- He said that there was hardly any institution in Nigeria where people’s cultures and traditions were better represented than in the Nigerian military
Retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff and Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, has emphasized leveraging culture and tradition for enhancing national security and unity.
He advocated this during the West African Social Activities (WASA) at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, highlighting the cultural diversity of soldiers from various tribes across Nigeria, commemorated through the WASA festival.
He said that there was hardly any institution in Nigeria where people’s cultures and traditions were better represented than in the Nigerian military, which had given a special connection to the celebration of WASA by the Nigerian Army.
“The reputation and celebration of our cultural diversity and its richness by the Nigerian military has allowed the institution to stand tall over the years and to succeed at promoting the unity and corporate existence of our dear countries.
“As we celebrate the Nigerian army’s achievement over the past one year in 2023, we are also not unmindful of the social, economic and security challenges in the country.
“As the Nigerian army strives to tackle insecurity in the country using both kinetic and non-kinetic measures, we must use culture and tradition to promote national security and national unity.
“No Nigerian culture accepts banditry, kidnapping or terrorism.
“We must appeal to our youth to imbibe the culture of hard work, respect for elders and adherence to peaceful communal living.
“Our cultural heritage of farming, fishing, art and craft must be encouraged in our societies in order for the unemployed to be useful to us so that they can shun criminal acts,” he said.
The former army chief said the Nigerian Army had been a source of pride to the nation and had recorded well documented victories from participation in the 1st and 2nd World Wars.
“Our soldiers have also excelled in various peacekeeping operations across the globe.
“The involvement of the army in internal security operations has also recorded commendable success,” he said.
These achievements, according to him, represent a testimony to the dedication and sacrifices of the military personnel, some of whom had paid the supreme price in service to the nation.