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OON AWARD: COME AND SEE ME DEY BUGA… By Femi Adesina OON

Published

2 years ago

October 14, 2022

Sahara Weekly

OON AWARD: COME AND SEE ME DEY BUGA… By Femi Adesina OON

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Femi Adesina – The news came like a bolt from the blue. I had been slated to receive National Honours Award in the rank of Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON. Who, me? I almost couldn’t believe it. Astounded is the word. But the person telling me was neither flippant nor frivolous. And a short while after, I had the letter in my hands, duly signed, bearing the good news in cold print. I still asked: who, me? Yes, it was me. Emi lo kan. It was truly my turn, and no mistake.

On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, the deed was done. I was among 450 people (443 Nigerians and 7 foreigners) who turned out at the International Conference Center, Abuja, to be decorated with National Honours by no less a person than President Muhammadu Buhari himself. He was on his feet for about four hours, personally festooning winners and handing out the honors. He took only a few minutes interlude twice, so that cultural troupes could perform. At 80 in two months, God is extremely kind to our President.

The National Honours Award was established by the National Honours Act number 5 of 1964 “to honour deserving citizens who have contributed to the development and progress of the country in any field of endeavor.” What then qualified me? I didn’t know. But the Committee in charge had found me proper and worthy, and there I was, being decorated as Officer of the Order of the Niger. I wanted to ask again; who, me? But it was past questions at that time. It was reality, crystal clear. Come had come to become (apologies to colorful politician, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe).

On award day, I had suddenly found myself awake at 1.19 am. This was the real wee hours, when people do different things, both good and bad. I love my sleep, but here was I, wide awake. And the kaleidoscope of my life began to play before me. Son of two teachers, I was barely two years old when I was frogmarched to school. Amazing that I can vividly remember the day, with my oversized school uniform, particularly the knicker, which me and my siblings later named ‘sokoto yambari,’ a jocular Yoruba word for massive, outsize. And that knicker surely was. The man who called himself a tailor must have been a carpenter in his former life.

Father was principal at St Charles Grammar School, in Osogbo, then in Western Region. And school was St Claire’s Nursery School, where I bounced cheerily to, barely visible in my sokoto yambari.

Work took my father to Notre Dame College, Usi-Ekiti, some years later. And school continued at St Joseph’s Primary School. I had grown taller, and sokoto yambari was gone.

And then in 1971, my father decided to retire from service, just in his mid-40s. We headed home, to Ipetumodu, in present day Osun State. Schooling continued at St Augustine’s Primary School, then to Origbo Community High School, and to the then University of Ife, and on and on.

Professional career. Marriage. Fatherhood. Climbing the ladder, becoming MD/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Newspapers. Till President Buhari made me his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity in 2015. I watched the film of my life in those wee hours. From beginning till now. Will it be like that on Judgment Day, when the film of our lives would be shown to us? Well, this was no judgement day, so let’s not scare ourselves. It was Honours Day. And I began to sing, praise God, and pray. Did I also cry? I won’t tell you, lest you make jest of me.

So, Femi Adesina is now OON. The boy from Ipetumodu. A television reporter had asked me how I felt about it later that day. And I replied: delighted. If I had been object of so much abuses, excoriation, flagellation, from evil hearts, wailing wailers, simply because I came to serve my country, headed by a man I’d always admired, and I took everything in my strides, why shouldn’t I take this one, too? Why shouldn’t I, in the words of the song by Kizz Daniel and Techno, begin to buga. “Let me see you dey buga, go low low low, go low low low, buga won.”

I was landing and landing softly on the sofa floor, courtesy President Buhari and Members of the National Awards Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Bage, the Emir of Lafia. The National Honours and Award Investiture Organizing Committee is headed by Sen. George Akume, Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs. I thank them all.

I have seen the good side of Nigerians with this award. From all walks of life, I have received congratulatory messages, through newspaper advertisements, phone calls, text messages, and on all social media platforms where I’m active. I thank my Kabiyesi, Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu who placed a phone call to me, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, who placed a full page newspaper advert on behalf of Oke-Ona Egba Dynasty Trust Foundation, my friend, Niyi Adesanya, a Leadership and Business Re-Engineering Expert, who also placed a full page newspaper advert, Prof Amidu O. Sanni, Vice Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo, who sent in a personal congratulatory letter, my General Overseer, Rev Sam Aboyeji of the Foursquare Gospel Church, my pastor, Rev Ayomide Abraham, and thousands and thousands of people of goodwill. Friends, loved ones, relations, and even complete strangers. This country is not just filled with wailing wailers, who see no good in others. I have seen the Lord’s goodness, His mercies and compassion…

How about my own professional association, the Nigeria Guild of Editors, of which I was a past President? They hosted me to a dinner on Tuesday, alongside other media people that were given awards. God bless you all.

