The Southern Youth Forum, the umbrella body of Youth Leaders from the Seventeen Southern States of Nigeria in a statement signed by its leaders, Barrister John Atani, on behalf of the South-South Youths, Dr Fidelis Nze (KSM) on behalf of the South-East Youths and Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi on behalf of the South-West Youths, wishes to congratulate General Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR, former Chief of Army Staff, (COAS Nigerian Army ) and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin on the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degree Award by the Igbinedion University scheduled to take place during the Institution 21ST Convocation ceremonies, slated for Saturday, 25th November 2023.
The honour and award, by the nation’s first private University, among various others, are well-deserved and a vote of confidence on Ambassador Buratai on his patriotism and loyalty to the Nigerian state and humanity as a whole.
The latest feather on Ambassador Buratai’s cap is a testament to his doggedness and selfless service to his fatherland.
This honour and other honours and awards are as a recognition of Buratai’s distinguished, meritorious and dedicated service to the country and humanity.
As the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS, Nigerian Army), General Buratai conceived and played a critical role in the sustenance of our country’s sovereign integrity.
General Buratai’s ethical and professional display throughout his reign as the Chief of Army Staff earned him an Ambassadorial position after his retirement from the Nigerian Army, 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 participating 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.
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.
General Buratai, is a patriot, a nationalist, an epitome of selflessness, altruistic and unalloyed leadership.
The Southern Youth leaders by this statement once again salute this exemplary leader, consummate soldier, and meritorious Chief of Army Staff, who came when his country needed him most, has continued to serve humanity, and has impacted positively on this generation.
