society
General Buratai: Quintessential Model In Probity And Diligence
I am compelled to write this short piece because of the lies some few miscreants are peddling around to tarnish the hard-earned name and reputation of General TY Buratai, the former Chief of Army Staff. Of particular interest to these liars and hate mongers is the modest modern industrial farm he had set up along Keffi road, near a locality known as “Zimbabwe.” This group of people says that General Buratai set up a lucrative farm with stolen money from the government. This is far from the truth; it is a total fallacy. I worry that as usual, some gullible Nigerians might end up believing this misinformation that is calculated to smear the name of General Buratai( rtd) as the gospel truth.
As I set the record straight, I want to make it categorically clear that the former COAS is a man of integrity, probity, and accountability. His passion for fiscal discipline, as well as due diligence in the release and management of
resources are second to none in the history of the Nigerian Army. Under his watch as COAS, every kobo was accounted for because all transactions were made through electronic payments. After that, it goes through checks and approvals from the appropriate unit heads.
Now, to this issue of the private farm owned by General Buratai which some people with sinister motives want to use to stain the character of the former COAS. It is important to understand that the fact that the farm was set up in Nigeria alone is a good thing because it has brought development and create jobs. Visit the farm and you will see for yourself.
The farm is officially known as Tukur and Tukur Farms and it is a limited liability company. The first name of General Buratai is Tukur; a name was given to him in honor of the district head of Gunda. I was reliably informed that
General Buratai bought the farmland as far back as 1996. This was when he served as Administration Officer in the Villa during the reign of the late General Sani Abacha. He is a natural-born farmer who loves planting crops and rearing animals. General Tukur bought the large expanse of farmland at a very cheap price because as of then the place was a complete bush. There were no people or development near it. But anyone who has a long-term plan for investment will not hesitate to buy it because its value will appreciate and development will eventually come closer.
The above informs the reason why General Buratai built his residence in Mararaba which is a township located in Nassarawa State. The late Sarkin Hausawa ( Alhaji Mohammed Jajere) of Mararaba is known to me and this information is known in his palace. General Buratai committed almost all his earnings into his private
residence, mosque, and farm. He wants his life to revolve around these three places. I can vividly remember that there is also a free water distribution channel at the Mararaba residence for the people of the neighborhood. He rose to the rank of major general and Commander MNJTF while still occupying the Mararaba residence and tending to his farm. The whole growth of the farm has been a gradual process that has taken nearly two decades to bring it to its present stage.
It was a good plan and people like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo did the same. Take a loan from the bank and plow it into their farms where they rear animals and plant crops. It’s not just a lucrative business but also a better way to enjoy one’s retirement.
Tukur and Tukur Farms is today a highly efficient company that produces thousands of crates of eggs daily, good cows that produce milk for yogurt, economic snakes, and the rest. For those who don’t know, snake venom is the best botox for plastic surgery nowadays. Quick, almost painless, and increasingly affordable, it’s now the go-to procedure for fighting the signs of ageing. While effective, it’s certainly not something everyone is on board with. By implication, it means it is a highly profitable business.
General Buratai (rtd) said that he would have been retired by Chief Obasanjo in 1999 but God ruled otherwise and used the then COAS, late General Victor Malu to prevent it. Although President Muhammadu Buhari was at PTF when Buratai served as Admin Officer at the Villa, their paths never crossed. In any case, Buratai and President Buhari first encountered each other in 1975. At that time President Buhari was the Military Governor of Borno State while Buratai was a JSS 1 student at Teacher’s College Maiduguri. President Buhari was fond of visiting the school in the evening to watch the boys participating in their
various sports activities. It was there that they met each other.
On another note, Buratai didn’t lobby to be made COAS by this government. He was in faraway Ndjamena as Commander MNJTF when President Buhari appointed him as the 20th COAS. He served this country, gallantly and diligently for 66 months as COAS and then turned in his resignation letter to the President. Many eminent Nigerians including the new COAS testified that Buratai served this country meritoriously as COAS. He is now a retired military officer but as God will have it, he is now an Ambassador-Designate.
