The Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI) on Monday, 29th November 2021, conferred on the former Army spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni, an award of “Icon of Peace and National Unity 2021.” The event took place at Conference Hall A, TY Buratai Block of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
In his remarks, while presenting the award, the Executive Director, GOPRI, Ambassador Melvin Ejeh, described Usman as one of the most outstanding personalities in the forefront of national peace, unity and integration. Ambassador Ejeh noted that the award was in recognition of Usman’s numerous contributions to Peacebuilding in Nigeria through dialogue and advocacy, which made him stand out remarkably even after service. “As a civil society group with a vested interest in peacebuilding in Nigeria, we have observed with keen interest the numerous contributions of Brigadier General Sani Usman (rtd) in defence of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through all his peacebuilding advocacy across the country. As Director of Army Public Relations, we saw an officer whose capacity in information management was unprecedented and second to none. He carried all Nigerians along in whatever programmes and operations the Army was involved in, thereby bridging the information gab leading to strong civil-military relations in that era,” he said.
In his response, the award recipient, Usman, who was surprised at the gesture, thanked GOPRI for reiterating the need for all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion and ethnic colouration, to build a more robust and united nation with the rights of all citizens guaranteed. He assured that he would continue to do his best to promote national Unity against all odds and called on all to support the armed forces’ efforts in their quest to ensure a safer country for all.
It is worthy to note that Brigadier General Usman (rtd) mni is the current Consultant and Director of Corporate Affairs and Information Services of the centre.
Present at the occasion were some members of the management staff of Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Directors and Consultants that includes the representative of the Director General, Major General James Myam, Executive Director Consult, Professor CBN Ogbogbo, Director of Research and Major General LF Abdullahi, a Senior Research Fellow, as well as Brigadier General UN Babangida, Director of Nigerian Army Museum, amongst others.
