Buratai’s Eye for Excellence: How the Former COAS Built a Generation of Military Leaders

In the often demanding and unpredictable world of military command, one of the most valuable qualities a leader can possess is the ability to identify, nurture, and deploy talent. For former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.), this was not just a skill but a hallmark of his leadership—one that continues to shape the Nigerian military landscape years after his service.

During his tenure as COAS, Buratai was widely praised for his strategic foresight, operational discipline, and reforms, but perhaps his most enduring legacy is the rise of officers he trusted with critical assignments. A look back at the July 2019 appointments he made reveals a pattern: he placed capable officers in roles that stretched their capacity, refined their leadership, and prepared them for future national assignments.

One of the key beneficiaries of Buratai’s mentorship culture is Maj.-Gen. C.G. Musa, who at the time moved from the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited to serve as Commander, Sector 3 of Operation Lafiya Dole in Monguno. He would later rise to become the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and is today Nigeria’s Defence Minister–nominee. His elevation underscores Buratai’s remarkable ability to spot potential even in unconventional postings and transform officers into frontline commanders and strategic decision-makers.

Similarly, Brig.-Gen. O.O. Oluyede, who was redeployed from the Amphibious Training School in Calabar to command the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, also rose to prominence under Buratai’s tenure. His subsequent career trajectory—culminating in senior national security responsibilities—demonstrates how Buratai’s appointments were never random; they were deliberate steps in grooming competent officers for higher calling.

Another example is Brig.-Gen. E.A.P. Undiandeye, reassigned from the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation to become Acting Director, Foreign Liaison, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). Today, Undiandeye stands as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), a role that blends operational expertise with diplomatic finesse—qualities Buratai clearly saw early on.

These success stories, now visible across Nigeria’s defence architecture, illustrate a deeper truth: Buratai’s leadership was defined not only by battlefield accomplishments but by human capacity development. He understood that the strength of an army lies in the quality of its officers. And so he invested in them—rotating them through critical commands, exposing them to new challenges, and entrusting them with responsibilities that shaped their future careers.

Military analysts often say that true leadership is measured not by what a leader achieves alone, but by the legacy of leaders they leave behind. If this is the yardstick, then Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has already secured his place in Nigeria’s military history. The officers now occupying some of the highest defence positions in the country stand as living testimonies to his grooming, mentorship, and strategic vision.

As Nigeria continues to navigate complex security challenges, the nation benefits not only from the reforms Buratai implemented but also from the generation of leaders he prepared—leaders who are now shaping the country’s defence strategies at the highest level.

The True Story of How Adesuwa Motors International Made Moves To Settle Aggrieved Customer’s Bad Deal

Ever since the traumatizing, wrongful accusations of the FBI on Adesuwa Ogiozee, it has been hell of a task to resolve numerous backlog transactions the over four years ordeal berthed.

She had since then being in severel financial situations with some of her customers due to the expenses absorbed in legal fees, attorneys, international law enforcers, courts and more; in proving her innocence.

It was her quest and pursuit for the truth that brought a resolve and clarity that ended the ordeal. She was the one that actually assisted the fbi in resolving the situation- by providing resources for international law enforcer to go after the culprit in Africa who was arrested after several trails. The feds then flew down to Nigeria to interrogate and confirm Adesuwa’s side of the story which led to the case dismissal with prejudice.
This has cost her everything including a business she built over a decade and her source of livelihood due to the extensive and unnecessary home confinement that lasted years with a monitoring bracelet. She had since then been battling numerous court cases from customers that the FBI situation affected; Including this particular customer.
It seems her life might never be the same again. As she is currently still suffering from major post trauma issues.

Briggs Egharevba is one of those difficult customers people come across in businesses. contrary to his complaints, this was only a failed business transaction due to the said circumstances.

According to a story on a blog, Egharevba is accusing Adesuwa of 139million naira involving the purchase of a luxury car. He further alleged that months after he initiated payment, no car was shipped to him. But he conveniently skipped the part where over seventy percent of his money has been refunded to him by Adesuwa.

This was simply a case of a delayed transaction occasioned by her ordeal. It is public knowledge that FBI’s improper investigation, wrongful profiling, indictment, extensive confinement, charges are what orchestrated Adesuwa’s ordeal.
Thankfully, she was given a clean bill of health after the International law enforcers stepped in and helped resolve the situation.

Apparently, her ordeal in the hands of the FBI affected the smooth running of her business – resulting in her inability to deliver the car. Adesuwa have since then, made efforts to address the issue by engaging the service of mediators, lawyers and others to help settle the matter but Egharevba was adamant, threatening and insisting on interests, pecentages and dollars even though all his payments were made in Naira. To make matters worse, he consulted an America blog to report a one-sided story.

Contrary to his report, she had started the process of the car acquisition but got stalled due to the FBI brouhaha. According to her, she had even refunded most of Egharevba’s money despite his attempt to stall the settlement process by not providing a Nigerian account as he consistently covers part of his account numbers in all document available.

Adesuwa despite her predicament is working to gradually settle amicably every customer affected by her ordeal. And she is gradually getting back to work, taking things one step at a time.

*Official Biography of Her Excellency Erelu Angela Adebayo: A Pillar of Ethical Leadership

Her Excellency Erelu Angela Adebayo is a distinguished Nigerian leader whose life and work exemplify compassion, integrity, ethical stewardship, and a profound commitment to public service, responsible corporate governance, and transformative philanthropy. Over the past four decades, she has emerged as one of Africa’s most iconic tri-sector leaders, and most respected female figures, deeply admired for her humility, moral strength, and unwavering devotion to improving society.

