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Tukur Buratai: General Extraordinaire By Bukar Usman
Tukur Buratai: General Extraordinaire
By Bukar Usman
The Legend of Buratai Vol. 3, Sprezzatura, Abuja, 2022; Amb. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, pp. 238
This volume of Legend of Buratai which has 9 chapters and is 238 pages long was published in 2022. It was preceded by two volumes. However, it was observed that the previous volumes did not quite discuss Lt General Tukur Yusufu Buratai’s (Gen Buratai) military career and the basis of his successes. Although Gen Buratai had planned to discuss his military career in his memoir, he yielded to the desires of his readers and devoted volume 3 to a narrative of the thoughts and principles that guided him on his way to generalship. And so very early in the book Gen Buratai declared that: “In my attempt to take a critical look at generalship and the road to that exalted circle in the military, I shall expound my understanding of what is leadership, types of leadership and the best leadership style that has worked for me, leadership and generalship, steps or things I did that helped me on the road to generalship, and pitfalls to avoid on the road. This is a recollection of my personal experience from the field and also theories I learned in the class” (p.6).
In effect, Gen Buratai’s military career began in his boyhood days. According to him, he was a born soldier. His father was a World War II veteran and soldiering was his first choice as a profession even though it was providence that got him enlisted into the Nigerian Army.
A friend of his at the Teachers College Potiskum that he also attended had intimated to him of an ongoing recruitment exercise into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He quickly applied, sat for the examination, passed, received his father’s blessings, and got enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a cadet in 1981. There, began his military career in earnest although his Indian teacher at the Teachers College Potiskum had noticed something extraordinary in his personality even at that youthful age as he kept referring to him in the class as a ‘great man’ (p.18).
As the narration goes, Gen Buratai outlined in detail step-by-step the process of his rise to generalship with the sole purpose of guiding his fellow cadets and junior officers on what to do for those of them who aspire from their lowly positions to be generals and even to a higher opportunity of the rank of a 3-star general that he proudly attained and served for 66months as Chief of Army Staff before he bowed out of service after 41years of military career.
Gen Buratai went on to further explain the purpose of writing this volume thus: “It is not an easy feat to rise to the level of a three-star general and Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria. There are principles and disciplines that I developed and learned from others that helped me to succeed in the Army. It will be a great disservice to humanity to keep them to myself and not to share (it) with those coming up; those who want work hard and smartly to succeed in the military” (p.30).
In his prescriptions on the road to generalship, Gen Buratai laid emphasis on personal development as being very critical to any cadet or junior officer, male or female, who wants to become a military leader, more so, in the mold of general, adding that: “…the best thing to do for any officer on the road to generalship is to be a good follower, imbibe the principles of diligence, loyalty, and excellence in all ramifications of one’s life. If you want to succeed as an officer and become a military leader, you must perform better in order to stand out from the crowd. Why? It is because good performance begets more and better opportunities” (p.31).
As a demonstration of his personal development, Gen Buratai recanted how after qualification as a teacher and graduation from NDA, he proceeded to acquire his first Degree in History at the University of Maiduguri and a Master of Philosophy in Security Studies from the Bangladesh University of Professionals. These are in addition to subsequent professional courses he went through as a military officer. In all modesty, Gen Buratai stated that in all this, he performed excellently well. It is on that account that he emphasized the benefit of education and reading which he said allow one to learn from the experiences of people one never met and who were widely reputed to be successful as military officers and as civilians in other professions in Nigeria and other countries. Gen Buratai said: “What usually distinguishes leaders from their peers and their followers is personal development for when others are busy partying and sleeping, the prospective leader is busy burning the midnight oil, reading voraciously, drinking from the fountain of wisdom and knowledge like a thirsty camel in the desert’’ (p.95), stressing that “…reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body” (p.98).
One should read widely and in-depth, digest or process what one has read, reflect, and make a concerted effort to put into practice what one has read, he further advised.
The rest of the book and more especially Chapter 7, pp. 103 -154, are devoted to discussions on leadership principles and citing numerous personalities worldwide who were successful based on critical success factors that include and most importantly the virtues of trust, honesty, influence, communication skill, loyalty, selflessness, diligence, determination, confidence, ambition, commitment, physical fitness, physical appearance, the spirit of camaraderie, optimism, alertness, personal character, professional capacity, the art of moderation, acquisition of multilingualism skills, style of leadership, leading by example, winning mentality, prayers, and avoidance of pitfalls encountered by others. Gen Buratai cited numerous personal and other examples backed by several quotations on the leadership of people who had been exceptionally successful in and out of this country and going back into history to include pronouncements by notable contemporary leaders and ancient philosophers of the likes of Confucious (551-479) and a famous military strategist Alexander the Great (356-324 BC).
It is noteworthy that to underline the importance of self-discipline Gen Buratai, quoting Plato, stated that: “… For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of victories” adding that “…the military officer needs to be disciplined in all ramifications of his life, the way he dresses, eats, periods of sleep, talks, walks, and relates with superiors and subordinates.
