The African proverb that says a good heart is created in a God’s loving person means that good people are found in every place and from different types of workers. This witty adage is the most loving statement I ever cherished, and I mostly use it to compare kindness and kind heart. While, some people have a trust that not all that glitters is gold, but the wisest people say a diamond gives a true reflection of its worth. Brian Chesky said, “Build something 100 people love, not something 1 million people like.” While great Africans say in one million people there is the most compassionate and the most generous of all, then I come to realise that even in the military there is an angel of the people.
The Nigerian myth and fables about the Nigerian Army I heard as we grow was that the soldiers never smile, and that they don’t help and never assist the people. But knowing about the assistance of Major-General Abdussalam Ibrahim Bagudu, the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) of the Nigerian Army, who hails from Gwazawa, Kebbi state, made me delve into research. I got the information which changed the dogma in me and made me to use my pen to let others to also know that the Nigerian Army builds and help people just like other good people do. Soldiers are not only professionals in war who kill the enemy, they also maintain the peace and tranquility of our dear nation, and, above of all virtues, there are angels among them.
From my findings, I learned that the Nigerian Army contributes to the development of the people, the nation’s economy, education, and provides welfare. It also helps in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their Corporate Social Responsibility services. The Nigerian Army, in its compassionate gestures, donates food to vulnerable people, give clothes, assist the refugees, donate kits to workers, gives teaching materials to schools, organises medical outreaches to communities, award scholarship to the poor and protects the vulnerable people.
However, among these gatekeepers of the nation are angels who assist people with their salary for others to live happily and achieve their dreams in life. Among these angels is Major-General Abdulsalam Ibrahim Bagudu, who was appointed as the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja. Bagudu is a multiple awards winner officer of the Nigerian Army who rose from grass to grace with much applause in the effort of peacekeeping in national and international war fronts.
Major-General A.B. Bagudu has been in the service of protecting the sovereignty of Nigeria for years while making several efforts in building peace, combating terrorism, peacekeeping, and his giant stride operations in stabilising Nigeria’s democracy. This nationalist has Nigeria in his heart, holds great passion for Nigeria and has compassion for Nigerians. His commitment and love for Nigeria are to help the poor to achieve their vision in education. He pays school fees for the youths’ prospect, donates teaching materials to schools to give the best in his state and with much attention to his Gwazawa community, Zuru Emirate of Kebbi state.
This angelic army officer secured employment for many youths of Gwazawa Ribah and Danko Wasagu local government areas in Kebbi state. He empowers the Kebbians with business capital in the effort to reduce poverty and insecurity as a result of unemployment.
With a vision to improve the condition of Wasagu people, Major-General Bagudu always opens his doors to those that knock and gives to those that need assistance even without asking for it.
Bagudu has been a shining star that lights the way with his expertise and experience. He has held many positions in service, rising to his present cadre. The officer gentleman is a good team player in the battlefield, a courageous lion that achieves successes and victory in warfare. He was a furious crocodile as the commander of Operation Safe Haven. Bagudu recorded lots of successes and utilised the command’s corporate social responsibility to built the people and rekindled the hope of the gallant army officers and the host communities.
Major-General Bagudu is a kindhearted man that relates with senior colleagues with respect and generousity. He is a brain box in doing it right, while he never dawdles in any given assignment. He submits results at due time. Quite sure, his appointment is commendable and Nigerians are happy for the opportunity accorded this fine Nigerian Army officer.
A.B Bagudu is steadfast, highly religious, a nationalist, a good kinsman of his extended family and a true dedicate and patriotic servant of the Nigerian people who always gives excellent results of any given assignments. His has earned many awards and commendations for his selfless service to humanity. With the prayers of the people, best wishes from family and relatives, Major-General Bagudu will continue to attain higher ranks in his career. May he live long, hearty and healthy. I wish him endless happiness with his blessed family, amin.
Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, a human rights activist, writes from Kaduna, Kaduna state via [email protected], 07063340833
