Former Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador ( Lt General rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR on Saturday paid a thank you visit to the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundun 11 and the Akure traditional council for Honouring him with the title of Baakore of Akure Kingdom.
Amb. Buratai was also at the Olubadan Palace on Friday after which he delievered a public lecture at University of Ibadan orgnaized by UI Alumni Association.
The former Nigeria Ambassador to the Republic of Benin while speaking at the dinner organized by the Deji of Akure in his honour commended the monarch for promoting unity in Nigeria
He said “Kabiyesi, i am here to say thank you for the honour, thank you for the show of love, thank you for the symbol of unity that you represent by accomodating people, irrespective of where he or she is coming from. You recieve him or her with open arms and mind. You have accomodated people from diffrent part of the country, of course when i was here for the confirment of the title Baakore, not to talk of other communities, some have contacted me to help them thank you for your love.
“My initial plans was just to drive straight to the palace, see Kabiyesi briefly and go back to the hotel and by tomorrow to Abuja but you change the plans by hosting us for a dinner, thank you Kabiyesi, this is a mark of honour.”
While restating his continuous support for Akure Kingdom, the former Army Chief who was recently honoured with Honourary Doctoral Degree at the Nigerian Army University Biu said just like i said the other time, the honour is not for me and my family alone but for my community, entire Borno state and the Nigerian Army. I wholeheartedly accepted the title of Baakore and be assured of my support all time.
“We pray that almighty Allah will grant you good health and prosperity, may this kingdom strive and grow and also, develop to overshadow all other kingdom in this country.
He was accompanied to Akure by the Vice Chancellor of the Nigeran Army University Biu, cross arrays of Serving and Retired Military Personnels, captains of industries, including the converver of Southern Youth Forum and others.
The Deji of Akure who was joined by traditional chiefs and members of his council commended the retired army chief for deeming it fit to come back to say thank you for the honour, adding that the Chieftaincy Title is just to appreciate him for his meritorious services to Nigeria as the Chief of Army Staff and Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic.
