Dogara Hails Danjuma at 86, Describes Him As ‘One Of Nigeria’s Most Fearless Patriots’

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), Yakubu Dogara, has described former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd.), as one of Nigeria’s most fearless patriots whose contributions have shaped the country’s stability for decades. Dogara made the remarks in a birthday message […]

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), Yakubu Dogara, has described former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd.), as one of Nigeria’s most fearless patriots whose contributions have shaped the country’s stability for decades.

Dogara made the remarks in a birthday message on Tuesday to celebrate the elder statesman, who turned 86.

He said Danjuma’s life represents “bravery, national devotion, and an uncompromising commitment to justice,” noting that his entry into the Nigerian Army at a critical moment in the nation’s history placed him at the forefront of defending Nigeria’s unity.

According to Dogara, “Nigeria’s history would read very differently without the sacrifices and strategic decisions made by General Danjuma,” adding that the retired General often took difficult positions at moments when national survival depended on courageous leadership.

Dogara stated that Danjuma’s influence has extended beyond military service, describing him as a statesman whose contributions continue to shape governance, humanitarian work and moral leadership in the country. He praised the T. Y. Danjuma Foundation for its interventions in education, healthcare, community support and crisis relief.

He also acknowledged Danjuma’s reputation for speaking truth to power, saying, “Very few leaders have shown the same level of fearless honesty and national consciousness. He has consistently used his voice to defend justice and call leaders back to responsibility—even when silence would have been easier.”

Dogara added that at 86, Danjuma “remains a symbol of courage, integrity and unshakable patriotism,” describing him as a guardian of national unity and a pillar of moral leadership.

He prayed for continued strength for the former Defence Minister and said Nigeria “owes him a deep debt of gratitude for his lifelong service and unwavering belief in the possibilities of the nation.”