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NIGERIA: THE UNBREAKABLE GIANT RISING THROUGH STORMS By Tukur Buratai

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NIGERIA: THE UNBREAKABLE GIANT RISING THROUGH STORMS

By Tukur Buratai

In a world quick to predict national failure, few countries have endured more scrutiny than Nigeria. From think-tank forecasts to global risk assessments, the country is often portrayed as teetering on the edge. Yet, beneath these narratives lies a deeper truth—Nigeria’s extraordinary resilience.

In a recent reflection posted on his Facebook page, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.), argues that the idea of Nigeria as a potential failed state is not only inaccurate but a fundamental misunderstanding of its history and its destiny. For Buratai, Nigeria is not crumbling—it is rising.

 

A Nation Shaped by Giants

Buratai begins by invoking the spirit of Nigeria’s founding fathers—Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo—leaders whose vision helped carve a nation out of colonial rule. Their legacy, he notes, created a foundation that no crisis has ever completely shaken.

From post-independence turbulence to military incursion and back to democracy, Nigeria has repeatedly pulled back from the brink. Military leaders like Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Murtala Mohammed steered the country through nation-defining moments, while Chief Olusegun Obasanjo twice restored political stability—first in 1979 and again in 1999.

Today, Buratai observes, Nigeria is seeing the rise of a new generation of leaders—young, connected, innovative, and more accountable to citizens who are vocal and increasingly conscious of their power. Their commitment to unity and national progress, he insists, makes the idea of a collapsing Nigeria “inconceivable.”

 

Economy: Hardship, Yes — but Also Immense Opportunity

Buratai acknowledges the economic turbulence facing the nation, but he cautions against interpreting temporary difficulty as long-term decline. Since independence, Nigeria has transformed from a primarily agrarian society to Africa’s largest economy.

He highlights several underutilized strengths:

Human capital—a youthful population and a highly skilled diaspora

Agricultural capacity—enough arable land to feed West Africa

Solid mineral wealth—from gold to lithium and iron ore

Renewable energy potential—sunlight strong enough to power industries

Creative and digital innovation—Nollywood, Afrobeats, and a booming tech sector

For Buratai, these assets guarantee that Nigeria’s economic future remains bright. The ongoing diversification away from oil, though slow and painful, is laying the groundwork for a knowledge-driven and resilient economy.

Security and Infrastructure: A Nation in Transition

Nigeria’s security challenges—Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry, and separatist agitations—remain a national concern. But Buratai argues that these struggles represent a phase of renewal, not collapse.

He notes that Boko Haram, once feared for its territorial control, has been significantly degraded from its peak in 2014–2015 due to years of tactical and strategic adjustments. The armed forces, he insists, are more retooled and revitalized than many acknowledge.

On infrastructure, Buratai highlights what he calls “quiet revolutions”—railway revival projects, major road expansions, airport modernization programs, and the massive Dangote Refinery, now the largest single-train refinery on earth. These developments, he suggests, point to a nation investing aggressively in its long-term foundations.

 

The Real Strength: The Nigerian Spirit

Beyond institutions, policies, and economics, Buratai identifies the Nigerian people as the country’s most powerful engine of survival.

He recounts moments that tested the nation’s soul:

The civil war of 1967–1970

Structural Adjustment hardships of the 1980s

Pro-democracy struggles that ended military rule

The #EndSARS youth movement demanding transparency

And today’s economic trials

Despite everything, Nigerians continue to innovate, hustle, survive, and support one another through communal systems like esusu and grassroots solidarity.

“This social capital,” Buratai writes, “is the bedrock upon which the nation’s future is secured.”

 

A Message to the West: Stop Predicting Collapse—Start Building Partnerships

Buratai’s feature sharply criticizes international observers who constantly forecast Nigeria’s doom. He warns that such narratives distract from the opportunities Nigeria presents and risk undermining global cooperation.

He calls for:

1. Technology Transfer—especially in green energy and digital infrastructure

2. Investment, Not Aid—to unlock Nigeria’s private sector potential

3. Collaborative Security—rooted in respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty

 

The West, he argues, must stop preparing for Nigeria’s collapse and start preparing for Nigeria’s rise.

Recommendations for a Stronger Nigeria and a Stronger Africa

Buratai outlines a three-level plan:

For Nigeria

Forge a new patriotism focused on merit and national service

Deepen economic diversification with targeted investment funds

Expand community-based security under national coordination

For Developed Nations

Shift to partnership-based engagement

Reform global financial institutions

Elevate Nigerian creativity and innovation on global platforms

For Africa

Strengthen AfCFTA to build continental self-reliance

Share security and anti-corruption practices

Assert collective power in global negotiations

 

Conclusion: A Nation Destined to Rise

Buratai concludes with conviction: Nigeria will not fail—not now, not ever.

“Our current trials,” he writes, “are the furnace in which a stronger, more united, and self-reliant nation is being forged.”

For him, the world must begin to see Nigeria not as a volatile experiment but as a rising global force whose trajectory is upward.

And in his final words, he echoes a sentiment shared by millions across the country:

“We will not fail. We are rising.”

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Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

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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.

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Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

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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.

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta's Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

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.

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Adron Homes Elevates Cultural Pride as Dignitaries Grace 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta

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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.

 

Adron Homes Elevates Cultural Pride as Dignitaries Grace 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta

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