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Strong And Innovative Think Thank Panacea To National Development — Buratai

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Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd), has canvassed for strong and innovative think thank as a panacea to Nigeria Development.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Tukur Buratai Research Centre, TBRC, at the weekend in Keffi, Nasarawa State, the former Chief of Army Staff said TBRC will fill the vacuum in the area of research and policy development, especially in the areas of security and defence, peace, conflict management, climate change, leadership and development.
Buratai explains that his passion for human capital development was borne out of his genuine desire to give back to the system and contribute his own quota.
“One may want to know why a retired General cum diplomat will decide to collaborate with a university to set up a think-tank like TBRC. Since this a straight question, I will respond with an answer that is precise and straight to the point. It was W.H Auden who said that “We are here on Earth to do good to others. What others are here for, I don’t know.” My simple philosophy about life is to continue to live a life of value by improving on the system that we have, and as someone coming from the military, I reckoned that the best way for me and my associates to add value to our society and make our country better and stronger is through a think-tank like TBRC.
“Let me make it categorically clear to us that one of the factors that helped the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries is strong and innovative think-tanks.
As far back as 1831, the Duke of Wellington set up the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies with the aim of helping policymakers navigate through complex policy problems.
Then the London Fabian Society which got established in 1884, home to Sydney and Beatrice Webbs, who later founded the London School of Economics. In 1919, scholars like Lionel Curtis of Oxford University spearheaded the establishment of a think-tank to explore international problems and advocate policy solutions.
“After that, we saw the emergence of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in 1916, which in 1927, merged with two other institutions to form the widely acclaimed Brookings Institution. I believe that there exists a gap in our polity that “TBRC as a think-tank can fill through research and policy development especially in the areas of security and defence, peace, conflict management, climate change, leadership and development.” He said.
To Buratai development in every sector of our national should not be left alone for the government.
He says all hands must be on deck if we are to achieve the Eldorado we crave for.
“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. As I have said in so many fora, 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.
“TBRC will devote attention to the interplay between these critical factors taking cognisance of our environment and its peculiarities with a view to coming up with policies that can help the government. Our objective is geared towards a more secured and better Nigeria for all Nigerians.
“Increased productivity, improved socioeconomic well-being, increased income, infrastructure development, job creation, and improved quality of local produce for both domestic and international markets remain the hallmarks of a well-thought-out research initiative and development agenda by a prosperous nation led by a visionary/corrupt-free leader.
The anticipated benefits of a functional research and development program include training people with the necessary capacity to conduct economic tasks with an appreciable degree of skill, hence achieving maximum production. These capacities include equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully harness and exploit the potentials found in their surroundings.
Nigeria’s current situation demonstrates that it is a populous nation with a plethora of potentials but insufficient capabilities to transfer these potentials into socioeconomic reforms.
“Evidence abounds in nations throughout the world that house research centres dedicated to developing necessary initiatives and or strategies that will aid in mitigating development issues and maximizing environmental potential. While a few of nations have achieved significant milestones and or breakthroughs in this area, many others are still struggling to find their footing in terms of designing mechanisms by which their potentials can be fully realized.
“Research entails an in-depth investigation of an object or situation with the goal of promoting development and progress. It is a process that involves the collection of reliable and usable information and data on the subject of the research, as well as the analysis of the data acquired in order to reach a legitimate conclusion. Thus, the primary purpose of research is to uncover answers to important questions targeted at resolving societal problems.
To Buratai, Leadership is a characteristic, nor a title. Leadership is about encouraging others to live the organization’s vision, mission, and values.
“I must say that research and well-informed policy frameworks are indispensables to those in the positions of leadership. We leave in a globalized world and things now move with breakneck speed.
“The world of today is no longer an environment that responds to those who have military might or have numerical strength; it also doesn’t give a damn if a country has an armada of natural resources like the one we have in Nigeria. “Sometimes, I picture those in positions of leadership as sailors of a ship cruising on the ocean, supposedly taking their people to the Promised Land.
“Today’s world simply responds and obeys those who are well informed and those who have fool-proofed policies.
“This is why research centres and think tanks like TBRC are critical to the success of every leader. There is no gainsaying the fact that leadership without well-informed and foolproofed policies will lack clear vision and direction. This is the major cause of setbacks in most African nations.” He said.

