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VP Shettima Hails TY Danjuma’s Role In Nigeria’s Stability On 87th Birthday

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VP Shettima Hails TY Danjuma’s Role In Nigeria’s Stability On 87th Birthday

*** Says his life is defined by courage, integrity, compassion, philanthropy

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has hailed former Defence Minister, Lieutenant-General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, on his 87th birthday, describing the elder statesman as a national hero who has shaped Nigeria’s complex political and social landscape through decades of dedicated service.

He said T.Y. Danjuma’s life stands as an example of the highest ideals of national service, embodying a rare combination of moral courage, unwavering integrity, profound compassion and philanthropy.

Speaking on Monday at the 87th birthday celebration of Lt. Gen. T.Y Danjuma in Lagos, the Vice President praised the celebrant’s extraordinary contributions to Nigeria, saying “Our celebrant today is not merely a character in our history books; he is history itself.

“He has lived a life that transcends the ordinary—a life defined by bravery in the face of adversity, integrity in public service, and selflessness in philanthropy,” he added.

The Vice President pointed at T.Y. Danjuma’s decisive role during Nigeria’s most challenging periods, particularly his efforts in preserving the nation’s unity and said, “Born in a nation yearning for heroes, TY Danjuma rose to become one of the foremost architects of Nigeria’s stability. His valour and strategic brilliance during turbulent times not only preserved lives but also laid the groundwork for post-war reconciliation.”

He praised Danjuma’s leadership as Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Defence, crediting him with reforms that strengthened civil-military relations and upheld democratic principles.

“He was instrumental in championing the rule of law and fostering trust between the Armed Forces and civilians during Nigeria’s return to democracy. His legacy continues to inspire our Armed Forces and the leaders who serve this great nation,” VP Shettima said.

The Vice President also commended the celebrant for his philanthropic impact through the TY Danjuma Foundation, which addresses critical issues like healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.

He said, “Through his foundation, General Danjuma has demonstrated that true leadership extends beyond public office into the realm of service to humanity. His philanthropy has brought hope to the most underserved communities in Nigeria.

“At 87, he remains a figure of inspiration—a testament to the values of duty, compassion, and integrity. His life is a reminder that greatness lies not in the accumulation of power but in its purposeful use for the greater good.”

Earlier in his remarks, the celebrant, Lt. Gen. T.Y Danjuma thanked the VP for making the time to honour his family with the visit on the occasion of his birthday and prayed for the success of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

He said, “I am very grateful. For the encomiums you poured on me in your speech, I thank you. Please convey my thanks also to Mr President.”

On her part, the wife of the celebrant, Sen. Daisy Danjuma, thanked the Vice President for honouring the Danjuma family with his presence at the birthday celebration.

She said, “I’d like to thank you very much, on behalf of my husband and myself, for finding the time this evening to come and celebrate with us; to celebrate a man you have eulogised in all ramifications.

“I don’t think I’ve heard anyone praise my husband as much as you did. You used the most important words to describe him, and I think it’s the best I’ve heard from anyone.”

Also present at the event were Governors Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau; Senator representing Taraba South Senatorial District, Senator David Jimkuta; member representing Takum, Donga and Ussa federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Mark Useni; Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwadta; principal officers of the Taraba State House of Assembly and captains of industry, among others.

VP Shettima Hails TY Danjuma’s Role In Nigeria’s Stability On 87th Birthday

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RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State

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RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State


…Making it the 20th State to Benefit from the Support

By: Our Reporter

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Program, launched in Abuja in March 2024 to provide monthly support to vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities, has reached Yobe State—making it the 20th state to benefit from the initiative.
Since its inception, the program has covered Abia, Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto States before arriving in Yobe.
With generous support from the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and another industrialist who prefers to remain anonymous, assorted food items were delivered, bringing relief to many households, particularly those with disabilities.


