By Sumaila Ogbaje
Former Chief of Army Staff and Ex-Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has emphasised the need for all Nigerians to promote excellence in their various roles to support nation building.
Buratai said this at the 5th Edition of the Nigeria News Magazine Award 2023 with the theme “Providing a Podium for the Unsong Hero” on Sunday night in Abuja.
He also emphasised the important need of recognising and celebrating excellence, noting that it would serve as platform to encourage hard work, dedication and mentorship towards excellence in service delivery.
He commended the News magazine for recognising those who had contributed to the nation and globally through hard work, dedication, loyalty and of course patriotism.
The former army chief said that the recognition of a prominent traditional ruler, Oba Hammeed Makama, (Oluyede III) Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom, as Legendary Icon of the Year as well as other nominations was well deserved.
According to him, these nominations were done without any external influence and inducement but purely and strictly on merit.
“Oba Makama is a man that should be accorded all the honour that is deserved as an icon, a legendary icon, a true patriot, a true Nigerian traditional leader.
“You have done well for your community, you have done well for the southwest and you have done well for Nigeria,” he said.
Buratai noted that the serving and retired military officers that were recognised with the award had stood in the warfront against insurgency, insecurity and in defending the nation against elements that were bent on sabotaging and subverting Nigeria’s sovereignty.
According to him, retired Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu is one gentleman that has done the Nigerian Army, the armed forces and the country proud in the various capacities he served.
“He performed as a brigade Commander, as GOC, as Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, as Director General of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, as well as Corps Commander, Infantry Corps until his retirement.
“We say congratulations to all of you.
“I will look forward to the next award next year and by the grace of Almighty Allah, we will be here to celebrate new set of Nigerians who have shown leadership, commitment, love for our country to progress.
“As a loyal Nigerian and as a trained soldier, you must at all costs, show loyalty to the constituted authority and you must show loyalty to your leaders,” he said.
He congratulated President Bola Tinubu, on his leadership, commitment and doggedness in spite of the daunting challenges the nation was facing and his assurance of a renewed hope.
He called on all Nigerians not to lose hope, adding that there was light at the end of the tunnel.
In his remarks, Oba Hameed Makama, said the nation could only attain the desired development when there is peace in the land, adding that the award was a platform for peace and development.
The royal father said he had been an advocate of support for the security operative and the military and had been consistent about it, and dedicated the award to peace and unity in Nigeria.
He said there was need to ensure adequate funding for the security agencies so as to be able to perform their duties effectively in securing the nation.
He also called for unity among all segments of the society, ethnic and religious groups to ensure progress in Nigeria. (NAN)