Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd), has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other senior military officers for their support at the public presentation of his book. The book, which chronicles his leadership years in the Nigerian Army, was presented on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja. Buratai described the event as a significant contribution to the preservation of Nigeria's military history and institutional memory.
Buratai thanked President Tinubu, who served as Special Guest of Honour, saying his message contributed to discussions on security, leadership, and institutional memory. The President's message was delivered 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. Buratai also acknowledged the support of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for facilitating the Federal Government's participation.
The former Army chief recognised the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab, CON, as well as the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, who presented the book and offered testimony to the leadership legacy documented in the publication. Buratai also thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Service Chiefs for their representation at the event, including 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.
The event featured contributions from military officers, academics, traditional rulers, diplomats, and security experts. Buratai commended Major General I.D. Penap (rtd) for reviewing the book, while thanking Lieutenant General Domenico Giani (rtd), former Commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps, for his address on leadership, integrity, and human dignity. He also acknowledged the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, for his contribution on the need for shared responsibility in national security.
Other contributors recognised by Buratai included Senator Ali Ndume; Professor Phillip Dahida; Madam Amina Akano-Bello; Major General Victor Ezugwu (rtd); Major General JGK Myam (rtd), OFR, Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre; and Rear Admiral Adamu Biu (rtd). Traditional rulers, including His Royal Majesty Oba Alhaji (Dr) Hameed Oyelude Makama, Tegboosun III, the Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom, Osun State, and the G12 Obas from Osun State, were also acknowledged for their presence.
The gathering attracted members of the diplomatic corps, including the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni; Sheikh Mustapha Kouyatè, President of the African Peoples Movement; 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; and Maricel Romero, Honorary Consul of Colombia to Nigeria. Buratai praised the author of the book, Dr M.S. Abubakar, for his scholarly rigour and intellectual commitment.
Buratai expressed appreciation for the goodwill, commendations, and donations received before, during, and after the book presentation. He commended the Buratai Legacy Presentation Committee, publishers Sprezzatura Publishing Limited and Clarivox Creative Limited, as well as journalists and other media professionals who covered the event. Buratai hoped that the lessons contained in the book would continue to contribute to the development of Nigeria and its Armed Forces.
Key points
- Buratai thanks President Tinubu and military chiefs for their support at the book launch.
- The book, "Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era", chronicles Buratai's leadership years in the Nigerian Army.
- The event featured contributions from military officers, academics, traditional rulers, diplomats, and security experts.
