(PRESS STATEMENT)
BURATAI EXPRESSES PROFOUND GRATITUDE TO ATTENDEES, SPEAKERS, AND SUPPORTERS OF THE BOOK LAUNCH AND PRESENTATION
Abuja, Nigeria — 21 September 2026
Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), CFR, former Chief of Army Staff and former Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, has expressed his profound and enduring gratitude to all who attended, contributed to, and supported the public presentation and launch of the book Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era.
The event, which was held on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja, was a resounding success. It brought together serving and retired military officers, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, academics, business leaders, and journalists. Their presence honoured the occasion and affirmed the importance of documenting Nigeria’s military history and institutional memory.
General Buratai remains deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for graciously serving as Special Guest of Honour. His message of support, delivered on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, was a substantive contribution to the national conversation on security, leadership, and institutional memory. He also appreciates the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for his support and for facilitating the Federal Government’s participation.
General Buratai extends his sincere appreciation to the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab, CON, for his leadership. He is deeply grateful to the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, for presenting the book and for his testimony as a beneficiary of the leadership legacy documented in the work.
General Buratai expresses his profound gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and to the Service Chiefs — Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff — for the distinguished representatives they sent to the event. Their representation reinforced the continued partnership between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the preservation of institutional memory.
General Buratai’s profound gratitude also goes to Major General I.D. Penap (Rtd) for his critical and informed review. He thanks Lieutenant General Domenico Giani (Rtd), former Commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps, for his remarkable address on leadership, integrity, and human dignity. He also expresses gratitude to His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, for his wisdom and reminder that security is a shared responsibility. He thanks Senator Ali Ndume for his remarks on collective national responsibility, and Professor Phillip Dahida, Madam Amina Akano-Bello, Major General Victor Ezugwu (Rtd), Major General JGK Myam (Rtd), OFR, Director General, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, and Rear Admiral Adamu Biu (Rtd) for their insightful contributions as panelists.
General Buratai expresses his profound gratitude to His Royal Majesty, Oba Alhaji (Dr) Hameed Oyelude Makama, Tegboosun III, the Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom, Osun State, for his distinguished presence and royal blessing. He also extends his sincere appreciation to the G12 Obas from Osun State for their collective presence and support. Their Majesties’ participation reflected the enduring partnership between traditional institutions and the security establishment.
General Buratai is honoured by the presence of His Excellency, the Italian Ambassador, HE Roberto Mengoni. He also appreciates His Excellency, Sheikh Mustapha Kouyatè, President of the African Peoples Movement, for his distinguished presence and commitment to continental solidarity. His deep gratitude goes to General Francis A. Behanzin, Chairman and Co-Founder of the World Network of Security and Defence Professionals for the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism, and former ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security. He also thanks Maricel Romero, Honorary Consul of Colombia to Nigeria, for her gracious presence and support.
General Buratai thanks the author, Dr M.S. Abubakar, for his scholarly rigour and intellectual commitment. He also thanks the Institute of Security Nigeria for its endorsement of the book, as well as the Nigerian academics and security researchers who dedicated a festschrift examining the relationship between defence, intelligence, and statecraft.
To all serving and retired military officers, veterans, diplomats, academics, and members of civil society present, General Buratai expresses his profound gratitude for their commitment to Nigeria’s security and development. Their engagement with the themes of the book enriched the discourse and affirmed the value of honest and critical reflection on the nation’s journey.
General Buratai acknowledges with deep gratitude the tireless efforts of the Buratai Legacy Presentation Committee, whose vision, dedication, and hard work made the event possible. He thanks the promoters, organisers, and all who contributed to the planning and execution of this historic occasion. He also thanks Sprezzatura Publishing Limited and Clarivox Creative Limited for their roles in organising the event and producing the book.
General Buratai is deeply moved by the overwhelming goodwill, commendations, and generous donations received before, during, and after the event. The support has not only made the publication possible but has also reinforced the conviction that documenting Nigeria’s institutional history is a worthy national endeavour.
General Buratai thanks the publishers, editors, and journalists who covered the event and shared its message with the wider public. Their professionalism and reach helped bring this important conversation to the national stage.
The success of the event was not the achievement of any one individual or institution. It was the result of collective effort, shared purpose, and the generosity of all who believe in the importance of preserving Nigeria’s institutional memory and learning from its history.
General Buratai thanks all once again for their presence, words, donations, and support. May the lessons documented in this work continue to guide the nation and its armed forces in the years ahead.
BRIGADIER GENERAL SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN (RTD) mni PhD fnipr
