Gowon @90: Top Dignitaries Celebrate Former Head of State

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.