Why we’re raising funds for peace-building research – Buratai
The former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt-Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd) has explained why his research centre, Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC) is embarking on funds-raising efforts of peacebuilding in the country.
Buratai stated that there would be no real development without security and peace and that in the same vein, there must be economic opportunities, equity and justice for security and peace to exist, which in turn serves as the foundation or pillars of development.
According to him, the ultimate goal of the centre is to promote peace and empower communities for peacebuilding and conflict resolution through workshops, seminars and conferences.
Buratai stated this on Saturday during the foundation laying ceremony and appeal fundraising for his Research Centre, Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC) in collaboration with Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
He said the collaboration was a strategic arrangement to promote research and development for good governance, leadership capacity building, promotion of innovation and the strengthening of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The former army chief added that establishing the TBRC is his modest way of contributing to national development and giving back to society through a well-thought-out approach that will leave a long-lasting impact on the country.
In his words, “My simple philosophy about life is to continue to live a life of value by improving on the system that we have. As someone who is coming from the military, I reckon that the best way for me and my associates to add value to our society and make our country better and stronger is by promoting peace and strengthening the security of the country through research, hence the establishment of the Tukur Buratai Research Centre.”
Talking about associates, Buratai said the Board of Trustees of the TBRC comprises of himself; the Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University Biu, Prof Kyari Mohammed; Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd); and Dr Hussaini Jibrin, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of History and War Studies, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna.
“We need development in every sector of our national life and this is something that should not be left for the government alone to do. There can be no real development without security and peace, and in the same vein, there must be economic opportunities, equity and justice for security and peace to exist, which in turn serves as the foundation or pillars of development.
“The Tukur Buratai Research Centre will devote attention to the interplay between these critical factors, taking cognizance of our environment and its peculiarities to come up with policies that can help the government and of course individuals as well as organisations,” said Buratai.
The event took place at Tukur & Tukur Farms LTD, Gora Nasarawa State with the State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule performed the groundbreaking and served as the Special Guest of Honour.
