra Modern Headquarters for FERMA, Board Chairman of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, he wa also at a time the Pro Chancellor of the University of Calabar and other various national assignments.
On 18th December 2016, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSC), conferred one of the highest honors that can possibly be bestowed on an individual in any field of endeavor, on one of their own. The prestigious body instituted the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Annual Lecture Series. It was in honor of his contributions to the engineering profession in Nigeria and to the service of humanity. This initiative by the NSE was unprecedented considering that the lecture series was instituted during the life time of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
He was also given corpus international recognition and was cited in WHO is WHO in Nigeria, WHO is WHO in Africa, WHO is WHO in the Commonwealth and WHO is WHO in the World.
In pursuant of his various philanthropic disposition, he established the Iwuanyanwu Foundation which has made substantial contributions in the field of education, health care delivery and community development.
His philosophy of life was appropriately portrayed in his speech on Monday 11th November 1985, when he handed over a Blood Transfusion Centre, built and furnished by him to the Imo State Government, where he stated thus;
I believe in the Supreme Being. He is Omnipresent. He is all loving and all wise. He is the Almighty God. I believe that the highest fulfillment, the greatest happiness and the widest usefulness of the individual can only be realized in harmony with the divine will of the Almighty God.
I believe in the supreme worth of the individual, in his right to life and liberty and pursuit of happiness. I believe in the sacredness of human life and human rights.
I believe that every right implies a responsibility, every opportunity, an obligation and every possession a duty. I believe in the dignity of labour whether with the head or with the hand.
I believe that the good God in his infinite mercy has bestowed mankind with sundry gifts and whatever gift bestowed to any man is given to him by the good Lord in sacred trust and man should use such gifts to promote love, happiness and peace among the people of all races and creed.
I believe that the world owes no man a living but it owes every man an opportunity to make a living. I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world and it can overcome hate, greed and rancor.
I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of mankind and the greatest happiness and peace of the human soul can be attained in rendering such services.
I believe that truth, justice and equity are fundamental prerequisites to an enduring social order and that right can and will always triumph over might. I believe in the sacredness of promise, that a man’s word should be as good as a bond, that character not wealth or power or possession is of supreme worth.
I believe that prudence is essential to a well ordered living and that economy is a prerequisite of a sound financial structure whether in government, business or personal affairs.
And finally, I believe that law is made for man and not man for law and that government is the servant of the people and not the master, and no individual can be greater than the society which he lives.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu during his live time was a man who believed in Nigeria. He was a true Nigerian who had friends and associates from every part of the Country. He was always optimistic about the future.
I always found him interested and up to date about current development. I found him engaging to converse with and he always had a suggestion to make about how things could be improved. He continued to believe that the best was yet to come for Nigeria. I believe that the greatest tribute we can all pay to Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, and all those other public spirited persons of his generation, who worked had to improve things in Nigeria is to commit individually and collectively to continue to work hard to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has left us for his well deserved rest, but his dreams of a better Nigeria must never be allowed to die.
To his immediate family, especially the spouse, Princess Frances Chinonyerem Iwuanyanwu, Dr Nwadiuto Iheakanwa nee Iwuanyanwu, Mr Jide Iwuanyanwu and the other children, Pastor Uche Iheakanwa and the other in-laws of the Iwuanyanwu family, the Arisekola family of Ibadan land and all other family members and close associate who might be too numerous to mention, I join you all in prayers to mourn a man we all have come to love and adore.
Adieu, my mentor and benefactor, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, you have played your part and I wish you peaceful repose.
Fare the well!!!
This Tribute is by Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi.
