Genaral Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd) yesterday emerged as new chairman of the telecommunications firm, ntel.The announcement by the parent body, Natcom Development and Investment Limited (NatCom), said the retired military chief replaces Dr. Tunde Ayeni who becomes his vice.

Other members of the board include Captain Idahosa Okunbo, Abiola Ayeni, Kasheem Shettima, Philip Chukwu, Kola Adesina, John Darlington, Dan Kunle, Babatunde Omotoba and Kamar Abass.Danjuma, fondly known as ‘the green general’ on account of his environmental activism, has interest in oil and gas, banking and shipping.

A respected environmentalist and philanthropist, he was Chairman of Abuja Green Society and is founder of Danjuma Foundation. Danjuma, according to ntel in a statement, brings to the board a robust commercial experience covering some three decades in the public and private sectors, following a successful career in the army where he retired as a three-star General and Chief of Army Staff in 1980. He also served as Minister of Defence in the first term of the civilian administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Commenting on this addition to the board, ntel’s Chief Executive Officer, Kamar Abass, remarked: “We are delighted to have a man of General TY Danjuma’s standing join us. As our new chairman, and as a shareholder, we welcome his support as we add momentum to our growth and development in Nigeria’s telecoms industry.”