Sunday, 28th August 2022, the World Peace Institute (WPI) conferred the prestigious award of Bearer of Security Torch on Lt-Gen TY Buratai (rtd) at its 2022 annual symposium at Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos.
The seminar with the theme “Building up Internal Security Set-ups and Community Protection in Nigeria: Notions, Style, Possibilities and Master plan” featured the launch of the anthology of poetry published in honour of the “Bearer of Security Torch”, poem reading, revealing General Buratai’s giant Strides while in Service, an interactive session, presentation of staff of honour, award presentation and investiture of new Fellows of the Institute and goodwill messages from World Institute for Peace ambassadors and representatives across various countries in the world.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Ambassador (Dr) Lamina Omotoyosi, Executive Chairman, World Institute for Peace, stated that WPI deemed it fit to honour Lt Gen TY Buratai (rtd) based on his immense contributions to peace and security in Nigeria and beyond. Various speakers praised the excellent leadership qualities of Lt. General Buratai, especially while in service as Chief of Army Staff. One of the ambassadors from Greece, Ambassador Rania Angelakoudi called Buratai an extraordinary soldier who devoted his life to the safety of life and property in Nigeria.
She congratulated Buratai for the incredible feats he has achieved as the First Bearer of the Security Torch. Also speaking at the occasion, His Royal Highness, Oba Adetokunboh Tejousho, Olu of Oriel-Kinta, described Ambassador Buratai as a man of peace and a living legend. He lamented that we hardly celebrate icons like him in this part of the world.
In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Buratai noted that security issue should be of utmost concern to everyone because “Nuclear arsenal is on the rise globally. About 27 countries are engulfed in conflicts worldwide, and two billion people live in war-affected areas. In this, children are primarily involved.
“Therefore, I dedicate my life to defend Nigeria, Africa and the world as I wholeheartedly accept this honour as a global touch bearer of peace and a runner of global peace,” he stated.
It is worth noting that the award was the first of its kind given to anybody by the World Institute for Peace. Therefore His Excellency Lieutenant General TY Buratai (rtd) was the first person to be recognised and honoured with such an award.
Those who graced the occasion include Senator Gbadamosi, Senator in the Benin Republic, Honourable Suleiman Turawa Ribadu, Member, House of Representatives, Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator of the African Union Development Agency and Chief Executive Officer of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDAD/NEPAD), Major General OC Ajunwa, GOC 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Hundeyin Parker, Deputy Commandant, NAFRC OshodI, His Royal Highness, Oba Adetokunboh Tejousho, Olu of Oriel-Kinta, Ogun State and Commodore MB Teidi (rtd), President of 29 Regular Course Foundation and some members of 29 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Others that attended the ceremony were Major General II Abbah (rtd), former Military Secretary (Army), World Peace Institute Ambassadors and Representatives across the Globe, Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni, former Director of Army Public Relations and spokesman for the Nigerian Army and Alhaji Usman Nan-Nam, the CEO Nam-Nam Petroleum. Alhaji Hassan Sultan, Alhaji Manzo Ahmed, former Director, Federal Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment and Colonel SO Odutayo (rtd). The Representative of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ali Zango, Commander Area F, Nigeria Police Force, Ikeja, Alhaji Suleiman Uba Gaya, Vice President (North West), Nigerian Guild of Editors and CEO of Skylimit Media, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, Alhaji Isah Dogo, Chairman of Babur Community in Lagos, Alhaji Mas’udu Ahmed, KIA Representative in Nigeria, Mr Patrick Agbambu, President/CEO of Security Watch Africa Initiative, Alhaji Mohammed Malgwi, a Director at the Nigerian Shippers Council and Engineer Hassan Mohammed, Sarkin Yakin Garkuwan Keffi.
Also at the occasion were newly inducted fellows of WPI, Commander Fola Junaidu of the USA Navy, Oyewole Femi, Founder of Sahara TV, Alhaji Ibrahim Danfulani, Musa Mohammed Jawa and Audu Ishak, amongst others.
Credit: saharaweekly.com
