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Tukur Yusufu Buratai: Still in the Service of Fatherland

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Tukur Yusufu Buratai: Still in the Service of Fatherland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Though not seen on the front pages of any Nigerian newspaper yet, there is a photograph of president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress standing with erstwhile Chief of Army Staff General Yusufu Tukur Buratai somewhere in the Federal Capital Territory. Both men are in traditional outfits, the sunniness of Tinubu’s recent electoral victory apparent from his white brocade. A head taller, Buratai is wearing an ash-coloured kaftan. Both of them are smiling, the sort of smile you glimpse on the faces of those who have gone to battle and come out victorious.

 

 

 

 

Tukur Yusufu Buratai: Still in the Service of Fatherland

 

 

 

Both men have every reason to smile. For close to six years he was COAS, Buratai had to contend with the menace of Boko Haram insurgents who had most of the north east by the jugular. It was as if nothing could dislodge them, not even the formidable Nigeria Military. But then, with the full support of President Muhammadu Buhari who appointed Buratai as COAS in January 2015, along with other service chiefs, the frightening spectre of Boka Haram became history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, Nigeria’s COAS from 2015 – 2021 can chest-thump anywhere about his achievements in decimating the ranks and file of the religious sect. It was during his time as COAS that the mouthy and cocky former head of Boko Haram Abubakar Shekau was annihilated, counting many of the senior commanders of the insurgents.

 

 

 

 

 

Though under intense pressure to relieve his service chiefs for underwhelming performance in the face of the worsening security situation in Nigeria at some crucial point, PMB refused to bow under. He knew for certain they were right on track in containing the scourge of Boko Haram however much the general public may think differently. And true to his belief and trust in them, the service chiefs had done some appreciable job in wiping out whatever was remaining of the terrorist organisation in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, for a job well done, PMB rewarded Buratai with an ambassadorial posting to the Republic of Benin, a position he occupies to this day. It is a record in the history of Nigeria for a retired service chief to be thus rewarded by the Commander-in-Chief. Some of those who came before him were either disgraced out of office or simply went into oblivion. Nothing much was heard of them post-military career.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is not hard to see why. They either performed below par or didn’t meet the expectations required of them while in office. For Buratai, it was the exact opposite. Making him the public face of Nigeria’s image in a neighbouring West African country says much for the trust and confidence reposed in him by PMB. So far, Buratai has not disappointed in his mission – another reason, perhaps, for the straight-from-the-gut smile with the president-elect in a photo-op taken about three weeks ago just on the cusp of Tinubu’s electoral victory in the February 25 presidential polls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As for Tinubu himself, his smiling visage in the picture was just so apt considering the numerous obstacles he has had to overcome on his road to the presidency. Prior to the election last February, Tinubu was fair game for all manner of jibes and put-downs more than any of his political opponents. Critics, especially from the opposition parties, took him to the cleaners serially, asterisking everything from his provenance to his educational qualification and health. Some called him a drug dealer who, at one time, had a case to answer with the American Drug Enforcement Agency. Others carped that he’s had the state he once ruled as governor smack in his pocket for years, starting from 1999.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tinubu’s traducers grew as the election got closer and they found more ammunition to lob at him following his now famous Emi ‘lokan declaration in Abeokuta last June. What insouciance! What arrogance! And how dare he?
For some time in both the mainstream and social media, Emi ‘lokan became the subject of discussion everywhere in the country. Having made the emergence of PMB possible in 2015, Tinubu had let on that it was his turn to rule Nigeria, and then explained it was his lifelong ambition to become that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To most critics, nothing smacks of hubris more than that statement, something close to saying Nigeria belongs to a certain class of people of which Tinubu himself is one and now it was his turn to become president. From then on, it seemed all was lost for the man who would be the number one citizen in the country. Though he won his party’s primaries handily, the bigger battle was expected in the presidential election.
With the rising profile and popularity of a previously unknown Peter Obi of the Labour Party, a battle-scarred political gladiator in the person of Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party, it was sure to be a keenly contested election with no chances of success for a candidate from the ruling party with a rap sheet hanging on its neck. Nearly everyone – including members of the party – blamed APC for everything from a spiraling economy to unemployment, insecurity and much else.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Never again,” they swore, often thumbing their noses at the party leadership. “It was this same man who got us into this mess with that unholy alliance in 2015,” others charged, vowing to take their pound of flesh in the forthcoming election. It never got to be.
Instead, the Jagaban of Borgu also known by several aliases won, defeating his opponents by nearly two million votes. Why wouldn’t that victory, against all possible odds, elicit the sweet smile of success you see on his face with the former COAS?
But beyond the smile is Buratai’s unflinching support for the new president-elect, which explains the photo-op. Those in the know say the former COAS had always given a nod to a Tinubu presidency. For instance, when some prominent Nigerians, among them former president Olusegun Obasanjo, faulted the credibility of the polls that brought Tinubu to power, Buratai quickly stepped forward to defend democracy. He didn’t stop there; he was one of the first Nigerians to congratulate the president-elect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Let me begin by congratulating Nigerian voters who turned out on the 25th of February 2023 to exercise their civic duty and voted en-masse Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the APC as our President-Elect,” Buratai said, insisting “It is a clear reflection of the will of the people.”
Continuing, the former COAS declared: “At this juncture, I say with all sense of responsibility that our collective future is assured under the renewed hope vision and mission of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. I believe the President-elect is a man of capacity, empathy, vision, and all that it takes to lead Nigeria to the Promised Land.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Tinubu’s emergence, the general went on, “continuity has been achieved at the Federal level with the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President-Elect from the APC.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be sure, it is a good thing the former COAS is still lending his voice to matters of national concern. On retirement, some generals in the Nigeria Army, especially those from the northern part of the country, turn their attention to what they’ve always done side by side their military career: farming. Some others are content with being traditional rulers of their natal communities, an emirate council, say, or some such important positions bestowed on them in appreciation of services rendered to the communities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

