Abuja, Nigeria, February 18, 2024 – Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff and Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, has emphasised the importance of leveraging culture and tradition to bolster national security and unity.
Speaking at the Army Headquarters during the West African Social Activities (WASA) event on Saturday, Buratai highlighted the significance of the Nigerian army’s recognition of the country’s cultural diversity as a unifying force.
He underscored that the Nigerian military, deeply rooted in the nation’s heritage, had been instrumental in promoting unity through celebrations like WASA, which showcased the richness of Nigeria’s cultural tapestry.
“The celebration of our cultural diversity by the Nigerian military has played a pivotal role in fostering unity and corporate existence,” Buratai stated. “As we reflect on the achievements of the Nigerian army in 2023 and tackle the ongoing challenges of insecurity, it is imperative to harness our cultural values to promote national security and cohesion.”
Buratai emphasized that Nigerian culture inherently rejects criminal activities such as banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, urging youth to embrace values like hard work, respect for elders, and peaceful coexistence.
“Our cultural heritage, encompassing farming, fishing, art, and craft, should be encouraged to provide productive alternatives for the unemployed and deter them from engaging in criminal acts,” he remarked.
The former army chief commended the Nigerian army’s contributions to national and global security, citing its successes in World Wars I and II, as well as various peacekeeping missions worldwide.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support in enhancing the welfare of servicemen and their families, urging military personnel to uphold their constitutional duties and remain loyal to the Commander-in-Chief.
Buratai also lauded the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for maintaining discipline and professionalism within the Nigerian army.
The WASA event marked not only a celebration of the military’s achievements but also served as a platform to reinforce the importance of cultural values in safeguarding national security and unity.
