Former President Olusegun Obasanjo praised General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, as a statesman worthy of celebration, noting that few can claim to have witnessed his time in government or the military.
He made this statement at a public lecture in Abuja marking Gowon’s 90th birthday on Friday evening. The event brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, and citizens from across the country to honor Gowon’s legacy as a symbol of national unity and perseverance.
Obasanjo said, “This is a national celebration, and you are worthy of being celebrated while you’re still with us. Very few can claim to have witnessed your time in government or the military. But by God’s grace, you have lived long enough for us to honor you today.” He humorously remarked on Gowon’s milestone, saying, “God has made you a big 90. If I were from Calabar, I would say, ’90 no be yoke.'”
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who chaired the event, highlighted Gowon’s exceptional longevity and institutional wisdom. “In our time, children were everyone’s responsibility, regardless of tribe or religion. Honesty, hard work, and selflessness were the benchmarks of our society. The civil service was efficient, and society lived in peace and harmony. Not many countries are fortunate enough to have leaders who live so long, with full consciousness and insight,” he added.
General Ibrahim Babangida, in a goodwill message, praised Gowon’s decency and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development, urging the younger generation to learn from his life story. Babangida said, “I will continue to pray for him. The younger generation should learn from his life story, as he started leading this country at a tender age.”
Other dignitaries from various sectors who attended the public lecture reflected on Gowon’s broad influence and respect. They celebrated his leadership, which spanned critical periods in Nigeria’s history, for promoting unity, peace, and harmony.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the former head of state as an exceptional leader, noting that he played critical roles in maintaining Nigeria’s unity and fostering its growth as a sovereign nation. The Governor, in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, said, “It is with profound humility and immense joy that I join the global community in celebrating your remarkable 90th birthday. You are not only a cherished father figure and a beacon of peace to millions of Nigerians but also an iconic statesman whose life and legacy continue to inspire transformative change. Your unwavering commitment to a unified and peaceful Nigeria has left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.”
Reflecting on General Gowon’s leadership during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent periods, Governor Mutfwang praised his wisdom and diplomatic acumen. He noted that as a Military Head of State, Gowon steered the country through challenging times and ensured Nigeria’s survival as one indivisible entity. He further acknowledged that General Gowon’s renowned post-civil war declaration, “No Victor, No Vanquished,” embodied the spirit of his Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation program, which was instrumental in healing the nation’s wounds and rebuilding its economic and social fabric.
Governor Mutfwang commended the revered elder statesman for his leadership style, marked by humility, integrity, and compassion, which has earned him global respect and admiration. He stated that as a son of Plateau State, a proud Nigerian, and a respected global citizen, General Gowon’s legacy extends far beyond the realm of politics.