By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Gwamna Awan Memorial Hall in Kagoro, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has on Saturday played host to a historic event on Saturday, celebrating military icons from Southern Kaduna who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s security and development.
The event, which brought together security chiefs, academics, and political leaders, featured the public presentation of a new book titled Professionalism and Service to Fatherland: The Military Heroes of Southern Kaduna.
Authored by Pastor Agat Nkut, the 466-page publication honours the gallantry, discipline, and sacrifices of military officers from the region who served Nigeria with distinction both domestically and internationally.
Dignitaries at the event included representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
In their goodwill messages, both senior officers hailed the book as a timely and compelling documentation of Southern Kaduna’s contributions to national stability and global peacekeeping missions.
Delivering a message on behalf of Governor Uba Sani, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. James Kanyip, described the publication as “a monument in ink” and “a living archive of honour.”
He commended the initiative for preserving the legacies of the region’s veterans and called on retired military personnel to remain engaged in national development and peacebuilding.
Dr. Kanyip also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with veterans in strengthening security and rebuilding trust across communities in Kaduna State.
The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Mr. Jerry Adams, described the book as a vital historical account that underscores Southern Kaduna’s longstanding tradition of service and sacrifice.
He emphasised the continued relevance of the veterans’ leadership and experience in addressing contemporary security challenges.
In his review of the book, Professor Ayuba Kwasau, a respected academic and public intellectual, praised Pastor Nkut’s meticulous research, historical insight, and engaging narrative style. He urged young Nigerians to draw inspiration from the exemplary service of the military heroes profiled in the book.
Speaking to journalists, Pastor Agat Nkut said the book serves as a tribute to “unsung heroes whose sweat, blood, and patriotism helped shape Nigeria’s military legacy.”
” I hope that the work would preserve their stories for future generations and enhance public appreciation of Southern Kaduna’s role in national development.” He added.
The emotional ceremony concluded with the symbolic unveiling of the book and moving tributes from retired and serving military officers, community leaders, and scholars, all of whom reaffirmed the enduring relevance of military values in confronting today’s security challenges.
