(PRESS STATEMENT)
The family of His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd) CFR, Betara of Biu, Garkuwan Keffi, former Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Benin Republic, has expressed profound gratitude to the numerous dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials, military and security leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, academics, business leaders, friends and well-wishers who attended the wedding reception of their daughter, Aishatu Tukur Buratai and her husband, Malam Umar Abba Zoru.
The reception, held on Saturday, 25 July 2026, at Tukur and Tukur Farms along the Abuja–Keffi Expressway in Gora, Nasarawa State, attracted eminent personalities from across Nigeria and beyond, reflecting the enduring bonds of friendship, national unity, goodwill and the shared values that continue to strengthen families and communities. The remarkable gathering reflected the respect and affection enjoyed by the Buratai family across diverse segments of Nigerian society.
The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, GCON, served as the Chief Special Guest of Honour at the occasion. In his remarks, he emphasised that honesty, patience, and understanding remain the pillars upon which enduring marriages, strong families, and peaceful societies are built. He observed that these virtues are nurtured daily within the home, where character is formed and genuine relationships are sustained.
Expressing the family’s appreciation, Lieutenant General Buratai (rtd) thanked everyone who attended the ceremony, offered prayers for the newlyweds or contributed in any way to the success of the occasion. He described the wedding as “a celebration of love, faith and the enduring values of honesty, patience and compassion,” adding that the overwhelming support received by the family was both humbling and deeply appreciated.
Lieutenant General Buratai (rtd) noted that the exceptional turnout demonstrated the goodwill enjoyed by the family across Nigeria’s political, traditional, military, academic, and business communities. He described the gathering as a remarkable expression of unity and friendship, reflecting the shared commitment of Nigerians to celebrating family, strengthening relationships, and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The Special Guest of Honour, Senator Dr George Akume, CFR, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, also attended the reception, while the Chairman of the Occasion, Architect Ibrahim Bunu, CON former Minister of the FCT, delivered his remarks, highlighting the importance of family values, national cohesion and mutual respect in fostering peaceful communities. The representative of the groom’s family, Dr. Dalhatu Hamza expressed delight and prayed for a lasting bond between the 2 families. He prayed for Allah to bless the marriage. He thanked all those present at the ceremony.
The event was also graced by highly respected Royal Fathers, amongst which are: His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, CON, Emir of Keffi. His Royal Highness Mai Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, CON, Emir of Biu; His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, OON, Andoma of Doma; His Royal Majesty Oba Alhaji Dr Hameed Oyelude Makama Tegboosun III, Olowu of Kuta Kingdom; His Royal Highness Dr Bashir Albishir Bukar, Mai Machinama; His Royal Highness Alhaji Zubairu Hammangabdo Muhammed Sambo, Lamdo Gashaka; His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, Maigari of Lokoja; His Royal Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, Emir of Zazzau (represented); and His Royal Highness Alhaji Auwal Musa Ijakoro, Emir of Bwari. Other high-ranking traditional titltle holders are Alhaji Barrister Ibrahim Birma the Birma of Biu, Alhaji Halilu Mohammed the Magajin Garin Gusau, Zamfara State, Alhaji Sani Mohammed the Madugun Zazzau, and Alhaji Balarabe Ibrahim Musa, Garkuwan Ayyukan Zazzau along with many other distinguished traditional rulers whose presence added dignity and splendour to the occasion.
The reception also attracted serving and former government officials from across the federation, many of whom attended in person, while others were represented by their deputies or other senior government functionaries. States represented at the event included Borno, Bauchi, Yobe, and Nasarawa. Those represented were His Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State; His Excellency Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State; His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, Governor of Yobe State; and His Excellency Abdullahi A. Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State. Among the senior state officials in attendance were His Excellency Umar Usman Kadafur, Deputy Governor of Borno State, and His Excellency Dr Emmanuel Akabe, Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, who represented their respective governors, alongside other senior government functionaries representing the other states.
Also in attendance were Honourable Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; General CG Musa (rtd), OFR, Minister of Defence; His Excellency Engr Abdullahi T. Gwarzo, former Minister of State for Housing and former Deputy Governor of Kano State; Honourable Issac Danladi, Attorney General of Nasarawa State; Honourable Mohammad Sani Otos, Commissioner for Trade and Industries; Honourable John J.W. Mamman, Commissioner for Education; Honourable Gaza Gomna, Commissioner for Health; Labaran Magaji, SAN, Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State; Honourable Danladi Jatau, Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly; Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director General of the Voice of Nigeria; as well as the Chairmen of Nasarawa, Keffi, Kokona, Karu and Toto Local Government Councils, whose collective presence further demonstrated the broad support and goodwill extended to the family.
The National Assembly was equally well represented by serving and former legislators. Distinguished senators present included Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, His Excellency Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Kaka Bashir and Senator Othman Hunkuyi.
