Nigerians pay tributes to Gowon on 90th birthday

General Yakubu Gowon is a Nigerian political figure who served as the Head of State of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975.

born on October 19, 1934, in Kanke, Plateau State, Nigeria, he celebrated his 90th birthday on October 19, 2024.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid tribute to Yakubu Gowon on his birthday, praising him for his service to Nigeria as a nation.

Tinubu described Gowon as a friendly man who served meritoriously in various capacities, both within and outside the military .

He also acknowledged the works of Gowon significantly in building the nation of Nigeria.

Mostly on his role in promoting national healing and reconciliation after the civil war .

Additionally, President commends Gowon leadership and wisdom, which have been an inspiration to most Nigerians today.

Ahmed further stated that he pay special tribute to our elder statesman and former head of state.

“General Gowon is a gentleman extraordinaire, one of the longest-serving Nigerian leaders.

“He did a lot for our country and served meritoriously in various capacities within and outside the military.

“As a brilliant officer trained at Sandhurst and reluctantly became Nigeria’s leader at 32, his life story has inspired many Nigerians at large.

“As the nation’s head of state, he significantly contributed to nation-building and development and can be rightly called the father of national infrastructure.

“It is on record that after the country’s civil war, his philosophy of “No victor, no vanquished” helped promote national healing, peace, and reconciliation.

“His most incredible legacy was the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, founded in 1975.

“Since I became President, General Gowon has been my counsellor and back born to me offering advice when needed.

“He was there for us when we had a misunderstanding with some of our Sahelian states, calling for moderation from all sides for the sake of ECOWAS unity.

“Gowon’s life outside the office is also remarkable.

After stewardship of the country, he acquired more knowledge, demonstrating that age and status are never barriers to seeking to be the best we can be.

“General has continued to deploy his “Nigeria Prays’ Programme in prayer and intercession for the country while also suing for religious tolerance, peace, harmony and stability in the land.

“This is a further testament to his belief in the unity and togetherness of Nigeria.

“We thank General Gowon for his leadership and his labour of service to our nation.

He leaved his lives as an example which remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for us in government, encouraging us to do our best for our beloved country.

“We will continue to cherish his wisdom and wise counselling.

“I pray that God Almighty will imbue Yakubu with more wisdom and grant him good health and more years to continue to be useful to Nigeria and humanity,” Tinubu wrote.

Tribute from Obasanjo

The former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has hailed Gowon (rtd), on reaching the remarkable age of 90, obj said that he deserves to be celebrated nationally.

These are the comments he made while speaking on Gowon’s birthday lecture in Abuja.

OBJ is thanking God on behalf of Gowon for keeping him alive till this day and he shall live long by the Special grace of the Almighty God.

“This is a national celebration and you are worthy to be nationally celebrated while you are still alive obj said.

“I look at the galaxy of distinguished men and women around, only very few of them can claim to be eyewitnesses to your time in government, not to talk of your time in the army.

“And because by the grace of God who has given you the longevity of life and who has given me a little bit to be following you, I will just thank God on your behalf that God has made you reach 90,” Obasanjo proclaimed.

The chairman and other members of the occasion

Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III , the chairman of the occasion portray Gowon as the symbol of “unity, humility and accommodation” in the country.

According to him, Gowon came into power at a time of necessity following the 1966 military coup.

Obasanjo, Buhari, Atiku, Sultan, Olaopa, others celebrated Gowon on his special day and this honourable men listed above were all there in the occasion.

From left, Mrs Victoria Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General Yakubu Gowon during the public lecture in commemoration of Gowon’s 90th birthday in Abuja, on Friday. Photo: NAN

From the other side we have, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; wife of the celebrant, Mrs Victoria Gowon and the celebrant .

Yakubu Gowon; representative of the President, Senator George Akume, and the President, African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, at a public lecture in commemoration of Gowon’s birthday in Abuja, on Friday.

The Sultan said Nigeria is lucky to have a statesman like Gowon live such long and healthy life.

“He laid the foundation for continuity and stability, we owe him immense gratitude for the perseverance and tenacity in keeping this country in one piece and at peace with itself.

“Nigeria is exceptionally lucky to have a statesman of his age in full consciousness.

“Not many countries are really lucky to have such statesmen that live this long and in relatively good health,” Sultan Abubakar said.

Tribute from African Development Bank

The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwunmi Adesina, also was there in the event and presented a keynote speech.

During his speech, Adesina announced that the AfDB will establish a Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank for Nigeria which is part of its support for young people.

