Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s instant previous Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has paid a glowing tribute to his predecessor, Lt. Gen. OA Ihejirika, because the retired General marks his seventieth birthday.
In a heartfelt message launched in Abuja on Fridayay, Buratai described Ihejirika as not solely a distinguished soldier and statesman, but in addition a commander, mentor, and “architect of leadership” whose affect formed a technology of senior army officers.
Buratai recalled that his skilled rise throughout the Nigerian Army was considerably moulded below Ihejirika’s command, citing key appointments that outlined his profession trajectory.
According to him, the belief reposed in him by early command obligations, together with his first command posting at Headquarters 2 Brigade and later as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, laid a stable basis for his future management roles.
“These opportunities were not mere appointments; they were strategic investments in leadership,” Buratai famous, including that such publicity ready him for increased nationwide obligations.
He additional acknowledged that the mentorship {and professional} grounding he obtained below Ihejirika’s management had been instrumental in his eventual appointment as Chief of Army Staff and later as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Buratai praised Ihejirika’s command philosophy, describing it as skilled, pragmatic, and mission-driven. He stated the previous Army Chief led by instance, combining agency strategic path with a transparent blueprint for excellence that continues to affect army management practices.
“At seventy, General Ihejirika has earned the right to reflect on a legacy secured,” Buratai said, praying for good well being, peace, and enduring pleasure for the retired General as he enters a brand new decade.
He concluded by expressing profound gratitude for the management, mentorship, and lasting instance offered by Ihejirika over time.
The tribute was signed by Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, who described himself as a grateful mentee and successor, underscoring the enduring bonds of mentorship throughout the Nigerian Army’s high management.
