By  Musa Garba

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has hosted the Amanyanabo of the Source, Elem-Kalabari, Torusarama-Piri, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, in a move to strengthen cultural relations and cooperation among traditional institutions ahead of the Kalabari monarch’s coronation.

During the visit, Dokubo-Asari formally invited the Ooni to the Se Diye (Coronation) ceremony scheduled for December 19, 2026, in Buguma, Rivers State.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Sodiq Lawal, Senior Media Officer, on behalf of Otunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, and made available to Northeast Star Magazine.

Dokubo-Asari, also known as Da Amakiri Tubo, emphasised the importance of cordial relationships among traditional rulers, noting that traditional institutions play vital roles in community development, conflict resolution and the preservation of cultural heritage.

He praised the Ooni for his leadership and commitment to peace, unity and responsible traditional stewardship, describing the engagement as an opportunity to deepen bonds of brotherhood among traditional institutions across Nigeria.

In his response, the Ooni, who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), expressed appreciation for the visit and invitation to the forthcoming coronation.

He described the engagement as a welcome development in efforts to strengthen relationships among traditional rulers from different parts of the country.

The Ooni stressed that cooperation among traditional institutions was essential to promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse cultural communities.

He also expressed his desire to establish stronger cultural, historical and economic ties between Ile-Ife and Elem-Kalabari, noting that sustained engagement could deepen understanding of Nigeria’s diverse identities and shared heritage.

Speaking warmly about his guest, the Ooni described Dokubo-Asari as a fearless personality, adding humorously that “the fear of Asari Dokubo is the beginning of wisdom.”

He commended the Kalabari monarch for the wisdom and maturity with which he had conducted himself since ascending the throne, noting that effective traditional leadership requires courage, prudence and a commitment to the welfare of the people.

The Ooni also acknowledged Dokubo-Asari’s goodwill and relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the importance of constructive engagement among traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders in promoting peace and national development.

He further emphasised that stronger historical and cultural connections among traditional institutions could serve as bridges for unity and cooperation across ethnic and geographical boundaries.

As a mark of honour and goodwill, the Ooni presented a bronze artwork to Dokubo-Asari during the visit.

Explaining the significance of the gift, the Ooni said it symbolised the importance of the people to a leader, stressing that the strength of any traditional institution ultimately depends on the support, loyalty and well-being of the people it serves.

The meeting underscores the importance of dialogue and collaboration among traditional rulers in preserving cultural heritage, strengthening inter-community relationships and advancing peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.

By Auwal Ahmad, Abuja

Former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd) has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal and other dignitaries for their support towards the successful launch of a book documenting his tenure as Army Chief.

The book, Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era, was presented on 16 September 2026 at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja.

The appreciation was contained in a statement signed by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (Rtd)  and made available to journalists in Abuja.

Mr Buratai described the event as a significant gathering of serving and retired military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, diplomats, academics, business leaders, journalists and other stakeholders interested in Nigeria’s security and institutional history.

He expressed particular gratitude to President Tinubu, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, for his support for the event. The President’s message was delivered by Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Mr Buratai also appreciated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for supporting the Federal Government’s participation in the occasion.

He thanked the Chairman of the event, Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab,  and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, who presented the book and shared his reflections on the leadership legacy documented in the publication.

The former Army Chief singled out Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, the Chief Launcher, for special appreciation after he supported the book project with an N150 million donation. He was represented at the event by Alhaji Inuwa Baba.

Mr Buratai also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Service Chiefs for their representatives at the ceremony.

He thanked the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, for attending the event and for his remarks on the shared responsibility of securing the nation.

Other personalities acknowledged included Major General I.D. Penap (Rtd), who reviewed the book; Lieutenant General Domenico Giani (Rtd), former Commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps; Senator Ali Ndume; and members of the panel who contributed to the discussions.

They included Professor Phillip Dahida, Madam Amina Akano-Bello, Major General Victor Ezugwu (Rtd), Major General JGK Myam (Rtd), Director-General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, and Rear Admiral Adamu Biu (Rtd).

