Embrace Honesty and Truth – Buratai tells pupils
By Jennifer S Kuwanta
The former Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd.)has advised Nigerian pupils to embrace honesty and truth at all times.
Buratai, who gave the advice at a book reading session titled “Pipi Longstocking” at the Swedish Embassy on Wednesday in Abuja, said there is profit in being truthful and honest.
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He narrated to them how as a young boy he was always chosen by those older than him to join on an assignment or trip together because he was known for his honesty and truthfulness that was unmatched.
In his words, “One of the attributes I had as a child like you was honesty and truthfulness. Among my classmates and age group, my seniors will always pick me alone out of all my mates.
“They knew I was honest and if I should follow them, whatever happens remains within and I won’t tell lies against them.”
Buratai also taught the pupils that hypocrisy and lies destroy societies, homes, and bonds and also break families.
He said, “Societies are supposed to be one, they are supposed to come together and do things in truthfulness and honesty for them to grow and for them to appreciate each other.”
The former Ambassador advised them to avoid backbiting, telling lies and backstabbing, even if they are afraid of telling the truth, for the truth will eventually set them free.
Buratai went on to educate the pupils on the benefits of truthfulness and honesty, adding that “it promotes authenticity, saves people, shows maturity, makes you a trustworthy person, and makes you attract other honest people because ‘honesty begets honesty’.”
“Courage is not the absence of fear, it is doing what you know you want or need to do despite your fears.
“It takes an immense amount of courage to say what you feel which is often difficult and takes practice and patience but it pays off.
“So you must tell the truth, be courageous and once you’re on the right side and have spoken the truth, you have nothing to fear,” the former Army chief said.
The pupils also learnt that honesty keeps one out of trouble as Buratai gave them an example of the character in the book, Pipi who got confused when trying to answer her friends after entangling herself in a rope of lies. But luckily she was honest enough to own up.
“So if you make a mistake and tell a lie, quickly own up and seek forgiveness,” the ex-envoy said.