There is no way a military officer can rise to generalship without personal discipline” (p.118).
It is equally noteworthy that Gen Buratai being a qualified teacher, rendered the entire narration of the book in a style of an instructor addressing his students which in this case are military cadets and junior officers. It is also a credit to him that unlike books written by former fellow military officers, there is not much of the use of military terminologies which sometimes make it difficult for the non-military reader to understand. His was written in simple English all through.
There is no doubt that not only military officers but anyone else who reads the book stands to benefit immensely from the emphasis on self-discipline in everything one does as well as the imperatives and gains of persistence in the development of the body and mind.
Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai who hails from Buratai Town in Biu Local Government of Borno State, North Eastern Nigeria, was born on November 24, 1960. He enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1981 and retired in 2021. Post-military service, he served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Benin Republic, 2021-2022.
Bukar Usman is the former permanent secretary in the presidency, Abuja.
https://sunnewsonline.com/tukur-buratai-general-extraordinaire/
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Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.
Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.
As Muslims all over the world begins the 30 days compulsory fasting and prayer today,top Fuji Musician Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido has congratulates them for witnessing another month of Ramadan.
Akanni advised them to follow the teachings of the the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which is peaceful co existence among themselves and their neighbor ‘because Islam is Religion of peace”.
He said the month of Ramadan is an holy month therefore Muslims should try as much as they can to maintain peaceful coexistence among themselves and others and that they should see themselves as ambassador of peace.
While praying for Nigeria,Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido said he believes that there will be an economic turnaround soon because what’s is happening now are signs of thought times that never last “if we can pecevere things will get better”.
The Scorpido crooner who recently released a hip hop single titled “Magbelo” said he is currently working on a complete album which will be released before the end of the year.
Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido whose last album ‘ABCD” is still in hot demand said that his next album will be a pot pouri of all kinds of music because his brand of Fuji music is a blend Fuji , Hip-hop,Apala ,Highlife and others.
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The Enemies Within: Jonahs Are Not Manageable — Dr. Chris Okafor
The Enemies Within:
Jonahs Are Not Manageable — Dr. Chris Okafor
…….“To remove Jonah, you must bring Jesus into the matter.”
When a “Jonah” enters a person’s life, confusion, gossip, blackmail, betrayal, and the pull-him-down syndrome often follow. But the moment Jesus Christ is invited into the situation, the storm subsides and stability is restored.
This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr. Chris Okafor, during the midweek non-denominational Prophetic Healing, Deliverance and Solutions Service (PHDS) held at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Clergyman also declared that Nothing Happens Without Spiritual Influence
In his sermon titled “The Enemies Within,” Dr. Okafor declared that nothing happens without spiritual involvement. According to him, every visible battle has an invisible root.
Referencing the biblical story of Jonah, the Man of God explained that Jonah’s presence on the ship gave access to a contrary spirit that tormented everyone onboard.
Despite the losses suffered by innocent traders and sailors, the storm persisted because of one man’s disobedience.
However, he noted that when Jesus speaks into a situation, every storm must obey. Just as Christ rebuked the storm and it ceased, so too will the storms in believers’ lives subside when He is invited into their “boat.”
*The Impact of a Jonah*
Dr. Okafor further emphasized that “Jonahs” are difficult to manage. When such individuals are present in one’s circle, progress becomes delayed.
What should ordinarily manifest quickly may be prolonged or frustrated because someone close—someone who understands you deeply—may be operating as a spiritual adversary.
He explained that negative narratives, unnecessary battles, and unexplained setbacks often begin when a “Jonah” gains access to a person’s inner circle.
*The Solution*
“To remove Jonah from the boat of your life,” the Generational Prophet declared, “you must invite Jesus Christ into the matter.”
According to him, when Jesus takes control of the boat, the plans of the enemy are overturned.
What was designed for downfall becomes a testimony. No storm or battle can succeed where Christ reigns, and the enemy is ultimately put to shame.
The midweek service witnessed a strong prophetic atmosphere, with the power of God evident through deliverance, restoration, and divine revelations.
The Generational Prophet ministered deeply in the prophetic, calling out names, villages, and addressing alleged spiritual strongholds, as many lives were reportedly restored—all to the glory of God.
By Sunday Adeyemi
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FROM BORDER TO MARKETS: HOW NIGERIA’S REFORMS ARE REWRITING AND MODERNISING TRADE FACILITATION By O’tega Ogra
FROM BORDER TO MARKETS: HOW NIGERIA’S REFORMS ARE REWRITING AND MODERNISING TRADE FACILITATION
By O’tega Ogra
On the surface, the 2026 World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference in Abu Dhabi, held in the last week of January, followed a familiar script: flags, formal sessions, carefully worded speeches. But beneath the choreography, something more consequential was unfolding. As customs chiefs and trade officials compared notes on the future of borders, Nigeria arrived not with theory, but with a working proposition.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Modernisation Project, being implemented through Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited, unveiled to a global audience of customs administrators and policy leaders a window into how Africa’s largest economy is confronting one of the most complex challenges in public administration: reforming the machinery of trade while it is still running.
