Former Chief of Army Staff General Yusuf Buratai has urged Nigerian youths to embrace discipline, patriotism, and non-violence as key pillars of nation-building.
Buratai addressed Nigerian youths in Abuja at the launch of his protégé, Dr M.S. Abubakar’s latest book, ‘Life Principles For Greatness From Life of General Tukur Yusufu Buratai’.
The book marks the author’s fourth publication, drawing from the life of the retired general and erstwhile ambassador. The first three were ‘The Legend of Buratai’, Volumes I, II, and III. This fourth publication distils several qualities, including discipline, patriotism, responsibility, and the importance of failure, as key principles that make for a great individual.
In his address to young people, Buratai noted that greatness is simply the ability to take responsibility and channel advice and input appropriately received to achieve good results.
“Whatever greatness or leadership is, it means commitment, compassion, empathy, and your vision for your institution and nation. I urge you (Nigerian youths) to embrace the values of discipline, patriotism and non-violence to ensure our great nation’s future.
“Let us shun violence and focus our energy towards nation-building and positive change. I urge Nigerian youth to stand firm against rejection and failure, and persist on the path of excellence.”
Commending the author, the ex-general said his penmanship, passion for sharing valuable life lessons, and commitment to empowering others overcame his initial scepticism about writing about his life and achievements.
Speaking at the event, author Abubakar noted that General Buratai’s life is full of lessons for young people, from his military days to taking over the reins of power at the peak of insecurity threats in Nigeria.
He argued that under Buratai’s watch as Chief of Army Staff, Nigeria defeated the insurgency group Boko Haram in 2016, were it not for the insurgency leader’s plea with an international organisation for support that then sparked off ‘Boko Haram 2.0’.
He said young people can imbibe the principles of perseverance, humility, a positive mindset, doing one’s best, and leaving the rest to God, which the man embodied.
Published by Sprezzatura Publishing Limited, the 122-page, 15-chapter publication is described by Our Nigeria News Publisher, A.K Peters, as inspirational and a classic in the manner of ‘The Richest Man In Babylon’, a must-read for all Nigerians.