True, Buratai has his farm to look after post-COAS even while he’s engaged as an ambassador of the Federal Republic. But if you looked at his itinerary in last couple of weeks, the man has been up about, stopping over at communities just on a whim to feel the pulse of the villagers and how they are doing generally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the peak of his power in the Abbasid Dynasty in 8th century Baghdad, fifth caliph Haroun Al Rachid used to surprise his subjects with unannounced nocturnal visits thus getting to know them closely. Buratai is not a traditional ruler anywhere in the north. Still, acquainting himself with the wellbeing or otherwise of those in some communities is something that has driven him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In one such community in Gombe state last week, the former COAS is seen in a one-on-one with the senior citizens of that settlement. With one voice and later speaking for the rest, the oldest among them thanked Buratai for his accomplishment in curtailing and even stopping the Boko Haram insurgents dead on their tracks in the north east then made some comparisons to late Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello for their developmental efforts in the region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the guest humbly asked if they meant what they said, they acquiesced by nodding their heads in the affirmative. Smack in the centre of the community with the traditional ruler himself speaking, anyone can be forgiven for mistaking the parley between them and Buratai for a politician on the stump. He wasn’t and neither was the community hamming it the way they welcome those seeking for office prior to elections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that he is a private citizen, farmer, statesman and APC stakeholder, the retired general visited some previously war-ravaged settlements in the north east. He has also visited his own natal Biu where he recently received locals during a visit to his farm. It is typical of a gentleman and an officer who has never lacked the common touch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One distinctive quality of outstanding leaders everywhere is that, regardless of whether they hold an official position, people just accept their authority and submit to them as a result of their charisma and influence. Even though Buratai has already retired from the army since 2021, Nigerians still regard him as the epitome of the army and turn to him for leadership. Buratai is viewed by Nigerians as someone who can take huge risks to protect them, and I believe that over time, people have come to agree that he represents security and protection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only a few years ago as COAS, Nigerians frequently saw Buratai in army fatigues exercising with soldiers under him – effortless push-ups, sit-ups, road work and suchlike workouts to keep body and mind in shape. Now out of service, it is impossible to imagine the erstwhile COAS forgetting his routine morning drills – whether in a private or public gym.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has also been part of his regular schedule is his active involvement in politics. A high-ranking member of the APC, his early congratulatory message to and support for the president-elect is not for nothing, say political analysts. Will the retired general make a stab at political office in the future?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is not an unlikely prospect. Today, Air Vice Marshal Siddique Abubakar Chief of Air Staff appointed at the same time with Buratai in 2015 is angling to be governor of Bauchi state under the APC. Given the active participation and involvement of former military brass in Nigeria’s political space, nothing suggests Buratai will not take his turn when that plum opportunity presents itself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After putting an end to the scourge of Boko Haram, and then served meritoriously as Nigeria’s ambassador to the republic of Benin, pursuing a political career will be a continuation of Buratai’s service to fatherland.

