Former Defence Minister, Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.), has commended U.S. President Donald Trump for drawing international attention to security challenges in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
Danjuma spoke at the combined 8th and 9th convocation ceremony of Plateau State University, Bokkos, where he received an honorary doctorate degree alongside entrepreneur Iyinoluwa Samuel Aboyeji.
According to Danjuma, recent public remarks by the U.S. president on insecurity in Nigeria have amplified global awareness of violence affecting communities in the Middle Belt, including killings, displacement and farmer-herder conflicts.“
The international media took notice. Today, the world is listening more closely to the realities of our region,” he said, describing the increased global attention as a positive development.
Danjuma, who hails from Taraba State in the Middle Belt, said sustained international focus could help highlight the humanitarian and security concerns facing the area.
He also praised Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela and founder of Future Africa, describing him as a symbol of Nigeria’s emerging generation of innovators. Danjuma urged greater support for young leaders, saying national development depends on nurturing local talent. The convocation ceremony, held at the university’s permanent site in Bokkos, attracted academics, graduates, public officials and community leaders.
