By Julius Peter, Abuja
Hamisu Buratai, son of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), has described his father’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff as a period in which significant efforts were made to confront Nigeria’s security challenges.
Hamisu, who spoke at the public presentation of the book, Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era, said the challenge of insecurity required a collective and holistic approach involving the government, security agencies, traditional institutions, communities and other stakeholders.
He stressed that no single individual or institution could resolve the country’s security challenges alone, urging Nigerians and relevant stakeholders to come together and address the root causes of insecurity.
According to him, “security is a holistic thing that all of us must have our hands on deck” if the country is to achieve lasting peace and stability.
He said, “If all of us can come together around a table and address this issue of insecurity, it will become a thing of the past.”
Hamisu expressed confidence that the lessons contained in the book would provide useful insights into leadership, national security and the experiences of his father during his years in military service.
He commended the organisers for documenting and presenting the book to the public, saying the initiative would enable Nigerians, particularly younger generations, to learn from the experiences and leadership principles highlighted in the publication.
He also spoke about his father’s personal lifestyle, describing it as worthy of emulation and encouraging Nigerians to draw lessons from his values, discipline and approach to public service.
Hamisu expressed appreciation to those who came to honour his father and support the presentation of the book, saying the recognition represented both an honour and an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities associated with leadership and service to the nation.
He prayed for continued blessings, protection and good health for his father, saying, “I wish my father the best, and I pray Almighty Allah continues to bless, protect and keep him in good health.”
The book presentation attracted prominent personalities from government, business, the military, traditional institutions and other sectors of society.
Among those present were a representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Founder of Jaiz Bank, Alhaji Dr Umaru Abdul Mutallab; the Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; representatives of the Ministry of Defence; politicians, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
The gathering provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the leadership, policies and experiences associated with the Buratai era in the Nigerian Army, as well as broader questions surrounding national security and military leadership.
The presentation of Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era also underscored the importance of documenting the experiences of public officers and military leaders for future generations.
Speakers and participants at the event emphasised the need for sustained collaboration among security institutions and civilian stakeholders in confronting the evolving security threats facing the country.
The call for collective action came amid continuing concerns over terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity across parts of Nigeria, reinforcing the need for coordinated responses involving security agencies, governments at all levels, traditional institutions and local communities.
For Hamisu, the lessons of leadership and service associated with his father should extend beyond the military, with Nigerians encouraged to embrace values that promote national unity, responsibility and peaceful coexistence.
