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By Funsho Arogundade
It is rare to come across a retired military General who remains in the limelight over four decades after he has quit active service. For Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma —retired Army Chief and now billionaire magnate— he is simply matchless in depth and humanity. By his industry, lofty politics and compassion, Danjuma excites uncommon adulation which remains the treasure of icons and most revered statesmen. His story from barracks to the boardroom is one that will be a blockbuster if made into a reel. To his loved ones, Danjuma is a rare gem whose positive influence on people’s lives is immeasurable. This became evident when on Tuesday December 9, the gentle —but steely— statesman clocked 88. He received tons of adulation and felicitations. The birthday was capped with a lavish dinner for select guests at the billionaire businessman’s Banana Island, Lagos expansive mansion.
Indeed, Danjuma is one of that rare breed of Nigerian political and business leaders, who have consistently proven themselves able and trustworthy in the varying positions they had occupied over time. Though, he may have long retired as a military top gun, certainly, not retiring yet from making money. Far removed from the cantonment and oil fields —the two spheres where Danjuma amassed his power and influence— the esteemed gentleman has been expanding his investment net with a new venture in logistics.
On the eve of his 88th birthday, Danjuma launched TY Logistics Park FZE, a new logistics hub in Lagos designed to cut supply chain delays and improve the movement of goods across West Africa. The state-of-the-art trade and warehousing complex, a 29,000-square-metre purpose-built logistics hub equipped with advanced warehouse management systems, developed through his TY Holdings, is located in Alaro City within the Lekki Free Zone, close to the Lekki Deep Seaport. The Park, built to international Grade-A warehouse standards, is positioned as a regional hub for manufacturers, importers and exporters. It will offer large-format warehousing, racking systems, temperature-controlled storage and value-added services such as packaging and light assembly. It targets businesses in fast-moving consumer goods, electronics, auto parts, fashion and pharmaceuticals that rely on reliable and time-sensitive delivery. The Park is supported by a warehouse management system that allows clients to monitor stock levels, orders and truck movements in real time, helping them cut stock-outs and better manage working capital.
Danjuma is renowned for committing long-term capital to physical infrastructure rather than pursuing short-term gains. This is just one investment in a network of assets that span at least three continents. The vision for the project began four years ago when Danjuma approved investment into the land with a goal to build a modern logistics solution that meets international trade standards to support trade across Nigeria and West Africa.
For Danjuma, the launch adds a new chapter to his business portfolio, which already spans energy, maritime, hospitality, telecoms, agriculture and philanthropy. TY Logistics Park —to be run by his son, Theo Danjuma Jnr. as Chairman— is expected to begin full commercial operations as client onboarding and systems testing are completed.
