By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
A former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Ambassador Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has been turbaned by the Keffi Emirate Council as the ‘Garkuwan Keffi.’.
The turbanning ceremony took place at the Palace of the Emir of Keffi, His Royal Highness, (Dr) Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, on Saturday July 23, 2022.
In attendance were friends and well-wishers from various parts of Nigeria.
The Emirate Council mentioned multiple reasons that made them confer him with the prestigious traditional title.
The Emirate also described him as an exceptional person who has contributed immensely to the development of Keffi Emirate, Nasarawa State and the nation.
Speaking shortly after the turbanning, the Emir, Dr Chindo Yamusa III, said Ambassador Tukur Buratai was honoured because he has over the years been contributing to national development and Keffi Emirate.
“Above all, he is a bridge builder that made Keffi emirate home,” he said.
He further explained that the General has embraced the country’s development in every capacity he finds himself, which has significantly enhanced peace and security.
He prayed for Allah to grant the new Garkuwan Keffi more strength to continue serving humanity and his philanthropic efforts and also urged other Nigerians to emulate him.
Earlier in his acceptance speech, General Burutai thanked the Emir and his Emirate Council for finding him worthy of the prestigious traditional title even though he is not an indigene of the Emirate. However, he has lived in the domain for over 27 years.
He further explained that he is honoured by the gesture of the Emirate Council, promising to continue to contribute to the development of the Emirate and live up to the expectations of his new title.
Buratai further appreciated the Emir and the Emirate Council for the honour and reiterated that the traditional title bestowed on him would further spur him to contribute positively to society and humanity.
He concluded by saying, “even after leaving service, I will not relent in contributing my quota to society in helping youth and women. I strongly believe that if we all do our part, Nigeria will be a better country for all,”
Other attractions of the turbanning ceremony included a novelty football friendly match between T.Y. Buratai Football Academy and African Sports Keffi Emirate at the football pitch located at the Snake Farm. The game ended 2-0 in favour of Buratai Football Academy.
The match was witnessed by high-profile personalities, which included, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Hameed Makama, the Olowu of Kuta, who was also the Special Guest of Honour, and other traditional rulers from Nasarawa, Osun and Oyo states.
Also present at the occasion, were serving and retired military officers, which include a former Chief of Policy and Plans of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun (rtd), a former Director of Military Intelligence, Major General Abubakar Tarfa (rtd) and Major General Mohammed Sani Aliyu (rtd) and a former Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (rtd), mni.
Other dignitaries that graced both occasions were Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Festus Keyamo SAN, Alhaji Nasiru Danu Dan Amanar Dutse, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusufu Buratai, the Bulaman Shagari low-cost and senior brother to the new Garkuwan Keffi and Alhaji Yusufu Nadabo Chanchangi Sardaunan Chanchangi, Alhaji Dr Manzo Ahmed, Barrister Shehu Ibrahim Birma (Birman Biu) and Alhaji Mustapha Garba.
Others are, Alhaji Ibrahim Garba, Alhaji Ibrahim Isa (Ciroman Nguru), Alhaji Musa Galadima Gora (Walin Shani), Alhaji Garba Hamisu, Alhaji Abba Kyari Wujema, Engr. Mohammed Hassan (Sarkin Yakin Garkuwan Keffi) and Honourable Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, Commissioner Information Zamfara State (Kakakin Maradun).
