Former Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Ɗanjuma (rtd), has praised United States (U.S) President Donald Trump for drawing international attention to the security challenges in the Middle-Belt region of Nigeria.
Ɗanjuma made his position known at Plateau State University, Ɓokkos, during its combined 8th and 9th convocation ceremony, where he was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree (Honoris Causa).
The former army chief said that Trump’s public statements on the situation in Nigeria, particularly the threats facing communities in the Middle-Belt, have made the term a recognised part of global discourse. “The international media took notice. Many were surprised, some puzzled; yet, the conversation persisted. Today, the world is listening more closely to the realities of our region. For that awareness, we are grateful”, Ɗanjuma stated.
The elder statesman emphasised that the heightened global scrutiny represents a positive development in highlighting the persistent violence, including farmer-herder clashes, killings and displacement, that has plagued the Middle-Belt region for years.
Ɗanjuma, who hails from Taraba State in the geo-political zone, also took the opportunity to laud his co-honouree, Iyinoluwa Samuel Aboyeji, as an exemplar of Nigeria’s emerging generation of leaders.
The event, held at the university’s permanent site in Ɓokkos, attracted a cross-section of dignitaries, academics, graduates and community leaders.
