Ex-defence minister Danjuma commends Trump for drawing attention to insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt

Former Minister of Defence, Lt Gen Theophilus Danjuma (retd), has commended United States President Donald Trump for bringing global attention to the security situation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

Danjuma spoke on Saturday at the joint 8th and 9th convocation ceremony of Plateau State University in Bokkos Local Government Area, where he said Trump’s remarks had pushed the term “Middle Belt” into international conversations.

He noted that global media outlets reacted with curiosity and surprise, but the discussion continued, leading to increased awareness of the region’s challenges.

“Today, the world is paying closer attention to the realities of our region. For that awareness, we are thankful,” he said.
Danjuma called on Nigerians to invest in mentoring and supporting young leaders, urging them to rely on local capacity rather than waiting for help from outside the country.

He also expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed on him, describing it as especially significant because it came from his own people. He further described Aboyeji as a fitting choice for recognition and a strong representation of Nigeria’s youthful entrepreneurial promise.

During the ceremony, the university awarded honorary degrees to Danjuma and Aboyeji in recognition of their contributions to national development, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership.

In his address, Governor Caleb Mutfwang reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transforming education, noting that nearly N1bn had been invested to secure programme accreditation and expand academic faculties.

He urged the graduating students to move forward with confidence, solve problems, create opportunities, and push beyond limitations, reminding them that the university’s name should open doors for them across Nigeria and beyond.