General Martin Luther Agwai, one of Nigeria’s most distinguished military officers and global peacekeeping figures, is set to chair the 2024 House of Justice Summit and Golden Ball Banquet scheduled for November 29 in Kaduna. The event, themed “Security, Justice & National Re-orientation,” will take place at the Epitome Events Center on Ethiopia Road, Barnawa.
The selection of General Agwai as chairman couldn’t be more fitting for an event focused on security and justice. His journey from a young scout in Zaria to becoming one of the world’s most respected military leaders and peacekeepers embodies the summit’s aspirations for national reorientation.
Born in Kaduna on November 8, 1948, Agwai’s path to military excellence began unusually—with a congress of baboons. As a young mining team leader at Ririwai, an encounter with these primates sparked his decision to enroll at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he would later distinguish himself as an outstanding cadet in both military and academic subjects.
His early life showed promising signs of leadership, from serving as President of the Fellowship of Christian Students at Government Secondary School, Alhudahuda Zaria, to representing Northern Nigeria at a Boys Scout jamboree in Scotland in 1966. This event proved pivotal, not just for his athletic achievements in football and racing but also for his first encounter with television technology in Belfast.
After joining the Nigerian Armed Forces in 1972, Agwai’s career trajectory was nothing short of meteoric. His educational pursuit led him through prestigious institutions, including the Nigerian Command and Staff College, the British Army Staff College, and the U.S. Army Armor School. He later earned a Master’s degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defence University in Washington, D.C., where he received the Ambassador’s Award for Excellence.
Perhaps his most significant achievement came with his leadership of the UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), one of history’s largest peacekeeping operations, coordinating personnel from 48 countries. His approach to peacekeeping was captured in his memorable words: “We are not here to impose peace; We are not here to fight anybody.”
Even in retirement, General Agwai continues to champion peace through the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership & Peacekeeping Centre. His life’s work and achievements are documented in his biography, “Iconic Soldier and Peacemaker.”
The upcoming House of Justice Summit, which offers free attendance with mandatory registration, will be followed by the Golden Ball Banquet, featuring tiered ticket options ranging from N10,000 for Silver to N400,000 for Executive Corporate Tables of eight.
“General Agwai represents the perfect blend of military excellence and diplomatic finesse,” noted a House of Justice spokesperson. “His perspective on military diplomacy and its relationship with governance and food security as crucial elements of national stability is particularly relevant to our current national discourse.”
The summit comes at a crucial time when Nigeria faces various security challenges, making General Agwai’s expertise and insights particularly valuable. His emphasis on studying military diplomacy and understanding the connection between bad governance, food insecurity, and national stability resonates strongly with current national concerns.
Beyond his professional achievements, Agwai is known for his personal qualities—his brilliant mind, professional demeanor, and sensitivity to human needs and suffering. He credits much of his success to the support of his wife, mother, and three daughters, demonstrating the importance of family values even in military leadership.
The House of Justice Summit and Golden Ball Banquet promise to be significant events in Kaduna’s civic calendar, offering participants the opportunity to engage with one of Nigeria’s most accomplished military leaders. Those interested in attending the summit or banquet can reach out through WhatsApp, phone, or email for registration and ticket information.
This year’s House of Justice summit boasts many distinguished guests, including the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, former minister of water resources, Hon. Sarah Ochekpe, Ph.D, former director general of the National Orientations Agency, Dr. Mike Omeri, OFR, the Country Director of the United States Institute for Peace, Dr. Chris Kwaja, Group Captain Sadeeq Garba Shehu Rtd. African Union Security Expert, Adudu Maikori, Esq, founder, Chocolate City Group, and many other distinguished Nigerians.
As the “City of Crocodiles” prepares to welcome this distinguished son of the soil, the event stands as a testament to the enduring impact of leadership that combines military excellence with a commitment to peace and justice.
