Gowon’s Life Rebukes Divisive Narratives, Stereotypes In Nigeria — Tinubu

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ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has said the life of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, represents a direct rebuke to divisive narra­tives that attempt to reduce Nigeria’s diversity into rigid regional or religious stereo­types.

Tinubu also said Gowon’s antecedents teach us that the Nigerian project becomes stronger when a citizen re­fuses to become a weapon in the hands of sectarian entrepreneurs.

Tinubu made these ob­servations while speaking on Tuesday at the public presentation of Gowon’s memoir at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Con­ference Centre, Abuja.

The president, who was represented by his depu­ty, Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the au­tobiography as an import­ant national document that offers guidance for Nigeria’s future, regional cooperation and the preservation of na­tional unity.

He encouraged wide circulation of the memoir across the country, noting that it is a civic inheritance for all Nigerians.

According to him, the re­flections of leaders who wit­nessed defining moments in the nation’s history remain essential to strengthening democratic stability and na­tional cohesion.

Tinubu insisted that Nige­ria must preserve its histori­cal memory to avoid repeat­ing the mistakes of the past, stressing that societies that fail to learn from their histo­ry risk drifting into division and uncertainty.

“A nation that misplaces its memory soon begins to quarrel with its own reflec­tion. A society without mem­ory becomes an orphan in time,” he said.

He observed that the for­mer Head of State’s account was arriving at a time when Nigeria and the wider West African region continue to grapple with insecurity, eco­nomic pressures and social fragmentation, making the lessons of reconciliation and statesmanship even more relevant.

He also praised Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation efforts, particularly the dec­laration of “No victor, no vanquished,” describing it as one of the defining prin­ciples that helped preserve Nigeria’s unity after the civ­il war.

He said peace and nation­al healing require deliberate policies built on trust, inclu­sion and shared citizenship.

“The decisions of that pe­riod cannot be understood by those who examine them with the arrogance of com­fort. Every generation that inherits peace must learn to speak gently about the choices made in the season of peril,” he said.

The president added that national unity must be sus­tained through institutions and policies that encourage interaction, fairness and mu­tual understanding among citizens.

He highlighted the role of the National Youth Service Corps as one of the enduring legacies of Gowon’s admin­istration, saying the pro­gramme has helped bridge ethnic, cultural and religious divides across generations.

According to him, shared national experiences remain vital to building a stronger federation and deepening trust among Nigerians.

On regional affairs, the president commended Gen­eral Gowon’s role in the establishment of the Eco­nomic Community of West African States, describing the regional body as one of the continent’s most import­ant platforms for economic cooperation and collective security.

He said the founding vi­sion behind ECOWAS re­mains critical as West Africa confronts terrorism, politi­cal instability and economic disruption.

“We need cooperation against insecurity. We need trade that empowers our young people. We need diplo­macy that prevents conflict from becoming contagion,” he said.

The president maintained that Nigeria’s prosperity and security are closely tied to the stability and develop­ment of neighbouring coun­tries.

President Tinubu said General Gowon’s influence extends beyond his years in office, describing him as a statesman whose commit­ment to peace, unity and na­tional service has endured across generations.

Earlier, Gen. Gowon said he only needed to tell his truth, not join issues with anyone or sit in judgment over what is right or wrong.

He said speaking out be­came necessary because his “story and that of Nigeria became intertwined,” add­ing that the book reflects his modest attempt to document the opportunity he had to serve Nigeria.

Ahead of the 2027 election, he advised Nigerians against listening to “naysayers,” maintaining that the nation, which did not fail under his watch, will never fail despite the country’s challenges.

On his part, former Pres­ident Goodluck Jonathan who was chairman of the oc­casion, described the book as a fitting presentation of the living testimony and reflec­tion of a leader during the era of Nigeria’s turbulent history.

He said the former leader deserved commendation for his farsightedness and vision for a united and prosperous nation, which, according to him, is manifested in the many legacies of General Gowon.

Jonathan observed that memoirs such as ‘My Life of Duty and Allegiance’, will help preserve institutional memory and deepen public understanding of critical phases and decisions in Ni­geria’s history.

In his review of the book, the Bishop of Catholic Dio­cese of Sokoto, His Lordship, Matthew Kukah, noted that the book is a vivid account of Nigeria’s turbulent histo­ry through a civil war, and General Gowon’s personal travails and life’s journey, which is important as the nation continues to navigate through similar challenges.

He added that different sections of the book provide valuable insights to events during the General’s reign as head of state, noting, how­ever, that no autobiography summaries history in totali­ty as each account presents a particular point of view.

While praying for Nige­ria’s continued unity and progress, Bishop Kukah assured the gathering of God’s continuous favours and blessings for the coun­try, noting that “God will continue to do great things for Nigeria”.

In his welcome address, the CEO of Havilah Group, Akogun Lanre Adesuyi, em­phasised the significance of publishing biographies and autobiographies as a civic duty that goes beyond keep­ing records to the preserva­tion of history and promo­tion of thought leadership as critical tools for national development.

He said the publication of the Gowon autobiogra­phy was a befitting icing on his career as a publisher and preservation of Nigeria’s cherished history, describing the book as a quintessential history to be read by students and enthusiast of Nigeria’s historical development.

Eminent Nigerians from all walks of life gathered to support former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, in the launching of his memoir, ‘My Life of Duty and Allegiance’.

Among top dignitaries at the event include former Head of State, General Ab­dulsalami Abubakar and President Goodluck Jona­than. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Presi­dent Bola Tinubu.

General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma did the book presentation before announcing a donation of N3 billion for a number of copies to all 20 universities which had awarded him hon­orary doctor of philosophy.

Industrialist and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, also announced a donation of N500 million for a few cop­ies of the book.

Present at the event were former head of state, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar; rep­resentative of the first lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu; former first lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan; governor of Pla­teau State, Caleb Mutfwang; Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; Arts Culture and Creative Economy, Han­natu Musawa; Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Mu­hammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh; serving and re­tired senior military officers as well as traditional and re­ligious leaders, among others.