I thank my friends from the South-East, under the auspices of Igbo Friends of Femi Adesina, led by Rev Austin Ifeanyi Epunam. They paid me a congratulatory visit at State House, coming with a cake which we cut together. Ndeewo.

Can I possibly mention all? ‘Imposicant,’ as we say in local lingo. Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone.

Make you see me dey buga, go low low low, go low low low, buga won.

If you don’t believe, ask my wife, who I told after the investiture: “henceforth, when you call me, you must add OON, FNGE (Fellow Nigeria Guild of Editors) FCICMC (Fellow Chartered Institute of Corporate Mentoring and Coaching), Nwanne di Namba, Ugomba, etc. Otherwise, I won’t answer.” With my shoulders up. I don become a case.

Hahahahahaaaaaaa. Let me see you dey buga, go low low low, go low low low, buga won.

*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

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REVIEW OF, ‘THE LEGEND OF BURATAI 2’ By Hannatu Lot Dickson

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2024

Sahara Weekly

AMBASSADOR (LT. GENERAL RTD) TUKUR BURATAI, WOULD BE AN INVALUABLE ASSET TO THE GOVERNMENT OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU. By Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi

REVIEW OF, ‘THE LEGEND OF BURATAI 2’

By Hannatu Lot Dickson

The Legend of Buratai Volume 2 is authored by General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, the former Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Army. The book was Published by Sprezzatura Publishing Ltd. Cover design by Mereo Books. It was published October 13, 2021 in English Language. It has 125 pages with ISBN-10: * 186151915X and ISBN-13: * 978-1861519153.

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The author Tukur Yusuf Buratai CFR psc(+) NAM GSS ndc (BD) was born 24 November 1960. He is a retired Nigerian army lieutenant general, former Chief of Army Staff appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2015, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1983 and has had multiple command, administrative, and instructional appointments.

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The Legend of Buratai 2 is a novel base on true-life story of General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, the former Chief of Army Staff. It is a novel of eight (8) chapters and has one hundred and twenty-five (125) pages. Each of these chapters and pages is so richly engaging and informative from start to finish.
Just a recap of the plot summary, the book is the enthralling true-life story in his own words, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, the Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Army, who rose to legendary status by dint of hard work, bravery, diligence, excellence and honesty. His journey through life is presented as an exemplary story for all who would aspire to follow his path. His childhood and formative years were also captured.

The preliminary pages of “The Legend of Buratai 2” begins with the titled page where the titled of the book was boldly written and the author’s name. Then followed by the cover page design which contains the cover photo which was taken in Ngamdu. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai is clearly seen in the picture with troops during operations against Boko Haram terrorists at the Nigerian Army Special Super Camp Ngamdu, Borno State in April 2020. He was practically leading the combat operations. Them followed by the content page which outlines the book’s structure, listing chapters, which helps readers navigate the book’s organization and content.

The Photographic Acknowledgement section credits the sources of photographs used in the book, acknowledging photographs taken from the personal album of the author. Followed by a heartfelt message dedicating the book to all young people in Nigeria, and especially those of the Nigerian Military School and the Nigerian Defence Academy.

The Publisher’s Note and acknowledgement pages expressed gratitude while the Forward was written by Major General Paul Tarfa mni (Rtd), who described General Buratai’s records of service as Chief of Staff of Nigerian Army as legendary and cannot be surpassed. ‘He is a General who inspires his subjects by leading from the front’. He further, provided context, endorsement, and insights into the book’s significance.

The author begins chapter one by talking about the beginning which captures the lineage, nuclear family and the journey of Yusufu Buratai especially when he joined the RWAFF. Chapter four depict the miraculous escape from the pond as a child, Dr. Gidado Kumo and John Atanda spoke in chapter three and four, while chapter five and six described the author’s encounters with Snakes and Ghost respectively. chapter seven followed with matters bordering on patriotisms and chapter eight list several principles guiding Lt. General TY Buratai, a few out of those principles are: Do not bother about what people say,; Commit to improving yourself to the extent that you do not have time to compete or criticize others; Let excellence be your trademark anywhere you find yourself; Do not be too proud to retrace your steps back to the right path; Listen more and say less; Always lead with courage or not at all; Honour your words as your bond and never make a promise you can’t keep…
The plot is set in Buratai town, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State to Potiskum, Yobe State. The genre is non-fiction.

