Yakubu Gowon at 90: Leaders Renew Commitment to National Unity and Progress

President Bola Tinubu led the tributes yesterday in celebration of former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon’s 90th birthday. The event, held at the ECOWAS Commission auditorium in Abuja, attracted a diverse crowd, including dignitaries, youth, and women groups. Continue Reading>>>

In his message, President Tinubu praised Gowon for being a symbol of Nigeria’s unity and resilience. He commended Gowon’s leadership, particularly his “No victor, no vanquished” philosophy after the Nigerian Civil War, and acknowledged his ongoing efforts for peace through the “Nigeria Prays Programme.”

Former President Muhammadu Buhari also honored Gowon, recognizing his vital role in Nigeria’s growth and unity. He highlighted Gowon’s visionary leadership during and after the civil war, emphasizing the former leader’s dedication to preserving Nigeria’s unity and progress.

Buhari further expressed that both older and younger generations admire Gowon’s leadership and the sacrifices of those who served under him. He commended Gowon for inspiring future leaders and maintaining a commitment to national service, including his leadership of the “Nigeria Prays” initiative.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, referring to Gowon as his mentor, described the 90th birthday celebration as a national event. He emphasized the significance of celebrating Gowon while he is alive, noting the milestone of reaching ninety years.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad III, spoke at the event, reflecting on Gowon’s role in maintaining Nigeria’s unity during challenging times, especially following the 1966 coups. He commended Gowon’s continuous efforts toward national integration and peace, crediting him with helping to preserve the country’s unity.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who chairs the Northern States Governors Forum, also extended his congratulations, describing Gowon as a “true patriot” and a “symbol of national unity.” He praised Gowon’s lifelong dedication to peace, reconciliation, and leadership, encouraging Nigerians to emulate these virtues.

In a keynote speech titled “Building a Global Nigeria,” African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina lauded Gowon’s exemplary life. Adesina expressed concerns that Nigeria, given its resources, should be a developed nation rather than a developing one. He called on Nigerians to recognize their role in Africa’s progress, urging the country to rise to the challenges it faces and lift the continent alongside it.

Adesina highlighted the need to address poverty in Nigeria, where 63% of the population faces multidimensional poverty, and emphasized that despite its challenges, Nigeria has the potential to overcome and thrive.

General Gowon assumed leadership of Nigeria in July 1966 after two military coups, at a time when the nation faced threats to its unity. At just 32, he guided Nigeria through a brutal 30-month civil war, which ended in 1970, preserving the nation’s unity at the cost of over two million lives. Continue Reading>>>

He continued to lead until his overthrow in 1975 while attending an African summit in Uganda.

Gowon’s tenure is known for significant achievements, including the creation of 12 states from the former four regions, the establishment of unity schools, and the founding of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), all of which have left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.