It was all joy at Amaigwe Aguleri, today 6th January, 2024 during the 124th ovala festival, under His Royal Majesty, Igwe Mike Indigo (Eze Udo 1) Igwe Aguleri, when he conferred the Indefatigable and an Elder Statesman per Excellence, Ambassador (Lt Gen rtd) Tukur Buratai CFR, the Betara Biu with the most revered chieftaincy title of Ochiaya Ejieje Ogu Aguleri, ” The Brave Commander of the War”, during the spectacular 2024 Ovala festival.
The former Chief of Army Staff (COAS, Nigerian Army) and former Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, who arrived the arena with cross section of eminent Nigerians across all board, including the former Governor of Anambra State and a friend of Ambassador Buratai, and one of the most accomplished Son of Aguleri, Chief Willie Obiano, Traditional Rulers, Serving and Retired Senior Military Personnel, Academicians, Senior Politicians and various Captains of Industry, the delegation was led by the Emir of Biu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha 11, CON, with over Twelve Royal Fathers across the Country, including the Emir of Keffi, HRM Dr Chindo Shehu Yamusa, the Olowu of Kuta, His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi, Oba Dr Adekunle Makama CON, the Tegbosun 111 among other traditional rulers, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu, the Vice President of the Biu Emirate, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Buratai, the representative of the Chief of Defense Staff(CDS) Air Cdr Chukwuba, the President of 29 regular course, Cdre Teidi M B (rtd), Lt General Lamidi Adeosun (rtd) former Chief of Policy and Plans Nigerian Army, Real Admiral Abdul Biu Adamu (rtd), the Shittima Biu, Brig General Abdullahi Dadan Garba (rtd) the Zannah Biu, Major General Efeovbokhan Mathais (rtd), Brig General SK Usman (rtd), former Director Army Public Relations, Prof Kyari Mohammed, the Vice Chancellor, Nigerian Army University, Biu, Dr Ahmed Manzo, Engr Hassan Muhammed, Colonel Emmanuel Adegbola of the Nigerian Army, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, Barrister Lateef Onijo, Mr Femi Oyewale the publisher of the Sahara weekly, as well as many others to numerous to mention.
Chief Willie Obiano, the former governor of Anambra State, in a banquet in Honor of Ambassador Buratai after the official conferment of the chieftaincy title, equally eulogize Ambassador Buratai, wherein he attested to the sagacity and operational effectiveness of Ambassador Buratai especially his support during his tenure in government in making Anambra State as one of the safest state in Nigeria. He acknowledged Ambassador Buratai and the personnel of the Nigerian Army
Ambassador Buratai is a celebrated Nigerian who distinguished himself in the service to fatherland. His ethical and professional display throughout his reign as the Chief of Army Staff, even earned him an Ambassadorial position to the Republic of Benin, where he opened another vista in the diplomatic arena.
Nearly all leaders can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him war. This very word fit into the compass mind under which the character of Ambassador Buratai has continued to evolved. In the war against terror, his leadership qualities stood out the most. Many will agree with the General in the very manner of summing up his philosophy. A passion for excellence is contagious and uplifting. Passion cuts both ways. In creating passion in his own life and with those he cares for. Ambassador Buratai wants to feel, experience and live every emotion and passion of all his work.
Here, one can reminisce, his story as a war time General and the Chief of Army Staff, starts as one of the very few who as the head, witness war, real war, and unlike many others, he triumphed.
The latest honor on Ambassador Buratai from the good people of Aguleri in the Southeastern part of Nigeria, shows that Ambassador Buratai is a combination of strength and character, whose deep thoughts gave birth to numerous intervention that repositioned the Nigerian Army till date. Aside from combat efficiency of the Nigerian Army, which was at its peak during his tenure, he was able to also make tangible introductions that many thought could not be achieved.
As the good people of Aguleri and the vast majority of Nigerian celebrate Ambassador Buratai today, it is a statement of fact that the Almighty Allah, the great architect of the universe, has fashioned him as a builder of men, a humanist, an extra ordinary mentor, a pace setter, and a great leader. General Buratai’s life offers a powerful example of how these values can lead to great rewards and this is a message that deserves to be heard by this generation and beyond.
