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Gowon @90: Top Dignitaries Celebrate Former Head of State

Published

1 year ago

October 19, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) secretariat in Abuja was beehive of activities on Friday when Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Retd), celebrated his 90th birthday anniversary, and with a State of the nation lecture, delivered by the President, African Development Bank (AfDB).

The event presented a pot pouri of eulogies, encomiums and appreciation to God for the nonagenarian’s life well lived.

In his speech, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who celebrated the former Head of State as he attains the remarkable age of 90, said he deserves to be celebrated nationally.

Obasanjo said he is thanking God on behalf of the former Head of State, whom he noted attained the age of 90 by the grace of God.

“This is a national celebration and you are worthy to be nationally celebrated while you are still alive,” Obasanjo 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 to reach 90.”

On his part, the chairman of the occasion, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, hailed Gowon as a symbol of ‘unity, humility and accommodation’ in the country.

He appreciated Gowon for coming to power at a time of necessity following the 1966 military coup.

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

He said, “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 statesmen of his age in full consciousness. Not many countries are really lucky to have such statement that live this long and in relatively good health.”

Making his remarks as the keynote speaker, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwunmi 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 $100million 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.

On his part, former President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated the former military Head of State, describing him as a model leader worthy of emulation, particularly for his pivotal role in steering Nigeria through the 1967-1970 civil war.

Reflecting on Gowon’s leadership during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent periods, Jonathan said, “We wish General Gowon well.

“For those of us around my age and others, when you hear his name, what comes to mind is the Civil War. I was about five years old and in primary school at the time. He led the country through those challenges.”

Jonathan also shared that he had gained valuable insights from Gowon during meetings with former heads of state, commending the former leader for his peaceful nature.

“He always prioritised the unity and progress of this country. A true test of a good general is during a war, and Gowon showed his peaceful disposition, feeling the pain of his people and doing what was right during the Civil War. Even in council meetings, I’ve listened to him and learned a lot from his wisdom,” Jonathan added.

In his congratulatory message, President Bola Tinubu, who self signed his tribute, on Saturday, described the elder statesman as a gentleman extraordinaire.

“On his 90th birthday (October 19), I pay special tribute to our elder statesman and former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon.

“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.

“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, 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.

“General 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 Gowon 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 Nigeria.

“His sterling example 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 General Gowon with more wisdom and grant him good health and more years to continue to be useful to Nigeria and humanity,” President Tinubu wrote.

“His sterling example 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 General Gowon with more wisdom and grant him good health and more years to continue to be useful to Nigeria and humanity,” President Tinubu wrote.

The event draw together notable dignitaries in Nigeria’s politics and socio-economic sectors including President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by former SGF Boss Mustapha; and former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Other prominent attendees were the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

General Gowon was Nigeria’s Head of State between 1966 and 1975 when he was overthrown by General Murtala Mohammed while on official assignment in Kampala, Uganda.

He is known among other things as the leader, who took Nigeria through a 30-months war against the secessionist, Biafra.

Featured

ADC: Momodu Questions INEC’s Neutrality, Warns Against Selective Justice

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2026

Eric

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Basorun Dele Momodu, has raised fresh concerns over the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that its handling of internal party disputes could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.

He made the remarks on Thursday, during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.

The discussion centred on the recently concluded ADC convention and INEC’s position on factional leadership within the party. Momodu argued that electoral institutions must be careful not to be seen as politically biased.

The Media mogul maintained that the ADC’s decision to proceed with its convention was not an act of defiance but of constitutional and organisational survival.

According to him, political parties have the right to manage their internal affairs without undue interference.

He stressed that INEC’s primary responsibility is to act as an impartial referee in elections rather than become involved in internal party conflicts. He warned that any perception of bias could weaken trust in democratic institutions.

“Well, it is not really the business of INEC to intervene and interfere in the affairs of a party. Their role is to be the unbiased umpire, conduct elections and make sure that the elections are fair and square.

“But this INEC, this particular INEC, has started very early to show signs that we may not be able to trust them”

Momodu expressed concern that opposition parties are often subjected to faster and stricter scrutiny compared to ruling parties.

He suggested that this perceived imbalance could deepen political tension in the country. He also cautioned that democratic institutions must not only act fairly but must also be seen to act fairly. For him, perception is as important as legality in sustaining public confidence.

“Because of the hurry with which they deal a blow to opposition parties, I don’t see them doing that to APC. The speed at which they aligned quickly with the weaker faction of, you know, PDP was clear to me that we will be heading for the rocks again, as we have done in the past.

“I remember Amupitan when he was appointed; he pledged to be one of the best. But from what I’m seeing, his name is already being rubbished in the mud, which is unfortunate for a man at that commanding height of his life.

Culled from Daily Telegraph

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Man Rescued Amid Attempt to Jump into Lagos Lagoon

Published

2 days ago

April 16, 2026

Eric

A man whose identity had not been established at the time of filing this report was rescued after reportedly attempting to jump into the Lagos Lagoon from a bridge.

Eyewitnesses said the individual parked his vehicle on the bridge before entering the water, prompting alarm among passersby.

The situation was, however, swiftly brought under control as local fishermen in the area intervened and pulled him out of the lagoon, preventing what could have resulted in a fatal outcome.

A video capturing the rescue surfaced on social media on Wednesday, shared by Isaac Fayose, who expressed concern over the incident and called on Nigerians to pay closer attention to the well-being of those around them.

“Please, check on your family and friends. This just happened today. Who knows what went wrong,” he wrote.

As of the time of this report, the circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear, while authorities have yet to provide an official account.

The Lagos State Police Command had also not issued any confirmation of the incident.

Featured

Dele Momodu Proposes Atiku/Obi Ticket As ‘Best Bet’ to Unseat Tinubu in 2027

Published

3 days ago

April 15, 2026

Eric

Veteran journalist and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Dele Momodu, has declared that a joint presidential ticket between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi represents the strongest strategy for the opposition to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Momodu said the emerging ADC coalition is gaining momentum as a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he accused of promoting “one-man rule” and weakening democratic institutions.

Momodu argued that an Atiku–Obi ticket offers both experience and electoral appeal, noting that both politicians already command significant national followings from previous elections. He recalled their collaboration in 2019, adding that Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election provides a ready base of supporters that can be consolidated.

According to him, the coalition is further strengthened by the involvement of political heavyweights such as Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, making it a formidable opposition alliance.

“The candidates who placed second, third, and even fourth are aligning. That naturally builds a strong challenge,” Momodu said, suggesting that this development could unsettle the APC ahead of 2027.

He also accused the Tinubu administration of centralising power and undermining democratic processes, claiming that key institutions—including the legislature and electoral system—are increasingly influenced by the executive arm of government. He warned that such a trend poses risks to Nigeria’s democracy.

Momodu further alleged that opposition parties face systemic obstacles, including difficulties in accessing venues, legal pressures, and institutional interference. He argued that these challenges have made opposition unity not just strategic, but necessary.

Dismissing concerns about possible cracks within the ADC coalition, Momodu described such fears as speculative, insisting that current political realities have effectively forced major opposition figures to work together.