Renowned psychologist, Philip Zambardo says, “…to be a hero means you step across the line and are willing to make a sacrifice, so heroes always are making a sacrifice. Heroes always take a risk. Heroes are always deviant. Heroes are always doing something that most people don’t and will want to change. This means heroes are people who came, saw, and conquered. Yes, we have many heroes; but ironically, not every hero is a legend.
However, Lieutenant General TY Buratai is a combination of both and much more. Through courage, selfless sacrifice, and exemplary leadership, he commanded the Nigerian Army that saved us from the brutal strangulation of insurgents and criminal gangs in Nigeria.
Therefore, Lieutenant General Buratai has amazingly surpassed the mark of a mere hero and has launched himself into the nobility of remarkable legends. A famous American athlete, Max Holloway says, “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” This is a perfect description of the persona of Lieutenant General Buratai
Whatever respite and exculpation Nigeria savours today from Boko Haram terrorism streams from the relentless sacrifices of Lieutenant General Buratai and Nigerian Army troops’ years of sleeplessness and battles in the trenches. Several testimonies from several generals within the ranks and files of the armed forces are testimony to this.
Lt Gen. Buratai depicts the image of an uncommon soldier; rugged and combative on the battlefields and a torn in the flesh of insurgents, insurrectionists, and other enemies of Nigeria. He is a soldier tough at the battlefront, but meek, kind, and humble at home. His humility and compassion always leave whoever encounters him in awe. He is the face of a perfect humanity, who shares the pains and agonies of suffering people and steps out to assist traumatized and helpless people. He counts his joy and happiness in the number of people he has freed from torments and the hangman’s noose and the lives he positively impacted. Because of his immense love for humanity, Lt Gen. Buratai goes out of his way to assist individuals and communities. The prosperity and development he brought to many communities across Nigeria are uncountable. His numerous philanthropic and humanitarian gestures touched many hearts.
Thus, the turbaning of Buratai as Betara of Biu today by the Emir of Biu, His Royal Majesty, Dr Umar Mustapha II, is a well-deserved honour on the worthy son of the soil. The Emir explained that the selection of Buratai was in recognition of his exceptional contribution not only to the Biu Emirate but to the country as a whole.
The Borno Deputy Governor, Dr Usman Kadafur, commended the Emir for finding him worthy of the title and for his commitment towards the peace and unity of Nigeria.
Interestingly, the historic event, which took place at the emir’s palace, was graced by dignitaries and politicians, serving and retired military officers, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, and members of the academia, among others.
Some of the dignitaries included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya; Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, and former APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu and the Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, HRH (Dr.) Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude (Tegbosun III),