Mr Buratai also appreciated traditional rulers, particularly His Royal Majesty, Oba Hameed Oyelude Makama, Tegboosun III, the Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom, Osun State, and the G12 Obas from the state for their presence and support.

He acknowledged members of the diplomatic community, including the Italian Ambassador, Roberto Mengoni, and the Honorary Consul of Colombia to Nigeria, Maricel Romero, as well as other international guests.

The former Army Chief also commended Sheikh Mustapha Kouyatè, President of the African Peoples Movement, and General Francis A. Behanzin, Chairman and Co-Founder of the World Network of Security and Defence Professionals for the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism, for their participation.

Mr Buratai thanked the author, Dr M.S. Abubakar, for his research and intellectual contribution to the publication, as well as the Institute of Security Nigeria, academics and security researchers who contributed to the broader discourse on defence, intelligence and statecraft.

He also expressed appreciation to the Buratai Legacy Presentation Committee, Sprezzatura Publishing Limited and Clarivox Creative Limited for their roles in organising the event and producing the book.

The former Army Chief said the support and goodwill received before, during and after the event demonstrated the importance attached to documenting Nigeria’s military and institutional history.

He described the success of the book launch as a collective achievement and thanked serving and retired military officers, veterans, diplomats, academics, civil society organisations, journalists and other guests for their contributions.

“The success of the event was not the achievement of any one individual or institution. 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,” the statement said.

Mr Buratai also thanked the media for covering the event and helping to bring the issues raised in the book to a wider audience.

He said the lessons contained in the publication would continue to contribute to discussions on leadership, national security and institutional development.

Why RECAP Is Rooting For President Bola Tinubu’s Second Term In Office Prof. Adeniji

… Believes President Tinubu deserves the opportunity to continue the reforms,policies initiated during his first term

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Renewal Congress of Aladura & Celestial Churches in Politics (RECAP), a faith-based civic and political advocacy movement has expressed its unwavering commitment towards promoting righteous leadership, civic responsibility, national development, and values-driven governance in alignment with biblical principles and the progressive ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking in an interview with our Correspondent on Thursday, Processor Adebayo Adeniji,RECAP National Coordinator, stated that
RECAP is a faith-based political support movement committed to promoting good governance, national development, and responsible Christian participation in the democratic process.

According to him, “As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, RECAP believes that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves the opportunity to continue the reforms and policies initiated during his first term.

“Our support is based on his courage to Implement Difficult but Necessary Reforms. For decades, successive administrations avoided critical economic decisions. President Tinubu demonstrated the courage to undertake reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy for long-term sustainability. And RECAP believes that such reforms require time to mature and yield their full benefits.

“His commitment to national development has remained premium on our heart. The administration has maintained a focus on infrastructure development, economic revitalization, and institutional reforms. We believe continuity of leadership will enable ongoing projects and policies to achieve their intended objectives.”

Professor Adeniji noted that though Nigerians have experienced temporary hardships arising from economic adjustments, “RECAP recognizes that sustainable growth often requires difficult transitions. We support efforts aimed at creating a stronger economic foundation for future generations”.

He pointed out that stability and policy continuity is the hallmark of President Tinubu’s administration, and national progress is best achieved when transformational policies are given sufficient time to produce measurable results, stressing that “RECAP believes a second term will provide the continuity necessary for consolidation and growth.”

“The Renewed Hope agenda resonates with our conviction that Nigeria can become a nation where justice, opportunity, and prosperity are available to all citizens regardless of ethnicity, region, or religious background.

“We also support government that places premium on promotion of inclusive governance, that’s another major reason RECAP supports leadership that seeks national unity and encourages collaboration among diverse groups for the common good.

“We believe that nation-building requires partnership among government, faith communities, civil society, and the private sector.

The cleric also explained that “As a faith-based movement, RECAP encourages believers not only to pray for the nation but also to participate actively in shaping its future through lawful democratic engagement. And supporting candidates whose vision aligns with national development is part of that responsibility.”

In conclusion,the national coordinator declared that RECAP exists to mobilize, educate, and empower members of Aladura and Celestial Churches to actively participate in the democratic process through voter registration, lawful voting, civic engagement, and responsible political participation.