President Bola Tinubu on Saturday hosted former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, at the State House in Abuja.
The brief announcement was made by the Presidency, though it did not provide specifics about the discussions held during the visit. Over the years, Nigerian leaders have frequently sought Danjuma’s counsel on critical national issues, drawing on his vast military background and stature as a respected elder statesman.
Danjuma previously served as Minister of Defence during the first civilian term of Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2003. He also held the position of Chief of Army Staff from 1976 to 1979 under Obasanjo’s military administration.
Born in Taraba State, the 87-year-old retired general remains a prominent voice in Nigeria’s political and security landscape. He was notably involved in the July 1966 counter-coup that led to the emergence of Yakubu Gowon as Head of State.
Beyond public service, Danjuma is a leading figure in the business community, with major investments in the oil and gas industry through South Atlantic Petroleum. He is also widely recognized for his charitable initiatives under the TY Danjuma Foundation.
In recent years, the former army chief has spoken candidly about Nigeria’s security challenges. In 2018, he stirred nationwide discussion when he advised citizens to take proactive steps to protect themselves from armed groups, expressing concern that security agencies were not doing enough to safeguard vulnerable communities.