The First Lady and Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noted that donors provide two truckloads of food items to each beneficiary state for onward distribution. Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, she highlighted Yobe as a major beneficiary of RHI programs and interventions.
These include:

  • The Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economists Empowerment Program, which supported 500 women with ₦50,000 each.
  • The RHI Women Agricultural Support Scheme, where 20 women received ₦500,000 each.
  • A ₦68.9 million grant from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to the Young Farmers Club.
  • Annual financial support to senior citizens, with 100 beneficiaries receiving ₦100,000 each in 2023 and 250 beneficiaries receiving ₦200,000 each.
  • A ₦50 million financial grant to 1,000 petty traders.
  • The Women in ICT Program, aimed at empowering women in the digital economy.
    According to Senator Tinubu, these interventions are designed to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni represented by his Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the initiative, noting that the state has aligned with RHI through various empowerment programs for women, children, and vulnerable groups. These include the distribution of household items, skill acquisition schemes, and post-insurgency recovery programs that have economically empowered many women.

  • The State Coordinator of RHI and Wife of the Yobe State Governor, Hajiya Hafsat Kollere Buni, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for extending such impactful support to Yobe State. She also looked forward to stronger collaborations to further project the ideals of RHI and improve the lives of the people.
    Also present at the event was Dr. Ubong Udoh, Managing Director of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, one of the key donors to the program.
  • RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State
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Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

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Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

By: Zagazola Makama

Former National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), has warned that Nigeria’s fight against insurgency will remain elusive without national cohesion and a united front across society.

Monguno stated this in Abuja on Thursday at the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He said Boko Haram and other violent groups had thrived by exploiting Nigeria’s divisions, stressing that disunity among citizens, political actors, and institutions weakened the country’s capacity to defeat terrorism.

“Without national cohesion, insurgency will not end. Terrorists feed on our fault lines – ethnic, religious, political – and they weaponise them against us. If we remain divided, no amount of military might will deliver lasting peace,” Monguno said.

He urged Nigerians to rise above parochial sentiments and embrace a spirit of patriotism, solidarity, and common purpose. According to him, the fight against insurgency must go beyond the battlefield to include reconciliation, justice, and inclusive governance.

The retired General emphasised that the scars left by Boko Haram were not just physical but also psychological and social, making unity a vital condition for national healing.

“The book reminds us that security is not just the work of soldiers. It is the responsibility of leaders, institutions, and citizens. Unless we build cohesion, insurgency will continue to mutate in different forms,” he added.

Monguno commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his experience, describing the work as a guide that combines history, strategy, and national lessons for the future.

The event was attended by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, diplomats, and senior government officials.

Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

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Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

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Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

By: Zagazola Makama

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency through military operations alone, stressing the need to embrace soft power and address root causes of insecurity.

Kukah made this known in Abuja on Thursday while reviewing Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He said the country’s reliance on military doctrines and repeated counter-insurgency operations had failed to produce lasting peace because Boko Haram represented an ideology, not just an armed threat.

“For years, we have had Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Restore Order, Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Safe Haven, and many others. Yet, when one operation fails, another is launched. These operations have not ended the insurgency because you cannot fight an idea with weapons alone,” Kukah said.

The cleric argued that describing the insurgency only in military terms forecloses other sources of information and non-kinetic solutions that are critical to peacebuilding.

According to him, Boko Haram’s struggle is framed as a jihad, and many of its fighters see death as martyrdom, making them indifferent to conventional deterrence.

“The challenge before us is not merely about defeating insurgents on the battlefield, but about understanding the soft issues of life and death. Guns cannot build peace; soft power must complement military power,” he said.

Kukah pointed to chapters 11, 12 and 13 of Irabor’s book, which emphasise reconciliation, good governance, justice, and national healing as critical conditions for security.

He praised the author’s reflections for going beyond military strategy, describing them as “the writings of a priest” that call for dialogue, reforms and moral renewal.

The bishop added that Nigeria must prioritise structural reforms, political inclusion, patriotism, and judicial integrity to tackle grievances that feed extremism.

“The urgency now is to invest in soft power – in human development, reconciliation, and building trust in institutions. Military operations can only create space; it is ideas and justice that will sustain peace,” Kukah said.

The event attracted former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, senior government officials, service chiefs, diplomats, and other dignitaries.
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