Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has urged Nigerian leaders to be agents of positive change and commit to the core values of leadership, integrity, and service.
Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Benin Republic, made the call during the graduation of participants of the Leadership and National Cohesion (LNC) Course 2/2024 on Friday in Abuja. The course was organized by the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), in collaboration with the UNDP and the Government of Japan.
In his address, Buratai emphasized the importance of leadership in fostering a common vision for society. He underscored the need for leaders to uphold the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and dignity, especially in challenging times.
“As leaders, you must foster a culture of tolerance, empathy, and understanding, where every individual feels valued, respected, and included,” Buratai said.
He noted that leadership and national cohesion are more critical now than ever, as the world becomes increasingly complex. The challenges faced require collective action, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.
“You have a vital role to play in promoting national cohesion and building a more united, stable, and prosperous society. You are ambassadors of hope, beacons of positive change, and champions of national cohesion,” he added.
Buratai stressed that contemporary society demands quality leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex challenges, bridge divides, and inspire collective action. He encouraged the participants to promote education, community engagement, and economic opportunities.
“You must reject hate speech and celebrate diversity, recognizing that unique backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives are the very fabric that strengthens a society,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, emphasized that a nation without leadership and national cohesion would ultimately be vulnerable to disintegration, instability, and stagnation. He highlighted the need for a new generation of visionary leaders who could unite people toward a common goal, stressing the importance of capacity building and leadership training.
“In collaboration with the UNDP and the Government of Japan, the MLAILPKC developed the Leadership and National Cohesion course to equip participants with the competencies required to navigate the complexities of leading in a diverse, multi-ethnic, and multicultural society,” Adedoja said.
He further explained that the course provided participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop strategies for promoting social cohesion, managing conflicts, and fostering inclusive, sustainable development.
“The interconnections between leadership and national cohesion were deeply explored, revealing how effective leadership fosters unity and a sense of purpose among citizens,” he added.
Adedoja urged participants to remain committed to the values of leadership, integrity, and selfless service, striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and inspiring others to work towards a shared societal vision.
The Director of Training at MLAILPKC, Lt.-Col. Suleman Yakubu, noted that the course had 27 participants from various services and civil organizations, including the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Nigeria Police, paramilitary agencies, MDAs, and non-governmental organizations.
He explained that the primary objective of the course was to instill a deep understanding of leadership and its role in fostering national integration and cohesion.
“The course aimed to equip future leaders with the skills, strategies, and mindset necessary to harness national potential and overcome divisions along ethnic, social, and cultural lines,” Yakubu concluded.
