The 17th International Security Conference, organised by the Institute of Security, Nigeria, marked a significant milestone as Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff and former Ambassador to Benin Republic, was inducted as the Institute’s 2nd Patron.
Held at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium, University of Lagos, the event brought together leading security experts, academics, and stakeholders. General Olu Bajowa, the Institute’s 1st Patron, described General Buratai as a model of courage, determination, and patriotism.
“General Buratai has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of our great nation. He is a distinguished military officer with over 40 years of service to the Nigerian Army,”
General Bajowa said. He also praised Buratai’s instrumental role in combating insurgency and terrorism during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021.
“Throughout his illustrious career, General Buratai has embodied the values of courage, integrity, and loyalty. His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation is unparalleled,” Bajowa added. In his acceptance speech, General Buratai emphasised the critical role of security education and training in safeguarding national safety.
He pledged to support the Institute’s initiatives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of security and law enforcement agencies. “Security education, training, and excellence are at the forefront of our shared vision. We aim to strengthen the capacity of security and law enforcement agencies, ensuring they deliver exceptional services,” Buratai stated.
He called for unity in achieving a secure and prosperous nation, urging all stakeholders to collaborate. “Let us unite to build a secure Nigeria where citizens live without fear and prosperity thrives,” he added.
The conference also featured key addresses from other prominent speakers. Professor Rahman Bello, Chairman of the occasion, emphasized the importance of focusing on domestic development, particularly in agriculture and smallholder farming. “For Nigeria to develop, the government must adopt a more inward-looking approach. Every country that intends to develop must, at some point, focus on its internal capacities,” Bello said.
Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun advocated for grassroots-level security education to address local challenges, while Major General Bulama Biu urged policymakers to implement actionable strategies that go beyond discussions.
The conference concluded with a unanimous call for collective action to strengthen security and foster prosperity across Nigeria.