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

celebrity radar - gossips
Sexual Allegations: Dr. Chris Okafor’s Image Remains Unblemished
Published
2 days agoon
April 17, 2025
Sexual Allegations: Dr. Chris Okafor’s Image Remains Unblemished
…Doris Ogala’s Attempts Have Failed, and Will Continue to Fail
By Christopher David
For some times now I have been contemplating the sexual allegations made by Doris Ogala against Dr Chris Okafor, a Man of God from the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, also known as Liberation City. This is an allegation that continues to elicit heated debates in Nigeria’s media landscape, with social media platforms being a major hub for these discussions. The media frenzy has raised substantial dust, resulting in confusion about the direction of our society. Without a doubt, the media has devoted considerable attention to Doris, an actress whose fame had waned.
However, much more is required to bring the entire situation to a logical conclusion. For various reasons, I have refrained from responding to alleviate the already damaging media frenzy that could exacerbate Doris Ogala’s false and malicious allegations against the anointed man of God
To say the least, it is equally important to educate the public, church members, and online followers, thereby preventing Doris’s numerous false statements from tarnishing the reputation of the man of God. It is currently unnecessary to recount the numerous false statements made by Doris, who has been utilizing her social media platform to make spurious claims against Dr. Chris Okafor, a respected spiritual leader, by falsely alleging to have had a sexual relationship with him, despite the fact that a substantial amount of information has already been made public on this topic; nonetheless, the truth must ultimately be revealed.
Let’s examine the allegation in question. The actress in question claims to have had a sexual encounter with the religious leader, but where exactly did this occur? Was it at his residence, which is consistently staffed by over 15 domestic workers and security personnel, or did it happen in a hotel room? How credible is this assertion?. Throughout my brief life experience, I have developed an understanding of the considerable obstacles that must be overcome to gain entry into this respected man of God’s inner sanctum, or even to cultivate intimate connections or relationships, which are exclusively permissible within the bounds of matrimony
Does it not defy sound judgment that a ‘Jezebel’ known as Doris Ogala previously found to have deceived other men of God would engage in a sexual relationship with Dr. Chris Okafor and display no apparent guilt, addressing him as “My father in the Lord” while worship in his church some years back. Indeed, I lack the requisite grammatical proficiency to substantiate the alleged sexual intercourse that this lady claimed and ranted about on her social media page; rather, I regard it as a malicious allegation, completely unfounded and emanating from a deceitful and evil-minded source, as manifest in the incoherence of such allegations.
I do not intend to diminish the value of social media, particularly its potential to reach a broad audience; however, many Nigerians engage with social media content on an emotional and sentimental level. Platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc., do not function as courts of law; hence, grievances must be addressed through the appropriate legal channels, encompassing both criminal and civil proceedings.
The degradation of individuals, organisations, homes, governments and institutions on social media is a worrisome trend. Some social media crusaders exploit this phenomenon as a publicity stunt. Additionally, does Doris Ogala possess evidence to corroborate the purported sexual allegation? This, in most cases, remains obscure to the general public
Regarding Delilah and the satanic angel Doris and her accomplices, reports emerged that Doris made claims on social media last year about Dr. Chris Okafor owing her money. According to her, the money was given to her by an unidentified individual through him. However, a prompt response questioned the logic of an unnamed individual choosing to pay for her services through Pastor Chris, rather than directly to her. This exchange has sparked allegations of dishonesty against Doris Ogala, an actress whose career has experienced a decline. Does Doris realize she may be being manipulated as a social media stooge? Where are her online supporters, who are supposed to be cheering her on and providing encouragement on social media?
I guess the infamous actress is totally broke and out of her mind, thinking she can use the same tricks used on some men of God in the past to extort Dr. Chris Okafor, fondly called the ‘Oracle’. Guess Doris might have forgotten Dr. Chris Okafor’s petition and the ongoing court case against her, which is still before the honorable Court of law?