“I am delighted to announce here today that just three days ago, the African Development Bank’s board of directors approved $100m for the establishment of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank for Nigeria,” he said.

Adesina said the move underscores AfDB’s resolve to support youths who he believes are critical to the development of the country.

Muhammadu Buhari send tribute message

Former President Muhammadu Buhari , praised Gowon as a visionary leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress.

Buhari said, the former military ruler’s far-sighted leadership and commitment to the nation’s unity and future development was praiseworthy.

“We honour his invaluable contributions to our nation’s continued existence as one, and the progress that has come with that.

“Today, we pay a humble tribute to a distinguished statesman and a soldier, who had all the qualities of a successful army commander,” he said in a statement issued on Friday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.

Buhari said both old and the younger generation of Nigerians will continue to be proud of Yakubu and the officers and men he led for their courage and gallantry in preserving the unity and territorial integrity of the nation.

“I pay homage to all those who served and laid their lives for the country.

Gowon and the team he led will continue to inspire the young generations and the country for a long time.”

He conveyed his strong appreciation for the resolute dedication of the former Head of State as he continues to offer service to the nation and its people, including “the admirable role he plays in leading his pet project ‘Nigeria Prays.’”

Atiku Abubakar also sent tribute message

Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar portray Gowon as uncontroversial public figure with unwavering commitment to national unity and integrity.

Abubakar joined Nigerians and others to celebrate the statesman who demonstrated leadership acumen, finesse and sagacity in handling the Nigerian civil war.

Atiku, in a statement by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, said, “Healing the wounds of the civil war through national reconciliation was one of General Gowon’s greatest and indelible achievements.”

He explained that the introduction of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a shining example of Gowon’s commitment to national integration by encouraging our youths from different cultural backgrounds to interact with other people outside their own ethnic zones.

“Happily, the NYSC has gone a long way to encourage intermarriages, thereby breaking down the barriers of cultural, ethnic and religious prejudices,” Atiku added.

Speaker of House of Representatives statement

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, congratulated Gowon, describing him as “patriotism personified.”

The Speaker, who noted General Gowon’s invaluable contributions for Nigeria to remain one indivisible entity, applauded the ex-head of State as a hero.

Speaker Abbas said Gowon is not only a patriot of repute but also a unifier, which is why Nigerian leaders and generations to come should emulate from him.

He portray former head of state as a perfect elder statesman, Abbas said that Yakubu has paid his dues and should be celebrated by every Nigerian.

“I join millions of our compatriots to celebrate our dear former Head of State, whom the Lord has added another year to his year’s here on earth.

“I make bold to say that General Gowon remains one of Nigeria’s finest, committed, and dedicated leaders.

His heroics, when he served as the Head of State, ensured that we remain one nation,” the Speaker said.

Federal Civil Service Commission recommendation on Gowon’s birthday.

Also, the chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Professor Tunji Olaopa, also report that General Gowon as the “personification of the Nigerian essence; the Nigerian spirit.”

Olaopa’s tribute was contained in a congratulatory message to Gowon.

He said he believed that providence specifically inscribed Gowon’s life with a unique purpose that intersected that of Nigeria.

Noting that he did not make that claim flippantly, Olaopa explained: “To be born before the founding of such a combustible nation as ours, and to have matured to receive a calling to fight a war to elevate an artificial creation of the British colonialist – a mere geographical expression – to quote Chief Obafemi Awolowo – to the status of a state worth preserving, is nothing less than a defining trajectory.”

Besides, he lauded Gowon for his spiritual efforts to keep Nigeria together.

Why Yakubu will be  celebrated

Yakubu Gowon is a Nigerian political figure who served as the Head of State of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975.

He was a key player in Nigeria’s political history, particularly during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970).

Here are some key points about Yakubu Gowon:

– He Served as a military officer and rose to the rank of General

– He Seized power in a bloodless coup in 1966, becoming Nigeria’s youngest Head of State at age 32

– Gowon Played a crucial role in ending the Nigerian Civil War and reunifying the country

– Yakubu Implemented policies aimed at promoting national unity and development

– He was Overthrown in a coup in 1975 and went into exile

– And returned to Nigeria in 1983 and has since been involved in various peace and reconciliation initiatives

Gowon’s legacy is complex and controversial, with some praising his efforts to unify Nigeria and others criticizing his handling of the civil war and human rights issues. Nonetheless, he remains an important figure in Nigerian history and politics.

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