Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has urged Nigerian youth to shun violence, embrace patriotism, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of excellence.

He noted that greatness lies in the ability to take responsibility and apply received advice and input effectively to achieve positive results.

Buratai disclosed this in Abuja at the launch of “Life Principles for Greatness from the Life of General Tukur Yusuf Buratai: Lessons for Today’s Youth,” a motivational book written by his protégé, Dr. Mohammed Sani Abubakar.

He said, “Whatever greatness or leadership is, it means commitment, compassion, empathy, and your vision for your institution and nation. I urge you, Nigerian youths, to embrace the values of discipline, patriotism and non-violence to ensure our great nation’s future.

“Let us shun violence and focus our energy towards nation-building and positive change. I urge Nigerian youth to stand firm against rejection and failure, and persist on the path of excellence.”

The 122-page book, published by Stelzatura Publishing Limited, distils 15 key leadership and life principles drawn from different stages of Buratai’s career and personal life, ranging from discipline, hard work, and strategic thinking to resilience, mentorship, and lifting others along the way.

Reviewing the book, Executive Director of Setting Leadership Initiatives and Chairman of the Editorial Board of Our Nigerian News Magazine, Dr. Ak Peters, described it as “a deeply insightful and practical manual for young Nigerians aspiring to leadership and national impact.”

Abubakar, a prolific writer, publisher, and counter-terrorism expert, said the work was partly inspired by his doctoral research at the Abuja Leadership Centre, University of Abuja, which required him to design a leadership training programme for students in his home state. The initiative brought together 150 students from 13 schools to discuss patriotism, leadership, and excellence.

In his remarks, co-chairman of the launch, retired Lt.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, praised the book as “educative, not only for our generation but for those coming behind us,” emphasising that Nigeria’s leadership challenges are surmountable.

He said, “Nigeria is highly redeemable. We can redeem the leadership. We can redeem our administration. We can redeem our homes.”

Chairman of the event, Ambassador Yusuf Mamman, expressed optimism that ‘Life Principles for Greatness’ would inspire a new generation of leaders to act with integrity, resilience, and vision.

He said, “Good thinking produces good results. This book, too, stands as a classic.”