If I may inquire, have her Instagram and Facebook followers taken her seriously again, given the numerous unsubstantiated claims?. I would advise against aligning oneself with individuals who refer to Doris’ recent allegation as a challenge to the Church, although it may appear that way. However, it seems that Doris is navigating a precarious path. The onus is on her to promptly rectify the situation, as her actions have been widely criticized by supporters of Liberation City, both in Nigeria and globally. Doris Ogala’s recent allegations have left many speechless, wondering if she was intentionally trying to tarnish the reputation of the great prophet of God
As she transitioned from “Okafor owes me a huge amount and I’m ready to collect my money” to “we had sexual intercourse together”, it appears she may require medical attention because nobody in their right mind would continue to fabricate lies in a similar manner, showing reasons why she was separated from her marriage due to childlessness four years ago with her Igbo partner.
In conclusion, Doris Ogala appears to necessitate professional intervention, as it seems she may be experiencing memory loss or repercussions from past conflicts. I doubt whether Doris Ogala can circumvent consequences this time, no as her actions may have serious repercussions.
Watch for part 2, which will reveal men of God against whom she has previously made false accusations.
Church members submit anonymous writings against the evil plotter lady known as Doris Ogala.
Written by
Christopher David
Austria
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Again! Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Prevents Portable Re-Arrest in Kwara On New Petition (See Full Details)
Published
3 days agoon
April 15, 2025
Again! Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Prevents Portable Re-Arrest in Kwara On New Petition (See Full Details)
Nigeria fuji icon, Saheed Akorede popularly known as Osupa, on Tuesday prevented the re-arrest of Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable after another petition surfaced against him.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that legendary Fuji musician discontinued his case against Portable on Tuesday following an appeal by prominent Nigerians to settle the matter out of court.
In a new development, Mr Yemi George, Managing Director of Starwood Hotels Ilorin, told NAN on Tuesday that Osupa prevailed on him not to re-arrest Portable after collecting the sum of N6.3m for a show that he did not perform.
“I have obtained every necessary documents to re-arrest him today in order to refund my money but out of respect for the legendary fuji musician (Osupa) , he prevailed on me not to.
“My company, Starwood Hotels O2 Arena in collaboration with the leadership of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) put an event together for Portable to perform but he never did” George said.
According to a document obtained by NAN, titled Petition for fraudulent and obtaining by false pretense the sum of N6.3m, the petitioners said they entered agreement with Portable on July 22, 2024, which he never respected.
According to the petition, Portable was paid N6.3m to perform at the ‘Kwara Tampan Fiesta’ on September 29, 2024, but failed to appear on stage at the agreed-upon time.
Despite arriving over 16 hours late, he allegedly sneaked out of his hotel lodging without fulfilling his promise to perform.
The petitioners claim that Portable’s actions caused significant financial loss and distress, and they are seeking a thorough investigation, prosecution, and restitution of the N6,300,000 allegedly obtained through fraudulent means.
The petition was signed by Chief Olu Amusan, Governor, TAMPAN and Ayodele Demokun on behalf of Starwogd Hotels 02 Arena
NAN recalls that the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Kwara command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, had in a statement on Sunday confirmed the arrest of Portable following a petition received from Osupa.
The petition borders on serious allegations which includes criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and the use of abusive and insulting words.
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H.E. Tukur Yusufu Buratai: A Comprehensive Profile from Deepseek
Published
3 days agoon
April 15, 2025
Opinion/Letter to the Editor
H.E. Tukur Yusufu Buratai: A Comprehensive Profile from Deepseek
Out of sheer curiosity and a desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of Nigeria’s military history, yesterday I decided to engage with the AI application known as Deepseek, posing a question about what it knows concerning Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusufu Buratai. My intention was not only to test the depth of the intelligence capabilities of this innovative AI tool but also to acquire a neutral and unbiased report or profile of the former general—something that would be entirely devoid of any flattery or vindictive vilification of his character. What I received from Deepseek as feedback was a detailed and well-structured overview that encapsulated General Buratai’s significant military career.
General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from 2015 to 2021, is widely recognized for his transformative leadership and significant contributions to the Nigerian Army. Below is a synthesis of his key achievements, supported by context from the provided search results:
1. Counterinsurgency and National Security
Buratai spearheaded Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, drastically reducing their territorial control. Under his command:
– 75% reduction in attacks within five months of his appointment (2015), and a 90% decline in suicide bombings by 2017.