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Osun Residents Benefit from Fidelity Food Bank Initiative

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Osun Residents Benefit from Fidelity Food Bank Initiative

Osun Residents Benefit from Fidelity Food Bank Initiative

 

Over 4,500 residents have benefited from a two-day feeding programme organized by Fidelity Bank Plc in Abere and Modakeke communities in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The program, which saw to the distribution of essential food items, was executed in collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment and the Esther Adeleke Foundation.

 

Speaking during the distribution event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, represented by the Regional Bank Head, Southwest II, Mrs. Morenike Olabisi emphasized that the Fidelity Food Bank initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community welfare. She noted that since the initiative was launched in April 2023 by Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, it has impacted communities across all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

According to Mrs Olabisi, “This is the third distribution exercise in Osun State this year, and our aim is to achieve zero hunger in Nigeria and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 2. Our CSR initiatives are designed not just to provide immediate relief, but to empower people and improve their livelihoods.

“The bank will be donating 500 Point of Sale (POS) machines to the Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment for onward distribution to residents In addition to the food bank distribution. “These POS machines will serve as an income-generating tool for many families and small business owners across the state. Fidelity prides itself as a responsible organisation, and we place a huge premium on the wellbeing of our host communities”, she added.

Responding to the gesture, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke represented by the Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, Bayo Ogungbangbe, commended Fidelity Bank for the social intervention programme and its continued support to the people.

“This is not the first time Fidelity Bank is giving back to the state and this shows that the well-being of the people is of top priority to the bank. We are deeply grateful for their sacrifice and we urge other corporate organizations to emulate Fidelity Bank on this laudable initiative”, he stated.

On her part, the founder of Esther Adeleke Foundation and the wife of Osun State Governor, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, emphasized that this is the second edition of the Fidelity Food Bank in collaboration with Esther Adeleke Foundation noting that, the first edition at the Asubiaro Hospital, Osogbo inspired them to do more.

Her words, “My resolve to help the needy and alleviate poverty necessitated my partnership with Fidelity Bank in the distribution of food items to the needy.  There is hardship in the country, and I am doing my best to support the governor of Osun State to cater for the needs of Osun people.

“I want to appreciate the management of Fidelity bank for their dedication to the people of Osun state, and we want to assure the bank that they have our utmost support”, she added.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The bank is also a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application Award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider Award by Global Brands Magazine.

Additionally, the bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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We followed legacy of my Late Father-Prince Akintoye Akinrinade.

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We followed legacy of my Late Father-Prince Akintoye Akinrinade.

 

Prince Akintoye Akinrinade have described a 3-day free medical outreach organised by him which we hold between Friday,16th to Sunday 18th of May,in Agbado and its environs as a part of legacy they followed from their father, Oba Anthony Adetunji Akinrinade.

He stated this in his own tribute to mark 3rd years anniversary remembrance of his late father, Oba Anthony Adetunji Akinrinade.

Akintoye said that the outreach, which provided free consultations, medications, health education, eye test and screenings, was a demonstration of continued commitment to the values of compassion and community service that defined the life of the late Kabiesi.

He further said” The program orgaized by his son as a reflection of the late Kabiesi’s philanthropic spirit, the initiative aimed not only to address pressing health needs in the community but also to inspire others to embrace a lifestyle of giving and service”.

He emphasized that the outreach is a direct continuation of his father’s legacy—a man who lived for the well-being of others and whose memory continues to inspire meaningful change.