The book, ‘The Legend of Buratai 2’ is the best pick for young minds in need of inspiration and mentorship. It is a captivating and fascinating masterpiece, rich in original history, military tactics, strategies and important life lessons with a touch of spirituality straight from the mind and experiences of true and pragmatic General TY Buratai.

The Legend of Buratai 2 has the potentials to recoup reinvigorate patriotism to our fatherland Nigeria. It also has the capability and potentials to make a young mind dream and do everything in their powers to live their dreams just like Lt. General TY Buratai.

The book is so real, it’s not a conventional love story with a perfectly Happy-Ever-After. It was infused with strong themes, I love how Lt Gen. TY Buratai recollected his childhood and formative years, how he was educating us on how to be patriotic and how he described ‘the wretched rustic life of a terrorist’ infused in a poem titled, ‘ARE YOU A TERRORIST?’
The themes in “The Legend of Buratai: Volume 2” include

– Hard work: General Tukur Yusuf Buratai’s rise to legendary status is attributed to his diligence and hard work.

– Bravery: General Buratai is known for his bravery and military tactics.
– Excellence: General Buratai’s journey to excellence is presented as an exemplary story for all who would aspire to follow his path.

– Honesty: General Buratai’s honesty is one of the key characteristics that contributed to his legendary status.

– Patriotism: The book is capable of reawakening patriotism to one’s fatherland, according to Moses A. Uyang, author and humanitarian.

– Diligence: Buratai’s diligence is another factor that contributed to his success.

The book is practically a handbook or a catalyst for youngsters who dear to dream, who wants to love and serve their country whole heartedly, be patriotic and serve humanity in all earnest and honesty.

The book offers a wide range of literary appreciation and acceptance, historical sources, and educative values. It is a foundation for historical and otherwise critical evaluation.

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Saturday Faaji : The Much Anticipated Neon Night With Osupa Saheed Is Here

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Saturday Faaji : The Much Anticipated Neon Night With Osupa Saheed Is Here

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For some time now, the teeming fans of the undisputed King of Fuji Music, Saheed Osupa have been longing to see him back on stage on home soil due to his long absence oversee on tour.
Now, the much anticipated show, Neon Night with Osupa Saheed is here, the date is Saturday 18th May 2024, at prestigious RM Hall Magodo, Lagos.

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Saheed Osupa would be thrilling his fans live on stage this time in another dimension, as all necessary things have been taken care of, including maximum security for this much anticipated event.

In the uniqueness of this Neon Night, with Osupa Saheed, the Lord of music will not be alone on stage as other fast rising artiste, Suave, The Omalicha’s crooner will also be performing on the same stage with Saheed Osupa alongside some other popular artistes.
It’s going to be a Bomb as this is the first show he would be doing in Lagos since he came into Nigeria.

A large percentage of his fans have been calling to register their joy that their favorite Fuji king would be performing that day. According to LAWBELL Manager in Nigeria ,OLABANJI ADELANA, he said the Canadian entertainment company packaging the show is fully prepared for the event and no stone would be left unturned

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Ogun Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Oludotun, Conferred Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers In Abuja

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ogun Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Oludotun, Conferred Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers In Abuja

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The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has conferred the prestigious honor of Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) on Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, the Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry.

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The conferment ceremony took place in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, and is a testament to Engr. Oludotun’s dedication and expertise in the field of engineering.

Our correspondent reports that Engr. Oludotun, popularly known as Twinny, has had a distinguished career in engineering and public service.

The Forest Commissioner is also a registered engineer with the Council of Registered Engineers in Nigeria (COREN) and has held various leadership positions, including General Manager at Unistar Hi-Tech Systems Ltd and Commissioner for Rural Development in Ogun State.

His experience in policy development and leadership has driven inclusive and sustainable development in rural areas, improving the quality of life for residents and promoting social and economic progress.

The conferment of FNSE on Engr. Oludotun is a well-deserved recognition of his achievements and commitment to the engineering profession.

Engr. Oludotun is actively participated in various technical and management trainings, workshops, seminars, and conferences, both locally and internationally.

The Commissioner’s contributions to humanity have been recognized by various NGOs, and he has earned several outstanding awards and accolades.

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