– He introduced innovative military strategies, such as the Super Camp Maneuver Concept and Mobile Strike Teams, which disrupted terrorist operations.
– The northeast became safer, enabling the 2019 general elections to proceed peacefully in previously insecure regions.
2. Institutional Reforms and Training
Buratai prioritized professionalism and capacity-building:
– Established the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) to address strategic defense gaps and foster research.
– Revived training exercises like Python Dance, Crocodile Smile, and Ayam Akpatuma, enhancing troops’ readiness for internal security operations.
– Expanded foreign training opportunities for officers and soldiers, improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in international military engagements.
3. Infrastructure and Welfare Development
His tenure saw unprecedented infrastructural growth:
– Founded Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), Africa’s first Army university, focusing on technological and military education. The institution expanded rapidly, with 75% of admissions reserved for civilians.
– Upgraded barracks, hospitals (e.g., Level 4 facilities), and housing projects nationwide, significantly boosting troop morale.
– Launched initiatives like Army Farms and Ranches and Barracks Investment Programme to improve soldiers’ welfare and self-sufficiency.
4. Technological and Operational Innovations
Buratai modernized the Army’s capabilities:
– Created the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command to combat digital threats.
– Commissioned indigenous Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, reducing reliance on foreign equipment.
– Established specialized units like the Motorcycle Battalion and Special Forces Command for terrain-specific operations.
5. Leadership and Diplomacy
– Personal involvement in combat: Buratai frequently led troops on frontline missions, such as the 2020 Limankara hills operation, inspiring soldiers.
– Post-retirement, he served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, strengthening bilateral ties and curbing cross-border crime.
– Promoted physical fitness within the Army, instituting policies like the Body Mass Index standard and completing a 60km run at age 60 to set an example.
6. Awards and Legacy
Buratai received numerous honors, including:
– Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
– Traditional titles like Betara of Biu Emirate and Jagunmolu of Saki Land.
– A Doctor of Letters (DLitt) honoris causa from NAUB.
Conclusion
General Buratai’s tenure reshaped the Nigerian Army into a more professional, technologically adept, and responsive institution. His legacy spans counterterrorism victories, educational advancements, and infrastructural development, earning him recognition as one of Nigeria’s most impactful military leaders.
For further details, refer to the cited sources.
As I wrote earlier, the information provided above is sourced from Deepseek, and it is a raw, unedited account of the current state of affairs. I firmly believe that it is crucial for Nigerians to learn the importance of acknowledging and commending leaders who are performing well or making significant positive contributions to the country, rather than indulging in the spreading of falsehoods, rumors, and smear campaigns simply because certain insecure individuals feel threatened by the rising prominence of others. This tendency to “kill their prophets” is detrimental to our collective progress.
For instance, take a closer look at the troubling situation in the North-East today; observe the morale of the troops, the quality of their training and kitting, and the overall leadership structure. Unfortunately, the situation has deteriorated significantly. During his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, General Buratai demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria, even placing his own life on the line and facing numerous life-threatening situations.
In stark contrast, we now witness a disheartening trend where current commanders seem reluctant to lead from the front lines. The theaters of war in both the North-East and North-West regions have ceased to serve as bastions of operational strength or secondary offices for the Service Chiefs. I am aware of several nearby villages to Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) that are under constant threat, with terrorists freely roaming about and yet, tragically, no one appears ready or willing to confront them. It is no surprise that our great nation is currently in a state of turmoil and unrest.
Securing a complex and diverse society like Nigeria is not a task for the faint of heart; it requires immense dedication, strategic planning, and REAL HARD WORK. I strongly believe that we must address these challenges head-on, with a united front and a renewed sense of purpose, if we are to restore peace and stability to our beloved country.
MS Abubakar writes from Maiduguri
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