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Buratai: Diary Of A Workaholic
To render selfless and rewarding public service in Nigeria or elsewhere is not something akin to a simple nursery rhyme pupils recite in class sessions. It requires time and commitment; it needs energy, self-depravity, discipline, determination, inspiration and undiluted focus on goals and targets as well as vigorous pursuit of the targets.
An American retired four-star-general and statesman, Mr. Colin Luther Powell sums it as, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” Indisputably, the life of a successful soldier is laborious woven around these ethos and very cumbersome.
This is very necessary for a professional soldier, especially top officers who have risen to the status of leaders, offering service that would deposit indelible marks of success on specified assignments. He needs the combination and efficiency of deployment of several or all of these attributes to earn success and etch a positive image in public service.
The narrative of success; crowns of victory, celebrations of valour in all special assignments Nigerians have come to associate with today’s Nigerian Army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai is signification of his effective utilization of these working virtues.
In all modesty, Gen. Buratai is an incurable workaholic and a goal getter. His optimism in determination, hard work and commitment as recipes for success is unyielding. He believes to make any impact; a man needs to stretch his energies and talents beyond the normal. All professions are difficult in a sense based on their peculiarities. But incontestably, soldiering stands out tallest as uniquely difficult, particularly for those who aim at success.
Some Nigerians may not appreciate the burden of workload and excess strain on the shoulders of the COAS, Gen. Buratai. He is presiding over the Nigerian Army and doubles as leader of the counter-insurgency war in Nigeria. This is an era most Nigerians historically refer to as the booming phase of terrorism and sundry violent crimes in the country.
So, a peep into a typical work week of Gen. Buratai would open the vistas for many more Nigerians to appreciate the practical efforts, commitment, zeal, strength and perseverance of Nigeria’s Army Chief.
A sampled week in the month of July for instance, showed the Army Chief engaged in multiple official duties daily; some of which involved shuttling from one location to the other. This was outside perusing and treating official files/memos and attending to other security emergencies.
But pleasantly surprising, in all instances and location the shadows of this Army boss has hovered, it is a tale of success. He equally and wonderfully spread his tentacles and strength in observing his core internal and external military duties as well as servicing civil/military relations.
Therefore at beginning of the week, Monday, July 10th 2017, at the Army Headquarters (AHQs) in Abuja, the COAS, Gen. Buratai received his Malian counterpart, Col-Major Abdurahmane Baby who was in Nigeria on a courtesy visit. They shared experiences and warmly interacted on military issues within the African continent.
Later the same day, Gen. Buratai played host to the Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Mansur Muhammed Dan-Ali (rtd) in performing the groundbreaking ceremony of the Foundation Laying ceremony of the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment Giri, along Airport road, Abuja. This is another giant developmental stride in the making, in the history of the Nigerian Army under the watch of Gen. Buratai.
It was a hectic and time-consuming event as the ceremony also featured the commissioning of Infantry patrol vehicles and also, commissioned Officers and Soldiers Living Accommodation at 50 Space Command, at the same location in Giri, Airport road Abuja.
On July 12 , 2017, Lt Gen. Buratai upped the ante in the provision of utility services both to the Army and the observance of Army’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to host communities by leading an equally groundbreaking ceremony of the commissioning of the Abakpa Nike Barracks Urban Water Project.
The gigantic water plant has installed capacity to produce 1,000,000 litres of clean and portable water per day for the barracks and surrounding communities in Enugu, the capital of Enugu state. The youth corpers at the NYSC camp in Awgu Local Government Area will also quench their thirst with water from the water treatment plant.
The project was executed through direct labour by personnel of the Nigerian Army Engineering Unit of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army and assisted by members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The colourful commissioning ceremony of the “82 Division Urban Water Treatment Plant”, was performed by Enugu state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi had several dignitaries in attendance.
The seriousness of the ceremony was attested by personalities at the event which included the GOC, 82 Division, Enugu, Major General Adamu Abubakar and other top military officers; Governors David Umahi (Ebonyi state); Willie Obiano, (Anambra state) represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke and the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika as well as a businessman, Prince Arthur Eze and hordes of others.
In his speech at the event, Gen. Buratai invoked his sense of history as he reminded Enugu people of their strategic importance to the South East region based on the state’s political and historical antecedents.
