Tinubu to TY Danjuma: Your life personifies history of Nigeria

“All of those who know you know that you have always acted with the interests and the wellbeing of our beloved nation in heart and mind. Duty to nation and the preservation of this nation and its progress have been your lodestar,” Tinubu said.

In a moving tribute to Danjuma personally signed by Tinubu and released on Saturday by his Media Office, the APC leader described the retired general a model soldier and a hero.

The tribute reads: “Today, I join all of Nigeria in congratulating you on your 80th birthday. This is a milestone that you should cherish. We all thank God for the longevity he has granted you. Thus, we are grateful and honored to celebrate this birthday with you. In so many ways, your life has personified the history of Nigeria. Your years have been ones of supreme patriotism.

“All those who know you know that you have always acted with the interests and the wellbeing of our beloved nation in heart and mind. Duty to nation and the preservation of this nation and its progress have been your lodestar. Even those who may have disagreed with you, know that your love of Nigeria is unassailable and that you have always acted in pursuit of that love.

“This is why you command so much respect and admiration among the people. The name TY Danjuma is synonymous with love of country and with insuperseable patriotism. In word and in deed, you have carved out a unique place for yourself in the history of Nigeria. You have been a model soldier and have served your country in profound ways.

“You have held esteemed positions such as Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Defence, but these titled positions give indication to but a fraction of the contributions you have made to Nigeria. You have shown so many people what it means to be a hero for you are a hero in every sense of the word.

“You are a man devoted to his family and friends. No one can have a more faithful friend than you. Showing your depth and versatility, you made a seamless transition from military to civilian life. In business, you have excelled. Today, you are a successful businessman and one of our country’s foremost philanthropists.

“You provide employment to many, give funding for humanitarian projects, you have helped empower the poor, forgotten and powerless, putting food on their tables and smiles on faces previously hopeless.

“You have done much and have come far, dear friend. Yet, your road still has much farther to do. May you continue to do great things and help define a better Nigeria along the way.

“Happy birthday General T. Y. Danjuma. Happy birthday the People’s General. May God grant you many more years”.