Southern Youth Forum Congratulates General Buratai On Doctorate Degree
The Southern Youth Forum (SYF) under the leadership of Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi and Barrister John Atani, has
felicitated with the former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, General Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (rtd), on his recent conferment as Doctor Of Letters, Honoris Causa By Nigerian Army University Biu, Borno State, and also his turbanning as one of the kingmakers of Biu Emirate, the Betera of Biu.
In a statement signed by the SYF leaders and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, the Forum stressed that the recognitions are well-deserved, adding that the honour is a testament to General Buratai’s doggedness and selfless service to his fatherland.
The former COAS was conferred with the Doctor of Letters honorary award at the first convocation ceremony of the Nigerian Army University Biu, Borno State, on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the university’s main campus. Similarly, he was also turbaned as Betera of Biu Emirate on the same weekend.
According to SYF, which is the umbrella body of youth leaders from the 17 southern states of Nigeria, the double honours have given credence and recognition to General Buratai’s distinguished, meritorious and dedicated service to the country and humanity.
The statement reads, “As the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS, Nigerian Army), General Buratai conceived and played a critical role in the establishment of the University in 2018, the NAUB, designed for developing middle and high-level manpower in the areas of technological empowerment for civilians and the appreciation for military policy, logistics and strategy. It’s also a centre of innovation and technological development to meet the ever-changing and rapid development in the dynamics of modern warfare.
“General Buratai’s ethical and professional display throughout his reign as the Chief of Army Staff earned him an Ambassadorial position where he fostered a cordial relationship between the Republic of Benin and Nigeria.
He has a sterling reputation as a military strategist and his dedication and role in the fight against terrorism and insurgency are well-documented in the history of Nigeria.
“Under his watch, Nigeria conducted a successful 2019 general election with voters in the northeastern part of the country fully participated in the exercise. He decimated, degraded and technically defeated Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Nigeria and made the northeast and other part of the country a safe zone for all residents.”
The forum noted futher that, ” General Buratai is a combination of strength and character, whose deep thoughts gave birth to numerous interventions that repositioned the Nigerian Army. Aside from the combat efficiency of the Nigerian Army, which was at its peak during his tenure, he was able to make tangible introductions that many thought could not be achieved.
“A good example is the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC). Also his approach to an enhanced civil – military relationship, brought the military especially the Nigerian Army closer to the populace.
“During his tenure as Army Chief, Buratai initiated a range of activities in support of developing the force through intensive training, mentoring, partnering, monitoring and empowering. His efforts in this regard include setting up the Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies in Biu, Nigerian Army Aviation hangar at Jaji Airstrip, Kaduna; Mine Resistance Amour Protected vehicles (MRAP); establishment of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School; First Nigerian Army indigenous infantry patrol vehicle; Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command and the Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company, and other numerous intervention, that made the Nigerian Army a truly peoples army and the bedrock of our democracy.
“In addition, he established Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches and he built and commissioned various monumental projects across various army formations throughout the Country. The former Army chief also renovated a lot of projects he met on the ground and initiated water projects across various barracks. It is believed that, in terms of projects, capacity building, training and welfare, Buratai’s tenure as COAS is always a reference point and second to none.”
The youth group further described General Buratai as a patriot, nationalist and an epitome of selfless, altruistic and unalloyed leadership.
“The Southern Youth leaders by this statement, once again, salute this exemplary leader, comsumate soldier, and meritorious Chief of Army Staff, who came when his country needed him most and has continued to serve humanity and impacted positively on this generation. His name will continue to be written in gold in the annals of history and he will be remembered for his selfless services to fatherland and humanity,” the statement said.