ACF, Northern Govs Eulogise Danjuma At 75

As renowned philanthropist and former Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, marks his 75th birthday today, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) yesterday paid glowing tributes to him for his contributions to the development of both the north and Nigeria.
General Secretary of ACF, Mr. Anthony N. Z. Sani, in a telephone chat with LEADERSHIP Sunday,    said both the ACF and himself “are happy to join other Nigerians to rejoice with Gen. Danjuma and his family on the celebrations of his 75th birthday.
Sani noted that Danjuma has spent the better part of his life taking actions that have tended to further the cause of a united Nigeria in diversity. And even in retirement, the General has deployed his patriotic courage that comes with strength of character to interject anytime things seem to go wrong.
“Gen. Danjuma knows that poverty is not only directed at the heart of liberty and freedom, it is also a power-keg waiting to be ignited by indifference of leaders. And that is why, apart from his productive interjections in the polity, he has established a foundation that is preoccupied with building peoples’ capacity that enables them to support themselves. All these are no small contributions to his father land.
“May God make it possible for General Danjuma to experience many more decades of his birthday for the common good. Again, happy birthday General Danjuma.
The NSGF said Gen. Danjuma fondly regarded as the “Soldiers’ soldier” is a testimony to the power of good leadership and purposeful living.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, said the nation’s foremost philanthropist impacted positively on his chosen profession and went on to become Nigeria’s most powerful Chief of Army Staff because of his rare vision and good leadership.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, Aliyu said, “were Gen. Danjuma not as visionary and courageous as he is, the Army would not have attained the height it has reached and Nigeria would have been the worse for it.
”It is no longer news that General Danjuma rose through the ranks to reach the highest echelon of the military by sheer dint of hard work, perseverance and honesty and used his office to preserve the oneness of Nigeria,” the statement said.
The statement further said in and out of public offices, the former Army chief has continued to impact positively on Nigeria with his awe-inspiring selflessness, networking, philanthropy and single-minded patriotism.
The forum said it is proud to be associated with General Danjuma’s achievements, especially his efforts at keeping Nigeria one.
It then prayed God to grant the former Army Chief excellent health, courage and many more years of selfless service to Nigeria and humanity.