And within the same week, on July 14, 2017, the Army Chief, Gen. Buratai paid a courtesy call on His Majesty King, (Dr), Dandeson Douglas Jaja JP, Jeki the 5th, Treaty King, Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom at his palace in Port Harcourt. King Jaja is also the chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers; Grand Patron Police Community Relations Committee, Chancellor, Federal University, Dutsi-ma Katsina State.
The essence of the visit by the Army boss was to curry support and co-operation of the traditional nay host communities towards the operationalization of the 6th Division, Nigerian Army, the newest in its fold, located in the area.
After his parley with King Jaja of Opobo Kingdom, Gen. Buratai proceeded to commission the Chief of Army Staff Guest House constructed by the Rivers State Government and donated to the Nigerian Army. He also unveiled Officers’ transit accommodation, the 6th Division’s Guest House and 4 blocks of 10 apartments for the Junior Non-commissioned Officers, in the Port Harcourt barracks, Rivers state.
The next day, July 15th , 2017 and still shuttling in South-South Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Buratai Commissioned other development projects at Elele Barracks in continuation of activities marking the activation and proper take-off of 6th Division, Nigerian Army, Elele Barracks, Rivers State.
The projects personally commissioned by the Army boss included Army Government Secondary School, Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) Vocational Centre, 1062 Brigade Workshop and Repair Bay, operational vehicles, as well as the new Squash Court.
That’s how a typical week for Gen. Buratai is choked; but he has never flinched. This is aside the intermittent visits to the counter-terrorism Command Theatre Center in Maiduguri, Borno state in the Northeast to interface with troops and practically assess periodic progress reports in the final phase of the counter-insurgency war.
Indeed, it requires a workaholic like Gen. Buratai and his team to execute excellent assignments, initiate and deliver development projects and service host communities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). And in the last two years as COAS, Gen. Buratai has proven to be a soldier of a rare breed, thick in character, principle and performance.
It’s rare to find in today’s Nigeria, the diary of a public servant in his category, which is this enlivened and rich. It explains why he is globally acknowledged as the epitome of hard work and splendor.
Okanga Agila is a traditional warrior writes from Agila, Benue State.
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Dangote Refinery, national asset every Nigerian must defend — BAVCCA President declares
President of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA), Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has charged Nigerians on the need to protect Dangote Refinery, describing it as a “national asset that every citizen must protect, nurture, and defend against any form of sabotage or doubt.”
Chukwunyere made this declaration on Wednesday at BAVCCA’s National Secretariat in Abuja, following a visit by a 15-man delegation of the association to Dangote Industries in Lagos.
Adding that the visit to the Dangote Refinery was more than a familiarization tour but “a pilgrimage to witness firsthand the embodiment of Nigerian ingenuity, resilience, and vision.”
According to him, the team’s interaction with Dangote Industries’ Vice President, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, provided deep insight into the sacrifices and determination behind what he described as one of Nigeria’s greatest industrial achievements.
While recalling Devakumar’s powerful testimony about believing in Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision for the refinery, even when many investors doubted its feasibility.
“Despite the doubts from potential backers, Mr. Devakumar provided crucial support, backing Alhaji Dangote’s dream every step of the way,”
Chukwunyere said. “Alhaji Dangote himself made extraordinary sacrifices, selling most of his assets to fund the project amid those investor doubts.”
He said the refinery, valued at over $20 billion, was “a testament to this unyielding faith” and a model of how personal commitment can turn vision into reality.
Quoting Devakumar, he said Aliko Dangote’s motivation was rooted not only in business ambition but in a “deep prioritization of Nigerians’ well-being.”
“This passion fuels his endeavors, placing the welfare of our people at the heart of every decision,” he added.
The BAVCCA President noted that despite setbacks such as the closure of the Arewa Textile Industry in Kaduna, Dangote “persevered, keeping his vision alive against all odds.”
He described the refinery as the largest in the world, with the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, set to expand to 1.4 million barrels daily. The project, he said, has created over 65,000 jobs, saved billions in foreign exchange, and generated an estimated $55 billion in annual revenue potential.
Chukwunyere also highlighted the achievements of the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which he said has “an impressive production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum of urea,” positioning Nigeria as a key player in global agriculture.
During the visit, Chukwunyere said he personally expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group on behalf of BAVCCA and recounted the association’s efforts in defending the refinery against social media misinformation.
“We amplified the truth, countered misinformation, and rallied public support to ensure this vital project was not undermined,” he stated.
In response, he said, the Dangote Vice President “expressed his pleasure with the bloggers’ efforts and commended the good work being done by our community.”
