From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Aidoghie Paulinus, Molly Kilete (Abuja), Scholastica Hir (Makurdi), Agaju Madugba (Katsina)
President Bola Tinubu has described General Yakubu Gowon as a gentleman extraordinaire and a vital figure in Nigeria’s history.
In a tribute he personally signed, to mark the 90th birthday of the former head of state, Tinubu highlighted Gowon’s significant contributions to the nation during his tenure and since leaving office.
He noted that Gowon, who assumed leadership at the young age of 32, is lauded for his pivotal role in nation building and development.
Tinubu referred to him as the “father of national infrastructure,” and acknowledged his efforts to rebuild Nigeria following the civil war.
The President noted that Gowon’s philosophy of “No victor, no vanquished” has been credited with promoting national healing and reconciliation in a time of division.
Tinubu reflected on Gowon’s lasting legacy, particularly the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975, which has played a crucial role in regional stability and cooperation.
He emphasised that since assuming office, he has sought Gowon’s counsel during challenging times, including recent diplomatic tensions with Sahelian states.
Beyond his political contributions, Tinubu praised Gowon for his commitment to spiritual leadership through the “Nigeria Prays” initiative, which focuses on prayer and intercession for the nation. The programme, he noted underscores Gowon’s dedication to promoting religious tolerance, peace, and harmony among Nigerians.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, similarly extolled the qualities of Gowon, at the church service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja in his honour. In attendance were Gowon and his wife, Victoria; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; the Presiding Bishop, Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, amongst others.
Jonathan recalled how at 32, Gowon took on the monumental task of steering Nigeria through one of its most turbulent eras, the Nigerian Civil War.
Jonathan who spoke on behalf of past presidents of Nigeria said: “When I am asked to speak about Gowon, it is something like carrying a load too heavy for you.”
While reflecting on Gowon’s influence on the country, Jonathan further recalled his early life during the Gowon’s administration.
“When Gowon became head of state, I was in primary four,” he said, and hailed Gowon as a peace ambassador par excellence, highlighting his commitment to national unity and the principle that ‘to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.’
On his part, Osinbajo said Gowon embodied all that the people expected of leadership: “The fear of God, humility, honesty, integrity.”
Osinbajo also recalled lining up on the streets to watch Gowon’s convoy and hailed Gowon as a leader who remained committed to the gospel and Christian values long after leaving office.
He highlighted the significance of Gowon’s legacy, noting that nonagenarian is still a very young man with much left to accomplish.
In her remarks, Tinubu recalled Gowon’s influence on her childhood; saying: “I was just a little girl of six when you became the head of state.”
Tinubu added that Gowon’s life exemplifies simplicity, humility, grace, dignity, and patriotism.
The former First Lady of Lagos State expressed gratitude to Gowon for his support and encouragement to current leaders, including Gowon’s infectious love for the country.
“I want to thank you for your kindness, love, and support to me and Mr President,” she said.
In his address, Okoh said Gowon has been an example of “what we mean by bringing righteousness into governance.”
Okoh commended Gowon’s humility and his efforts in the Nigeria Praise Initiative aimed at mobilizing citizens for collective prayer and action.
“The rallies you led across the states have fostered a spirit of unity and resilience among our citizens.
“We pray that the younger generation and those who aspire to political leadership will always see you as an encouragement,” Okoh said.
In a similar congratulatory message, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, said: “General Gowon’s leadership during Nigeria’s most testing times and his subsequent dedication to peace through his ‘Nigeria Prays’ initiative, exemplifies the spirit of true patriotism.”
He said further: “General Gowon is a distinguished elder statesman whose commitment to Nigeria’s unity, particularly during the challenging period of the civil war, continues to inspire generations of Nigerians noting that Gowon’s post-war reconciliation policy of ‘No Victor, No Vanquished,’ was instrumental in healing the nation’s wounds and fostering the reintegration that followed the civil war.
“At 90, Gen. Gowon remains a living legend whose life’s work centres on the unity, peace and progress of our dear nation.
“His dedication to Nigeria’s corporate existence and his continued prayers for our nation’s prosperity deserve our collective appreciation,” the statement said.
In statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, praised Gowon for his dedication, years of service to fatherland as well as his clamour for unity and peace in the country, noting that he “deserves all the good wishes and accolades from Nigerians and people all over the world on his special day.”
While calling on leaders in the country to tap from the wisdom of Gowon and his peers for ensuring the country stayed together, Governor Alia urged all Nigerians to unite and work diligently towards creating a resilient nation that future
Members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) congratulated Gowon (retd) in a statement issued by Director, Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, described the nonagenarian as “an untrammeled icon of unity and a champion for national integration and peaceful co-existence in the country as exemplified by the formation of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) during his administration in order to give sense of oneness to all Nigerians irrespective of ethnic and religious divides.
The FEC statement read in part: “As a trailblazing statesman, the council members noted that his unflinching quest for unity transcends the frontiers of the nation as he co-founded the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in order to bring unity and promote economic cooperation among member states in the African sub-region.
“The council members thanked him for always praying for the unity and prosperity of the nation through his non-denominational prayer group, “Nigeria Prays,” and wishe him robust health and sound mind as the nation keeps tapping from his wealth of wisdom.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, in a statement signed by the Director Defence Information, Major General Tukur Gusau, said as the Nigeria’s Head of State between 1966 to 1975, General Gowon played a key role in promoting and maintaining Nigeria’s peace and unity despite all the challenges of the period.
The statement read in part: “Indeed, General Gowon’s exemplary service and leadership have left an indelible mark in the history of Nigeria. It is on record that his vision and commitment to peace and national reconciliation since his famous speech ‘No victor, No vanquished’ at the end of Nigeria’s civil war have contributed greatly for a stable and prosperous Nigeria.
“As a detribalised Nigerian and peace ambassador, it is worthy to mention that General Gowon has sustained his good work to humanity through his NGO, the Yakubu Gowon Foundation.
“In recognition of the former Head of State’s numerous contributions to the country, the AFN honours his enduring legacy. His virtues of discipline, dedication and patriotism as well as vision of a united Nigeria continue to inspire generations of Nigerian military personnel and civilians alike.”