This is a man raised by God. No human seems to qualify to pull him down or tarnish his image and reputation. His secret is his life principles which comprise diligence, integrity, loyalty, courage, empathy, and faith in the will and plan of God.
Ahead of 2027: BSA Diaspora Vanguard Backs Sarafadeen Alli for Oyo State Governor
Support for APC chieftain Barrister Sarafadeen Alli’s 2027 governorship ambition is growing both at home and abroad, with the BSA Diaspora Vanguard in North America throwing its weight behind him.
The group, led by Chief Dr. Olayinka Afolabi, Chief Coordinator of the BSA Diaspora Vanguard North America Chapter, said it is committed to mobilizing resources and awareness to ensure Alli emerges as Oyo State’s next governor.
“Barrister Sarafadeen Alli is tested, trusted, and understands what the people of Oyo State need,” Chief Afolabi said. “We in the BSA Diaspora Vanguard North America are determined to complement his efforts by enlightening Oyo indigenes in the diaspora and rallying support to bring this vision to reality.”
The group added that it would intensify outreach across North America to inform the Oyo community about Alli’s track record and plans for the state.
Banwo Law Offers Lifeline as New USCIS Policy Threatens Immigrants With Re-Entry Bans
A major immigration policy shift being considered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) could place thousands of immigrants at risk of severe re-entry penalties, according to renowned immigration attorney Ope Banwo, whose law firm, Banwo Law, says it is already helping affected individuals navigate the evolving situation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Octopus News, Banwo warned that the policy memo issued by USCIS on May 22 could dramatically alter the pathway many immigrants currently use to obtain permanent residency in the United States.
According to him, USCIS is signaling that Adjustment of Status inside the United States may no longer be treated as the standard route to obtaining a Green Card, but rather as an “extraordinary” form of relief.
If fully implemented, the policy could require many immigrants to complete their Green Card processing through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad instead of remaining in America during the process.
Banwo explained that the potential policy change could affect a broad category of immigrants, including H1B workers, F1 students, B1/B2 visitors, exchange visitors, temporary workers, and even some immigrants currently maintaining lawful status in the United States.
“For decades, Adjustment of Status has protected many immigrants from dangerous immigration consequences tied to leaving the United States,” Banwo stated.
“The danger now is that some immigrants could unknowingly trigger automatic three-year or ten-year re-entry bans the moment they depart America for overseas visa processing.”
He noted that many immigrants are unaware that prolonged unlawful presence in the United States can activate severe immigration penalties once they leave the country, even if their departure is tied to official immigration processing.
According to Banwo, marriage-based Green Card applicants, employment-based immigrants, visa overstays, and temporary workers transitioning to permanent residency may all face significant legal complications under the proposed policy direction.
However, Banwo urged immigrants not to panic, stressing that proper legal guidance and strategic planning remain critical.
He warned immigrants against relying on unverified social media information or “TikTok lawyers” when making life-changing immigration decisions.
Banwo disclosed that Banwo Law, accessible through SpeakWithOpe.com https://speakwithope.com, is already providing consultations to immigrants across the United States by reviewing immigration histories, assessing waiver eligibility, and developing legal strategies tailored to individual cases.
The experienced immigration law firm is also helping clients understand whether they may still qualify for Adjustment of Status inside the United States or whether alternative legal pathways may be available.
Banwo stressed that immigrants should seek experienced legal counsel before traveling outside the United States or taking any immigration steps that could jeopardise their ability to return or secure lawful permanent residency.