The BAVCCA leader also announced that the association’s forthcoming national conference, scheduled for October 31 in Abuja, would highlight “the achievements of the Dangote Refinery, showcase the visionary behind it—Alhaji Dangote—and celebrate the transformative role of such initiatives in Nigeria’s development.”
He emphasized that content creators have a patriotic role to play in defending national investments.
“Dangote Industries is not just about refining petroleum; it’s about refining our nation’s future—creating jobs, boosting our economy, and reducing dependency on imports,” he said. “Every Nigerian—bloggers, vloggers, content creators, citizens—must rise to protect Dangote Industries.”
Chukwunyere reaffirmed BAVCCA’s commitment to “lead this charge, using our platforms to educate, inspire, and unite,” while calling on Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of Alhaji Dangote and the faith of leaders like Devakumar.
“Join us at our conference on 31st October, and let’s build a Nigeria where national assets like Dangote Industries thrive unhindered,” Chukwunyere concluded.
News
Hon. Munira Applauds Governor Uba Sani for Signing Bill Establishing New College in Lere
By: Fabian Apechihin
In a major educational breakthrough for Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has signed into law a bill establishing the Kaduna State College of Agricultural Technology and Environmental Sciences in Lere Local Government Area.
The landmark bill was sponsored by Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu, the member representing Lere East Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The new institution aims to equip young people with modern skills in agriculture, technology, and environmental management — key areas for the state’s sustainable development.
Expressing her delight, Hon. Munira said:
“I am overjoyed to announce that Governor Uba Sani has signed my bill into law. This college in Lere will empower our youth with practical knowledge in agriculture and environmental protection. It will open doors to innovation and help our communities thrive.”
She noted that the college will serve as a hub for research and practical training, boosting agricultural productivity and addressing pressing environmental challenges in the region.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of Kaduna’s economy, and this institution will help modernize the sector while creating new opportunities for our young people,” she added.
Hon. Munira also reaffirmed her commitment to effective representation and progressive legislation:
“We will continue to champion laws that make real, positive impacts in people’s lives. The future is bright, and together, we will build a better, stronger Kaduna State.”
She extended her appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for education and rural development.
Residents of Lere and across Kaduna have welcomed the development with excitement, describing the new college as a beacon of hope for the youth and a catalyst for growth in the state’s agricultural and environmental sectors.
With the creation of this new college, Kaduna State takes another bold step toward improving education, empowering its citizens, and building a greener, more prosperous future.
News
Soludo’s Alleged Threat to Jail Catholic Clergy After Re-election Sparks Controversy in Anambra
By Fabian Apechihin
A report claiming that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, plans to jail Catholic bishops, priests, and other clergymen after his re-election has stirred heated debate across the state.
However, Rev. Fr. Raphael Onyekwelu, PhD, Chaplain to the Governor, has dismissed the report as “baseless, ridiculous, and malicious,” describing it as the work of desperate political opponents trying to pit Soludo against the Church.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Fr. Onyekwelu said:
“Our attention has been drawn to a fabricated, malicious, and unsigned piece currently circulating on Facebook and other social media platforms, falsely alleging that His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, intends to ‘take on the hierarchy of the Church, especially the Catholic Church,’ after winning the forthcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election.”
He said while such falsehoods would normally be ignored, the campaign season had created fertile ground for misinformation and propaganda.
“This is an election period, and desperate politicians are churning out fake news to deceive the public and cause division. It is laughable that they first admit Soludo is likely to win, and then try to manufacture lies to undermine his relationship with his Church — the Catholic Church,” he stated.
Fr. Onyekwelu noted that the alleged statement did not specify any wrongdoing by the Church to warrant such “imaginary arrests,” calling the entire report “a pitiable fabrication.”
He reaffirmed that Governor Soludo, a devout Catholic, holds the Church in the highest regard and recognizes its crucial role in promoting moral values, education, healthcare, and community development.
“Governor Soludo is a proud and practicing Catholic who cherishes the Church’s partnership in governance and social transformation, in line with Catholic Social Teaching. He deeply appreciates the clergy and their contributions to the moral and socio-economic progress of Anambra State,” he added.
Fr. Onyekwelu emphasized that the governor remains committed to working closely with all religious bodies to advance peace, development, and good governance in the state.
“Under Soludo’s leadership, Anambra continues to experience transparent, people-centered governance anchored on faith, service, and shared values. As the governor often says, ‘Government, Church, and People — together we shall continue to build a peaceful, prosperous, livable, and God-fearing Anambra State,’” he concluded.
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