President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, as the “father of national infrastructure and unity”. According to the President, the sterling performance and the integrity of the former head of state is an inspiration to his government. He spoke at a banquet organized at Aso Villa Conference Centre in Abuja on Saturday night, one of the activities making the 90th birthday of Gen. Gowon. Gen. Gowon was Nigeria’s military Head of State between 1966 and 1975. He was the war leader, who led Nigeria to three-year civil war. After the war, he declared no victor, no vanquished. He introduced the three Rs – Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation. The civil war ended in January 1970. In 1973 Gen. Gowon introduced National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) to enable young Nigerians after graduation to work in other parts of the country other than their place of birth President Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, praised Gowon’s enduring legacy. According to the President, Gowon’s leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history, laying a solid foundation for national infrastructure and unity. He said the former Head of State’s commitment to reconciliation and peace, exemplified by his “no victor, no vanquished” philosophy after the civil war, continues to inspire Nigerians today. Tinubu recalled that assuming leadership at just 31, Gowon demonstrated exceptional resilience, humility, and visionary leadership during a tumultuous period in the nation’s history. He added that the nonagenarian’s remarkable journey has inspired generations, and his legacy serves as a beacon for future leaders. President Tinubu acknowledged Gowon’s sterling example, which encourages those in government to serve with integrity and dedication, adding that his impact on Nigeria’s growth and development is undeniable, and his 90th birthday celebration was a testament to his lasting influence. “Your sterling example lights the path for us in government, in encouraging us to strive relentlessly to serve our fatherland, with integrity and dedication. “Indeed, you can rightly be called the Father of national infrastructure and unity, having laid the solid foundation for the systems that support our country today. “One of the most beautiful legacies left behind after the civil war was your philosophy of ‘no victor, no vanquished.’ This powerful mantra fostered an atmosphere of peace and reconciliation that many cherish and strive for today. “Retired Gen Yakubu Gowon, you are a remarkable figure in the history of Nigeria and a testament to resilience, humility and visionary leadership. As we honour you today, we reflect on your incredible journey that has inspired and continues to inspire generations of Nigerians. At 31, you took the monumental role of leading our dear nation at a difficult time as a brilliant officer”, he said. The President lauded Gowon’s leadership approach applauding his profound wisdom and dedication. “You have always moderated us towards moderation and dialogue. Remarkable with us is the importance of unity within the ECOWAS and beyond, I am immensely grateful for your wise counsel,” he said. The President said that his vision, which transcends borders and birthed ECOWAS, an initiative established in 1975, has continued to strengthen ties among nations in the West African subregion. President Tinubu also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of Gowon towards peace, harmony and stability of Nigeria through his pet project, ‘Nigeria Prays’. He added that the programme has further enhanced and continued to advocate for religious tolerance while nurturing a spirit of togetherness among Nigerians. The President said that his vision, which transcends borders and birthed ECOWAS, an initiative established in 1975, has continued to strengthen ties among nations in the West African subregion. President Tinubu also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of Gowon towards peace, harmony and stability of Nigeria through his pet project, ‘Nigeria Prays’. He added that the programme has further enhanced and continued to advocate for religious tolerance while nurturing a spirit of togetherness among Nigerians. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who recalled the creations of Gowon such as the National Youth Service Corps, Unity Schools, Federal Universities and Polytechnics, and ECOWAS, amongst many others, added that most important is his contribution to national unity. Further extolling General Gowon as his mentor, Obasanjo acknowledged the roles the celebrant played in his life, including his sacrifices and commitment to a more united Nigeria. “Some people say situation turns out a leader or situation makes a leader or a leader makes situation, whichever way you want to look at it, we had a difficult situation and at a very young age of 31, going to 32, that makes you the youngest Nigerian that has ever occupied that position. “What you achieved is just not your effort, but the efforts and sacrifice of many Nigerians who worked with you in the military, whether on the Nigerian side or the so-called Biafran side. All those who died in civil war made supreme sacrifice. “They made sacrifices that made us have Nigeria unity today; it doesn’t matter which side they died; the sacrifice that those who worked with you, whether military or not, and the leadership that you have made us to have a united Nigeria today,” he said. Obasanjo urged General Gowon to continue in prayers of thanksgiving for Nigeria, adding: “Until you stop breathing, your life will continue to be dedicated to service to humanity and service to God.” Former President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, acknowledged the unifying roles of Gen Gowon, testifying to what he described as private wise counsel towards the good of the country. “As a military Head of State and democratically elected President of Nigeria, I can testify to his private wise counsel all the time to the good of our country”, he said. Post navigation President Tinubu, Dangote, others to attend Diaspora Investment Summit, says Dabiri-Erewa. President re-energised, working to get Nigeria at cruising level, says Gbajabiamila.
