President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated his long time associate and senior professional colleague, retired General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, on his 79th birthday.

The president’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement last night by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.

Buhari described General Danjuma as “one of that rare breed of Nigerian leaders, who have consistently proven themselves able and trustworthy in the varying positions they had occupied in government over time.”

The president added: ““Each of the many times he has been called upon to serve Nigeria, both in the military and as a civilian, his performance has been remarkable.”

He prayed that God grant Danjuma many more years of good health and active service to Nigeria, “particularly as he oversees the incipient effort to develop the North-east of the country which has been ravaged by Boko Haram terrorists.”