Former Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd), has praised US President Donald Trump for drawing international attention to the security challenges in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria.

Danjuma spoke on Saturday at Plateau State University, Bokkos, at its combined 8th and 9th convocation ceremony, where he was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree (Honoris Causa).

The former army chief said that Trump’s public statements on the situation in Nigeria, particularly the threats facing communities in the Middle Belt, have made the term “Middle Belt” a recognised part of global discourse.

“The international media took notice. Many were surprised, some puzzled, yet the conversation persisted. Today, the world is listening more closely to the realities of our region. For that awareness, we are grateful,” Danjuma said.

The elder statesman emphasised that the heightened global scrutiny represents a positive development in highlighting the persistent violence, including farmer-herder clashes, killings and displacement, that has plagued the Middle Belt region for years.

Danjuma, who hails from Taraba State in the Middle Belt zone, also took the opportunity to laud his co-honouree, Iyinoluwa Samuel Aboyeji, as an exemplar of Nigeria’s emerging generation of leaders.

Another entrepreneur, Iyinoluwa Samuel Aboyeji, was also honoured during the occasion.

Iyinoluwa Samuel Aboyeji, born in 1991, is a renowned entrepreneur who co-founded Andela, a global tech talent accelerator, and currently leads Future Africa, a prominent venture capital firm investing in African start-ups.

“His achievements demonstrate that the future of our country lies in the hands of capable, innovative, and courageous young people,” Danjuma stated.

He commended the university administration for honouring Aboyeji, describing his voice and accomplishments as powerful and inspirational.

"His emergence reminds us that we must mentor, support, finance, and guide our young leaders, not waiting for external forces, but drawing from our own resources and talents,” he added.

“Seeing the accomplishments of this young man challenges all of us to do more, to move faster, and to build a nation that reflects our highest aspirations.”

The event, held at the university’s permanent site in Bokkos, attracted a cross-section of dignitaries, academics, graduates and community leaders. (The Sun, excluding headline)