BIG STORY

Two Criminals Who Robbed, Attempted To Kill Lil-Kesh In Lagos Arrested In Kano

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The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to an armed robbery and attempted murder case in Lagos.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, described the arrests as a major breakthrough made possible through intelligence gathering and community collaboration.

According to Haruna, the suspects — Mathew Adewole, 25, of Na’ibawa Quarters, and Mukhtar Muhammad, 31, of Unguwa Uku Quarters, Kano — were apprehended on September 11, 2025, at Na’ibawa Quarters.

During interrogation, Adewole reportedly confessed to assaulting one Lil-Kesh, a resident of Bera Estate, Chevron, Lagos, on August 19, 2025. The attack left the victim with severe injuries, including a deep neck wound.

Haruna further disclosed that the suspect compelled the victim to transfer ₦2,120,000 from his bank account via mobile phone to Muhammad’s account.

He added that, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Kano Command has been strengthening its intelligence network and deepening community policing to outpace criminal elements.

The police spokesperson noted that the suspects have since been transferred to the Lagos State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, praised the officers for their professionalism and acknowledged the role of the public in supporting police operations. He assured that the command will sustain efforts to maintain law and order across the state.

“The command remains committed to maintaining law and order, working closely with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to combating crime,” the statement concluded.

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BIG STORY

How Police Tracked, Arrested Notorious Suspect John Samuel Who Shot, Robbed Gbenga Obama At His Epe Hideout

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Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a notorious armed robber and alleged hired assassin, John Samuel, 28, at his hideout in Epe.

The suspect, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, was picked up on September 19, 2025, around 2:00 pm, after weeks of surveillance.

Report has it that Samuel — recently released from prison on August 18 after serving a six-year jail term for armed robbery — had, the same day, shot and wounded popular Lagos socialite Gbenga Obama at Gbajobi Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja. He then robbed him of a gold necklace and other valuables in broad daylight.

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi B. Oluseyi, described Samuel as “vicious and notorious,” noting that he was known to shoot victims before dispossessing them of valuables.

Oluseyi said CCTV footage of the August 18 incident captured Samuel firing at Obama with an English pistol, before fleeing with an accomplice who waited on a motorcycle. Obama, who sustained serious gunshot wounds, has since been treated and discharged.

The suspect reportedly confessed to selling the stolen jewelry for ₦4 million — far below its market value. Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of his gang.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohudare Jimoh, commended the operatives for their gallantry and assured residents that the suspect would be prosecuted after investigations.

The command reiterated its commitment to the safety of Lagosians, warning that “the state has no hiding place for criminals.”

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BIG STORY

Road To 2027: We’re Ready To Join APC, Says Kwankwaso, Gives Condition

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The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed readiness to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but only on what he described as a “strong condition.”

Kwankwaso’s declaration ends months of speculation about his political future and has heightened tension within the ruling party and the wider political space.

The former Kano State governor made the remarks on Thursday while receiving Buhari Bakwana, a former political aide to ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who visited him alongside APC members from the 44 local government areas of Kano State.

He insisted that any talks of returning to APC or merging with it must clearly define what the NNPP stands to gain.
“If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain,” he said.

Kwankwaso maintained that while the NNPP was open to discussions, it would not accept being “used and dumped.” He reminded the delegation of his role in establishing APC in 2013, saying he and his allies endured political persecution at the time.

“We have gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them if we join?” he asked.
“We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us.”

The former defence minister also recalled his frustrations with both APC and PDP in past alliances, accusing the two parties of breaching agreements.

“Eight years of APC under the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari gave us nothing, not even appreciation. In PDP, we asked for just a zonal party chairman, but they refused. We left peacefully, and today we are strong and have integrity,” he said.

His latest statement contrasts with his earlier remarks at the NNPP National Executive Council meeting, where he had pledged to remain with the party despite swirling rumours of his impending defection.

Reacting to Kwankwaso’s comments, the State Secretary of APC in Kano, Hon. Zakari Ibrahim Sarina, said the party would welcome him back if he abides by party principles.

“Kwankwaso can’t come to APC to control the party that has national spread. Remember, APC is not NNPP, which he established and controls,” Sarina said.

“We are ready to welcome Kwankwaso back to APC because his return is an added advantage to the ruling party. Another reason the party will be willing to have him is the peace and tranquillity in Kano. We need social and economic development in Kano,” he added.

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