“Immigration law is changing rapidly,” he said. “This is not the time for guesswork. People need experienced legal guidance now more than ever.”
society
EWMCN Congratulates SK Sensation On Third-Term Re-Election As FUMAN National President ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
EWMCN Congratulates SK Sensation On Third-Term Re-Election As FUMAN National President ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)
The President of the Elite Women Musician Club of Nigeria (EWMCN), Alhaja Queen Isimot Abake Abiola, popularly known as Omo-Opeki, has extended warm congratulations to Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Agboola, widely known as SK Sensation, following his successful re-election for a third term as the National President of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN).
In a congratulatory statement issued on behalf of EWMCN, Omo-Opeki described the victory as well-deserved, noting that the continuous support SK Sensation enjoys from members of the association is a clear reflection of his impact, leadership style, and dedication to the advancement of Fuji music in Nigeria.
According to her, his re-election for another term represents not only a personal achievement, but also a sign of stability and continuity for the Fuji music community at a time when unity, structure, and strong leadership remain important within the entertainment industry.
She further commended SK Sensation for his efforts in promoting peace, cooperation, and development among Fuji musicians across different regions of the country, while also acknowledging his role in sustaining the relevance and visibility of FUMAN over the years.
Omo-Opeki stated that under his leadership, the association has continued to witness growth and stronger representation within the cultural and entertainment space, adding that many stakeholders in the industry recognize the consistency and commitment he has brought to the office.
“Leadership is earned through service, and this third-term victory clearly shows the confidence and trust members have in him,” she noted while praying for greater wisdom, strength, and success for the FUMAN President as he begins another tenure.
The EWMCN President also urged members of the association and the wider Fuji music community to remain united and supportive in order to ensure continued progress for the genre and its practitioners.
Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Agboola, popularly known as SK Sensation, remains one of the respected figures within the Fuji music industry and currently serves as the National President of FUMAN, the umbrella body representing Fuji musicians across Nigeria.
- Seychelles: Minister Faure and Ambassador Azais Tatistscheff discuss humanitarian and healthcare cooperation May 22, 2026
- African Energy Chamber (AEC) to Position Africa as South America’s Next Strategic Energy Frontier at Association of Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Companies of Latin America and the Caribbean (ARPEL) Conference 2026 May 22, 2026
- Afreximbank Posts Robust Q1 2026 Results with 25% Growth in Net Income and Improved Profitability May 22, 2026
- Africa: Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood Systems (SoilFER) programme scales up soil fertility monitoring through Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy May 22, 2026
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) receives USD 4 million from the Regional Humanitarian Fund to save lives and protect the livelihoods of the most vulnerable households in Chad May 22, 2026
- Algeria: Mr. Attaf received by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt May 22, 2026
- Seychelles: President Herminie Engages Tourism Office on La Digue on Visitor Safety and Infrastructure May 22, 2026
- Meeting between State-Minister Kunimitsu and H.E. Mr. João Jorge Matlombe, Minister of Transport and Logistics of Mozambique May 22, 2026
- Ebola response support: United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) airlifts nearly 30 tons of equipment to Bunia May 22, 2026
- Liberia: President Boakai Congratulates Cameroon on National Day May 22, 2026
- Seychelles: Minister Faure and Ambassador Azais Tatistscheff discuss humanitarian and healthcare cooperation May 22, 2026
- African Energy Chamber (AEC) to Position Africa as South America’s Next Strategic Energy Frontier at Association of Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Companies of Latin America and the Caribbean (ARPEL) Conference 2026 May 22, 2026
- Afreximbank Posts Robust Q1 2026 Results with 25% Growth in Net Income and Improved Profitability May 22, 2026
- Africa: Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood Systems (SoilFER) programme scales up soil fertility monitoring through Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy May 22, 2026
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) receives USD 4 million from the Regional Humanitarian Fund to save lives and protect the livelihoods of the most vulnerable households in Chad May 22, 2026
- Algeria: Mr. Attaf received by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt May 22, 2026
- Seychelles: President Herminie Engages Tourism Office on La Digue on Visitor Safety and Infrastructure May 22, 2026
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