President Bola Tinubu has hailed the autobiography of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, as a critical national document that offers timeless lessons on leadership, reconciliation, regional cooperation, and the preservation of Nigeria’s unity.
Speaking at the public presentation of My Life of Duty and Allegiance at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, and represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu called for the memoir to be widely circulated as part of Nigeria’s civic inheritance, guiding future generations.
“A nation that misplaces its memory soon begins to quarrel with its own reflection. A society without memory becomes an orphan in time,” the President remarked, emphasizing the importance of historical reflection in strengthening democratic stability and national cohesion.
Tinubu particularly praised Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation policy, highlighting the famous “No victor, no vanquished” declaration that ended the 30-month civil war in 1970. He also noted enduring legacies from Gowon’s administration, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which continues to bridge ethnic, cultural, and religious divides across generations.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan lauded Gowon’s policies, describing them as highly relevant to Nigeria’s ongoing development. Other leaders at the event joined in celebrating Gowon’s contributions to national unity and development.
Gowon, in his address, stated that he wrote the memoir to document his experiences and Nigeria’s history, rather than to sit in judgment of events or individuals.
Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto described the book as a vivid account of Nigeria’s turbulent history, civil war, and Gowon’s personal journey through national crises, offering valuable insights for current and future leaders.
Chief Executive Officer of Havilah Group, Lanre Adesuyi, highlighted the importance of documenting history through biographies, noting that Gowon’s memoir represents a significant contribution to Nigeria’s historical record.
The memoir was launched by former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, with a N3 billion endowment. The launch also featured N500 million donated by businessman Aliko Dangote and N25 million worth of books purchased by Abdul Samad Rabiu. Twelve copies were allocated to the libraries of 20 universities that conferred honorary doctorate degrees on Gowon.