Saturday, October 19, 2024, marked the 90th birthday anniversary of former Nigeria’s Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd).
We join millions of people from within and outside Nigeria who went the extra mile in celebrating this nonagenarian, a beacon of hope whose love for the country is unparalleled.
General Gowon’s struggle for one and peaceful Nigeria even after leaving office remains a source of inspiration to many. His patriotism is legendary.
The elder statesman, who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, is generally seen as an embodiment of nationalism who, despite the multi-cultural and multi-religious nature of Nigeria, strongly believes in the strength in our diversity, and worked towards maintaining the country’s indivisibility and territorial integrity.
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It was during his time as Head of State that the Civil War broke out! It lasted between 1967 and 1970, but as young as he was at the time, and with the support of like minds that he surrounded himself with, General Gowon was able to repel attempts by a section of the country to secede.
He depleted the clamour for the establishment of Biafra Republic by creating 12 new states, thereby weakening the Eastern Region’s support base.
Beyond the efforts at home, General Gowon, who was 33 years old when the war broke, made strenuous diplomatic efforts, thereby preventing the international intervention through agreements like the Aburi Accord, a development that contained the conflict within Nigeria’s borders and prevented external interference.
It was a trying moment for Nigeria, but typical of a soldier who believes in the power of togetherness, General Gowon demonstrated unwavering pragmatism by adopting policies aimed at fighting the war with decorum, bearing in mind that it was an internal affair and a fight among brothers.
He was indeed cautious in his decision-making, often opting for a gradual approach to address the country’s challenges, thereby maintaining a level of popularity among Nigerians.
Even though thousands of people lost their lives during the civil war, among them military men, women, children, the elderly and dissidents, the process of healing was not delayed.
Properties worth millions of naira were also lost during the war, but due to his resilience, hope was not lost and as soon as Nigeria triumphed, and came out stronger, the rebuilding process was launched.
In order not to apportion blame, General Gowon came up with the concept of “no victor, no vanquished”, thereby promoting reconciliation and national unity. He also introduced an amnesty programme and the RRR initiative, which stood for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation.
Within the shortest period, oil wealth grew significantly, paving the way for growth as the federal government embarked on massive infrastructural development in roads, bridges, and housing, among others.
The tributes showered on General Gowon during his 90th birthday celebration attested to the high esteem he is being held in Nigeria and beyond.
President Bola Tinubu, in a message he personally signed, said Gowon did a lot for the country.
“As a brilliant officer trained at Sandhurst and reluctantly became Nigeria’s leader at 32, his life story has inspired many Nigerians.
“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”, the president said.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari said Gowon’s far-sighted leadership and commitment to the country’s unity and future development was praiseworthy.
“We honour his invaluable contributions to our country’s continued existence as one and the progress that has come with that”, former President Buhari said.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while speaking at a public lecture that was held in Abuja in honour of General Gowon, said the former head of state was a man worthy to be celebrated while alive.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan praised General Gowon’s leadership and peaceful nature, which helped to promote national healing and reconciliation.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, said the former head of state fought very hard to keep the country united and must be celebrated. He also prayed for Gowon to live beyond 100 years and in good health.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described General Gowon as a beacon of hope for a better Nigeria where justice, equity, tolerance, patience and peace reign.
Born on October 19, 1934, in Kanke, Plateau State, Gowon attended St. Bartholomew’s School in Wusasa, and Barewa College, Zaria. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1954 and served in various capacities.
We recall that the leadership of Nigeria was bestowed on him in July 1966, following the ouster and subsequent killing of General Aguiyi Ironsi in a counter-coup.
Since his removal from office in 1975, General Gowon, despite his advanced age, has remained a beacon of hope, who is endlessly craving national rebirth, national unity and good governance.
Happy birthday, General. May the Good Lord continue to keep you alive in good health and amity.
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