For decades, customs reform was treated largely as a technical exercise—frequent patches here, shoddy fixes there; new software in one corner, revised procedures in another. Nigeria’s presence in Abu Dhabi signalled something different. TMP Limited, working in partnership with the NCS, advanced the argument that trade is a cornerstone of economic development and must be supported by organic, sustainable partner ecosystems. Such ecosystems deliver speed and trust, revenue and credibility, and secure borders without stifling commerce.
That argument resonated in a room increasingly aware that global trade is no longer defined solely by tariffs and treaties, but by data, interoperability, and the quiet efficiency of systems that simply work.
The annual WCO Technology Conference has, in recent years, become a barometer for the direction of global trade governance. This year’s discussions reflected a shared anxiety: supply chains are more fragile, compliance risks are rising, and governments face mounting pressure to collect revenue without discouraging investment. Customs administrations now sit at the intersection of all three.
Nigeria’s response has been to attempt a full reset.
At the heart of this effort is the NCS Modernisation Project, implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with TMP Limited as the concessionaire. The project seeks to replace fragmented technology deployments and manual processes within the Nigeria Customs Service with a single, integrated framework. This is anchored on B’Odogwu, a Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) that brings together cargo clearance, risk management, payments, and inter-agency collaboration. The ambition is sweeping—and so are the stakes.
Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, OON, Chairman of TMP, framed the initiative as nothing less than an institutional reconstruction, designed to position the NCS at the forefront of global customs administration technology, aligned with international standards and assurance frameworks.
“Digital trade modernisation is not just about upgrading systems,” he told participants in Abu Dhabi. “It is about upgrading trust, predictability, and confidence in how trade flows through our borders.”
That choice of words matters. Nigeria’s economy has long struggled with the perception gap between its size and the ease of doing business. Investors cite delays. Traders complain of opacity. Government points to revenue leakages. In this context, customs reform becomes as much a credibility project as a technical one.
Saleh’s message was timely and direct: modern trade demands modern customs. Data-driven processes, automation, and risk-based controls are no longer luxuries; they are prerequisites for competitiveness in a world where capital moves faster than policy.
The institutional face of this digital transformation is the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who led Nigeria’s delegation to Abu Dhabi. His message reflected a subtle but important shift in how customs leadership now understands its role.
“Customs administrations today must evolve from gatekeepers to facilitators of legitimate trade,” Adeniyi said. “Nigeria’s customs modernisation project reflects our determination to place the Nigeria Customs Service at the centre of national economic transformation.”
It is a familiar refrain globally, but one that carries particular weight in Nigeria, where customs revenue remains a critical pillar of public finance. Automation, Adeniyi argued, is not about weakening control; it is about strengthening it through intelligence rather than discretion.
Risk management systems reduce unnecessary physical inspections. Integrated platforms limit human contact. Data analytics improve compliance targeting. When executed well, the result is faster clearance for compliant traders and tighter scrutiny for high-risk consignments.
In Abu Dhabi, peers from Asia, Europe, and Latin America listened closely to Nigeria’s presentation. Reforming customs in a small, open economy is one thing. Doing so in a market of over 200 million people, home to some of Africa’s busiest ports and its largest economy, is quite another.
Nigeria’s engagement emphasised that customs modernisation is embedded within a broader economic reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Simplifying trade procedures, strengthening revenue assurance, and aligning with international standards form part of a wider effort to reposition the economy for investment-led growth.
What makes the project particularly noteworthy is its insistence on end-to-end coherence. Rather than digitising isolated functions, the reform aims to connect agencies, harmonise data, and reduce duplication across government—an all-of-government approach that acknowledges an uncomfortable truth: trade friction is often created not at the border, but between institutions.
The WCO 2026 Technology Conference offered Nigeria more than a platform; it provided a stress test. Questions from peers were pointed. How will change be sustained across political cycles? How will capacity be built? How will entrenched institutional behaviours be unlearned?
The responses were pragmatic. Reform is being phased. Training programmes are ongoing. International benchmarks are being adopted not as slogans, but as operating standards. There were no claims of perfection—only a clear statement of intent.
“Our engagement here underscores Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation,” Adeniyi noted. “We are learning, sharing, and contributing to global conversations on the future of customs administration.”
That contribution matters. As Africa moves to deepen regional trade under continental frameworks, customs efficiency will determine whether integration succeeds in practice or remains aspirational on paper. Nigeria’s experience, if successful, could offer a valuable template for other developing economies navigating similar constraints.
In Abu Dhabi, the mood was cautious but curious. Reform fatigue is real in many countries. Yet there was a growing sense that Nigeria’s effort—precisely because of its scale and difficulty—deserves attention.
Borders are rarely glamorous. But they are decisive. In choosing to modernise its borders in public, under global scrutiny, Nigeria is signalling something beyond technical competence. It is signalling seriousness.
And in global trade, seriousness still counts.
O’tega Ogra is Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, responsible for the Office of Digital Engagement, Communications and Strategy in the Presidency.
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