On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites hosted a grand gathering in Asokoro, Abuja, to unveil Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era. The publication, penned by Dr M.S. Abubakar through extensive academic dedication, records the tenure of retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai while he headed the country’s infantry force. To demonstrate solidarity with national defence archives, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede along with top military leadership dispatched high-ranking officers to represent them at the event. Among these military proxies were Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu representing the Army Chief, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas standing in for the Naval Chief, and Air Marshal Sunday Aneke representing the Air Chief.
Heading the distinguished attendees, President Bola Tinubu served as the principal honoree, with Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens—Permanent Secretary of Political and Economic Affairs within the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s office—delivering his speech. Senator George Akume, holding the office of SGF, received praise for securing federal backing for the ceremony. The task of presiding over the gathering fell to Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab, while Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.) performed the unveiling duties and offered reflections based on his previous service under Buratai.
Industrialist Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, creator of Max Air who possesses wide-ranging investments across aviation and petroleum sectors, assumed the role of Chief Launcher through his proxy, Alhaji Inuwa Baba. Expressing deep appreciation for the entrepreneur, Buratai remarked, “His CON honour and quiet philanthropy across Nigeria reveal the depth of his character,” before adding, “We are deeply grateful, Chief Launcher, for your presence and your support.” The retired general also lauded Sprezzatura Publishing Limited alongside Clarivox Creative Limited for orchestrating the event and bringing the literary project to fruition.
A diverse international and local contingent attended, featuring the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, former Vatican Gendarmerie commander Lt. Gen. Domenico Giani (retd.), and Senator Ali Ndume. Diplomatic delegates such as Italian Envoy Roberto Mengoni, Colombian Honorary Consul Maricel Romero, and ex-ECOWAS Commissioner Gen. Francis Behanzin joined discussions spearheaded by academic and military panelists Prof. Phillip Dahida, Maj. Gen. Victor Ezugwu (retd.), and Rear Admiral Adamu Biu (retd.). Reflecting on the assembly’s outcome, Buratai extended appreciation to all stakeholders, stating, “It was the result of collective effort, shared purpose, and the generosity of all who believe in the importance of preserving Nigeria’s institutional memory and learning from its history.”
