That his legacy is speaking loud soon after leaving the saddle as Nigerian army Chief of Staff and his achievements so much barely six years in office that it would be a tough task for successors to surpass them, is a testimony that Retired General Yusuf Tukur Buratai is indeed a go-getter of high standard.
Quite unusual in an age of euro-worship, Buratai is better known for the results of his career accomplishments. As head of the army of a nation known as Giant of Africa, Buratai worked to assemble a leadership team, hence the remarkable result and commendations from different spheres of society where his achievements have cut across.
For accomplishing such incredible goals as COAS, a foremost traditional ruler in the Southwest, the Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama, few days ago, decided that Buratai was worth a special recognition. He organized an inter-denominational thanksgiving in the former army chief’s honour.
A confessed friend of the military, Oba Makama eulogized Buratai for his foresight and patriotism, which changed the mode of soldiering, especially in West Africa’s Nigeria. Oba Makama noted that, as the Chief of Army Staff, Buratai’s meritorious service to the nation, especially in the wake of insurgency and banditry, is among other factors that continues to keep Nigeria as one.
“My town, Kuta’s neighbouring communities will continue to honour Buratai for his contributions to the development in our area,” Olowu declared, noting particularly the construction of Panel bridge constructed on the prompting of the former COAS, which connects many communities in the Aiyedaade local government area.
“Kuta and Buratai family, we have struck a cord that cannot be broken. We are still thinking of what we can do in this community to immortalize him apart from naming the bailey bridge built in Kuta kingdom. We are not a friend of COAS office alone, we are friends for life,” the Olowu said.
The monarch noted that Buratai is a highly detribalized Nigerian while he praised President Muhammadu Buhari for finding him worthy of another national assignment as a non-career Ambassador.
“Being the longest serving Nigerian Chief of army staff, anywhere Buratai is posted to as an ambassador, he’s going to be a tremendous advantage for the country and we are going to see a great improvement in the diplomatic relations of the country,” Oba Makama posited, promising to also extend the same support and hands of friendship to Buratai’s successor.
The august event was graced by top dignitaries which include the Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Rasak Adeosun; traditional rulers from various Osun communities; course mate of Buratai, Commander Maman Yusuf; Kuta traditional chiefs; members of a political group known as ‘Oye for Osun’ led by Alhaja Folake Olaniyan and the Coordinator, Prince Kayode Babaranti, among other important personalities.
