Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), has identified Professor Babagana Umara Zulum and Engineer Abdullahi Sule, governors of Borno and the Nasarawa States respectively, as the most humble and hard-working governors in the country.
Senator Ndume stated this while delivering a speech during the appeal fund launch and groundbreaking ceremony, for the Tukur Buratai Research Centre, in Gora, Nasarawa State, on Saturday.
Ndume who stood in as a special guest representing the governor of Borno State said the two governors share similar characteristics and are the most humble and hard-working.
Commenting on the event, Professor Zulum commended the idea of the research centre which he said, was not surprising considering the antecedents of the founder.
While promising to collaborate with the centre, the Borno governor pointed out that the Tukur Buratai Research Centre, when completed, will contribute towards making a difference in the political leadership of the country.
In his address at the occasion, Nasarawa State governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, said the history of the security of the country will not be complete without a mention of General Buratai.
Engineer Sule used the opportunity of the event to show appreciation to the Ambassador of the Benin Republic, who during his time as the Chief of Army Staff, worked assiduously to ensure Nasarawa State remains relatively safe.
The governor announced a donation of N50m to kick-start the construction of the centre.
Earlier, founder of the TBRC, former COAS and now Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, General Yusuf Tukur Buratai, is his modest contribution towards national development, as well as giving back to the society.
According to him, the TBRC is collaborating with the Nasarawa State University Keffi in the areas of strategic studies, peace and conflict studies, as well as leadership for development.
Also speaking, the first civilian governor of Nasarawa State and chairman of the event, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, commended Lt.General Buratai for collaborating with the NSUK to establish the TBRC.
On his part, Vice-Chancellor of the Nasarawa State University Keffi, Professor Mohammed Suleiman Bala, said the event marked the formal strategic partnership between the university and the TBRC, having already identified security and strategic studies, as well as peace and conflict studies as key areas of collaboration.
According to him, NSUK and TBRC have also agreed to organise conferences, workshops and training in research methodology and are determined to explore funding options through grants.
The event was attended by captains of industry from across the country, top military brass, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, traditional rulers, colleagues, family members and friends of the former COAS.
Alhaji Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabiu, who was represented, donated N100m towards the building of the TBRC.
Also in attendance were the Emir of Keffi, HRH Dr Shehu Yamusa III, as the royal father of the day, as well as the Emir of Biu, HRH Mai Mustapha Umar II.