The wedding reception witnessed an exceptional display of solidarity from Nigeria’s military and security community, with the attendance of serving and retired senior officers, reflecting the enduring professional relationships and mutual respect cultivated by Lieutenant General Buratai (rtd) over several decades of distinguished service. Among those present were the the representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oloyede, NAM representedby Maj Gen Abdulsalam; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W Shaibu represented by Maj Gen Abdullahi; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal SK Aneke, represented by Air Vice Marshal Abdullahi; the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General EPA Undiandeye, was personally present; and the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed was represented.
The occasion was further enriched by the presence of former Service Chiefs, including General LEO Irabor (rtd), Lieutenant General AO Ihejirika (rtd), Lieutenant General F Yahaya (rtd), Zaruman Sokoto, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo (rtd) and former Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba Alkali. Lieutenant General LO Adeosun (rtd), the former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, A Biu and many retired senior military officers from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, whose attendance underscored the enduring esprit de corps and camaraderie within the nation’s defence and security community.,
The academic community was also prominently represented by distinguished scholars and university administrators, highlighting the close relationship between scholarship, leadership and national development. Those in attendance included Professor Ibrahim Maina Waziri of the University of Maiduguri; Professor Mohammed Kyari, former Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University, Biu; Professor Zamani; Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University; Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed; Professor Hussaini Jibrin; and Professor Umar Inuwa Buratai of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, alongside several other respected members of the academic community.
Nigeria’s business and corporate sector was equally well represented by accomplished entrepreneurs and industry leaders who joined the family in celebrating the joyous occasion. Among them were Alhaji Umar Mustapha, Chief Executive Officer of UFAM Holdings was represented by Alhaji Abubakar Ali Mustapha and Mr Inalegwu Ejembi, Chief of Staff, UFAM Holdings; Alhaji Mustapha Yakubu (Excalibur); Alhaji Mukhtar Lawan of ASD Motors; Alhaji Dr Manzo Ahmed; and Alhaji Halilu Sani, Managing Director of Merit Capital Limited, together with many other distinguished business leaders whose presence reflected the longstanding friendships and goodwill enjoyed by the Buratai family.
The diplomatic community was represented by the Deputy High Commissioner of The Gambia to Nigeria, Mr Abdoulie Hydara, who attended alongside Mrs Abduolie Hydara. The League of African Ambassadors was represented by its president, Ambassador Nwanne Omiyi, while the judiciary was represented by Justice A.H. Musa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. Their presence further demonstrated the wide national and international goodwill that characterised the occasion.
The reception was further enhanced by the attendance of spouses of senior public office holders and military leaders, whose presence added warmth and elegance to the celebration. Among them were Her Excellency Nana Kashim Shettima, wife of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim (Aunty Zee), APC National Deputy Women Leader; Mrs Safiyya Shaibu, President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA); former NAOWA Presidents include Mrs Nnenna Ihejirika, Mrs Felly Minimah, Hajiya Salamatu Faruk Yahaya and Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja; former Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Presidents present are Hajiya Hajara Usman Alkali Baba and Mrs Asma’u Ibrahim Idris; Ambassador Dr Hajiya Nana Aisha Gambo, former President of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA); as well as many other distinguished women whose presence added colour and grace to the occasion.
Lieutenant General Buratai (rtd) expressed profound appreciation to the Royal Fathers and traditional rulers, government officials, legislators, members of the diplomatic corps, serving and retired military and security personnel, academics, business leaders, friends and well-wishers whose presence, prayers and goodwill contributed immensely to the success of the wedding reception. He also acknowledged the invaluable support of the Nasarawa State Government delegation, the organising committee, masters of ceremony, service providers, and volunteers whose dedication ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the event.
The family equally conveyed its sincere appreciation to the many individuals who, although unable to attend in person, sent goodwill messages, offered prayers, and extended their support in numerous other ways. Lieutenant General Buratai (rtd) observed that every expression of kindness, whether through personal attendance, prayers, or other gestures of goodwill, was deeply appreciated and would remain a cherished source of encouragement to the family.
Offering prayers for the newlyweds and for the nation, Lieutenant General Buratai (rtd) said:
“We pray that Almighty Allah blesses Aishatu and Umar with a peaceful, loving, and enduring marriage founded on faith, mutual respect, and compassion. We are profoundly grateful for the overwhelming goodwill shown to our family. May Almighty Allah richly reward everyone for their kindness, strengthen the bonds of unity among our people, and continue to bless our beloved nation, Nigeria, with peace, harmony, and enduring prosperity.” He added:
“The affection shown to our family during this memorable occasion is a powerful reminder that compassion, friendship, and mutual respect remain enduring values among Nigerians. We do not take this remarkable demonstration of goodwill for granted, and we shall always remember it with gratitude.”
The Buratai family reaffirmed its profound appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the wedding celebration, noting that the occasion was not only a joyful family event but also a remarkable demonstration of national unity, friendship and goodwill. The family prayed for God’s continued blessings upon all guests, supporters, and well-wishers and wished them good health, peace, abundant success in all their endeavours, and a safe trip to their respective destinations.
E-Signed:
Brig-Gen Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni, PhD, fnipr.