*Early Life and Education*

Born on 23 September 1958, H.E. Erelu Angela Adebayo’s life reflects a rare combination of intellectual depth, strong values, and a deep-seated commitment to service. Her foundational education began at Queen’s College, Yaba. She later earned a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Social Sciences from the University of Ibadan in 1979. She furthered her academic pursuits, completing an MBA at the University of Lagos in 1982 and an MPhil in Land Economy at the University of Cambridge (Cantab.) in 1994. This comprehensive academic journey has profoundly shaped her disciplined, principled, and globally attuned leadership style.

*Professional Career and Corporate Governance*

Erelu Adebayo’s corporate career is rooted in accountability, transparency, and ethical governance. She began her professional journey at ICON Merchant Bank in 1982 as a Banking Officer, later transitioning successfully into real estate, capital markets, and corporate board leadership. In these diverse sectors, she earned a reputation for fairness, strategic clarity, and moral strength.

Her distinguished service includes key roles such as: Director at United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, the First Female Chairman of WEMABOD Estates Limited, Chairman of Afriland Properties Plc., Director Greenwich Trust Limited, Director Meyer Paints Plc, and Council Member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (now NGX Group).

Furthermore, she serves as a Patron of the British-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce (BNCC).

Across all these roles, she has consistently championed ethical cultures, strengthened corporate governance frameworks, and ensured that institutions operate with transparency and respect for all stakeholders.

*Public Service and National Contribution*

Erelu Adebayo’s commitment to the nation was most prominently displayed during her tenure as First Lady of Ekiti State (1999–2003). This period remains a high point of ethical and compassionate public service, where she delivered impactful programmes focused on women’s health, child welfare, poverty alleviation, and community empowerment, always operating with a commitment to dignity and accountability.

Her key contributions include chairing the Ekiti State Action Committee on AIDS (SACA) and instituting transparent welfare support for widows and vulnerable mothers. She also spearheaded Soup Kitchen Initiatives in both Ekiti and Lagos, providing essential food support for the poor, elderly, and displaced persons. Her approach during this period set a clear benchmark for compassionate leadership anchored firmly in integrity and service to humanity.

*Philanthropy and Social Impact*

Philanthropy is unequivocally at the heart of Erelu Adebayo’s identity, defining her as one of Nigeria’s most compassionate and ethical humanitarians. She has dedicated her life to uplifting the most vulnerable members of society. Her key philanthropic roles include serving as Chairman of the Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Founding Trustee at Greenwich Foundation, and as a Trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation. She is also the Founder of the Erelu Adebayo Foundation.

One of her most enduring and remarkable legacies is the Erelu Adebayo Children’s Home, Iyin-Ekiti, which she founded with the deep belief that every child deserves dignity, love, and opportunity. Over the years, the home has provided shelter, protection, and education to hundreds of children. Many of these children, once abandoned or orphaned, have grown into university graduates, professionals, entrepreneurs, and responsible members of society.

This remarkable outcome stands as a profound testament to her compassion, her insistence on dignity for every child, and her commitment to building lives, not merely offering charity.

Her extensive humanitarian work also encompasses scholarship programmes, medical outreach support, women’s empowerment initiatives, counselling and rehabilitation services for victims of abuse, and structured food-support networks in Lagos and Ekiti. Her entire humanitarian approach is defined by integrity, empathy, and long-term impact, establishing a model of philanthropy rooted in accountability and love for humanity.

*Mentorship and Leadership Development*

Erelu Adebayo is intentional about raising the next generation of ethical African leaders. She serves as a dedicated mentor to countless young African professionals across various fields including public administration, finance, international development, entrepreneurship, civil society, and academia. Her mentorship philosophy strongly emphasises integrity in leadership, service before self, empathy and compassion, accountability, and excellence. Many of her mentees credit her as a guiding force who opened doors, shaped their moral compass, and inspired them to lead with both humanity and courage.

*International and Cultural Leadership*

Through her extensive global networks, Erelu Adebayo actively works to strengthen Nigeria–international relations and promote ethical business practices. As Patron of the British-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, she vigorously supports bilateral collaboration rooted in fairness, responsible investment, and mutual respect.

In her cultural capacity, she holds the highly esteemed traditional titles of Erelu of Iyin-Ekiti, Aare Erelu of Ado-Ekiti, and Erelu-Owa of Awo-Ekiti.

These positions recognise her as a cultural matriarch, peacebuilder, custodian of Yoruba values, and a revered mother figure to her communities, with her leadership promoting unity, moral discipline, and cultural continuity.

*Family Life*

Erelu Adebayo is married to His Excellency Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former Governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. Their marriage is blessed with three children.

*Conclusion*

Her Excellency Erelu Angela Adebayo stands today as an exemplar of compassionate, ethical, and principled leadership across the public sector, corporate boardrooms, and philanthropy. Her life’s work, which is defined by integrity, empathy, vision, and service, continues to uplift communities, strengthen institutions, and inspire the next generation of African leaders. Her enduring impact on children, women, families, institutions, and governance in Nigeria solidifies her position as one of the nation’s most respected and enduring pillars of moral and national leadership.