Prince Akintoye also said “Service to humanity is a value I deeply inherited from my father, Kabiesi was more than a mentor—he was a beacon of generosity. This outreach is one of many ways we intend to uphold his legacy and ensure his kindness continues to touch lives.”

When he recounting past efforts, he highlighted that during the 2nd-year remembrance last year, solar-powered streetlights were donated and installed across the Agbado community to improve security and quality of life. These acts of service stand as testaments to the late Kabiesi’s enduring influence and the family’s resolve to keep his vision alive.

He then concluded with a call to the good people of Ogun State to continue walking the path of compassion and communal support.

He then urged “Let us not allow this legacy to fade, together, we can build stronger, healthier, and more united communities, just as my father always dreamed.”

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From Chicago to the Chair of Peter: Pope Leo XIV Makes History

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From Chicago to the Chair of Peter: Pope Leo XIV Makes History

By George O. Sylvester

On May 8, 2025, history was made within the walls of the Vatican as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born prelate with deep roots in Latin America, was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s two-millennia history, a milestone that underscores the evolving global nature of Catholicism.

From Chicago to the Chair of Peter: Pope Leo XIV Makes History
By George O. Sylvester

A Historic Election
The conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV was notable not only for its outcome but also for its efficiency. The College of Cardinals, comprising 133 electors, the largest in history convened in the Sistine Chapel and, after just four ballots over two days, signaled their decision with the traditional white smoke. The swift consensus reflects the cardinals’ shared vision for the Church’s future, seeking a leader who embodies both continuity and renewal.

In his first public address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with the words, “Peace be with all of you!” This simple yet profound message set the tone for a papacy aiming to bridge divides and promote unity within the Church and the broader global community.

A Life of Service and Scholarship
Born on September 14 1955 in Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost entered the Order of Saint Augustine and was ordained a priest in 1982. His academic pursuits led him to earn advanced degrees in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas. However, it was his missionary work in Peru that defined much of his ecclesiastical career. Serving as bishop in the Diocese of Chiclayo, he became a naturalized Peruvian citizen in 2015, reflecting his deep commitment to the communities he served.

His tenure in Peru was marked by a focus on social justice and outreach to marginalized populations. This experience informed his later work in the Vatican, where he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, overseeing the selection and appointment of bishops worldwide.

A Papal Name with Purpose
Choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope aligns himself with the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, known for his 1891 encyclical “Rerum Novarum,” which addressed the rights and conditions of workers and laid the groundwork for modern Catholic social teaching. This choice signals Pope Leo XIV’s intention to continue advocating for social justice, labor rights and the dignity of the poor and oppressed.

Navigating Contemporary Challenges
Pope Leo XIV inherits a Church grappling with numerous challenges, including declining attendance in Western countries, debates over doctrine and social issues and the need for continued reform in the wake of clerical abuse scandals. His background suggests a leader prepared to address these issues with both compassion and resolve.

While maintaining traditional Catholic teachings on matters such as the priesthood and marriage, Pope Leo XIV has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue on contentious issues. He has emphasized the importance of pastoral care and inclusivity, particularly concerning immigrants and the marginalized.

A Global Reception
The election of an American pope has been met with enthusiasm across the United States and Latin America. In Peru, where he served for many years, celebrations erupted, with many expressing pride in his elevation to the papacy. In the U.S., Catholics see his election as an opportunity to reinvigorate the Church’s presence and address local concerns, such as priest shortages and declining participation.

World leaders have also extended their congratulations. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate would “contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.”

Looking Ahead
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, he faces the monumental task of guiding the Catholic Church through a complex and rapidly changing world. His unique blend of American roots, Latin American experience and Vatican leadership positions him to address both internal Church matters and broader global issues.

His commitment to peace, unity and social justice, coupled with a deep understanding of diverse cultures and communities, offers a hopeful vision for the future of the Catholic Church. As he embarks on this new chapter, Catholics worldwide will look to Pope Leo XIV for leadership that honors tradition while embracing the need for renewal and inclusivity.

In the words of Pope Leo XIV himself: “Peace be with all of you!” A simple greeting that carries the weight of a new era for the Catholic Church.

From Chicago to the Chair of Peter: Pope Leo XIV Makes History
By George O. Sylvester

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