My memoir not to reopen old wounds, says Gowon

…Tinubu hails ex-head of state’s leadership as inspiration

President Bola Tinubu has described the service and leadership of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, as a constant inspiration to those currently in government and working to move Nigeria forward. The president shared these sentiments as the elder statesman released his autobiography, clarifying that he does not intend to reopen old wounds with the publication.

The president stated this at the public presentation of Gowon’s autobiography held at the Kashim Shettima Hall of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. Although President Tinubu was scheduled to headline the event personally, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume represented him.

Tributes to a national counselor

In his remarks, President Tinubu commended Gowon’s statesmanship, patriotism, and enduring commitment to Nigeria’s unity, describing him as a beacon of hope and a dependable national counselor. He praised the former military leader’s lifelong dedication to peace and national cohesion, particularly through the “Nigeria Prays” initiative and other interventions aimed at promoting harmony and stability across the country.

Read also: West Africa’s $27bn port build-out test on Nigerian ports resolve

The president also acknowledged Gowon’s diplomatic role within the sub-region, noting that he has consistently advocated moderation, unity, and cooperation among ECOWAS and Sahelian states. The event attracted top government officials, diplomats, military veterans, and traditional rulers from across the country.

Vice President Kashim Shettima was among the dignitaries present, while former Minister of Defence, Lt-Gen Theophilus Danjuma (retd), officially unveiled the memoir.

Reflections on a historic administration

Speaking before the unveiling, Gowon said the memoir, published by the Havilah Group, was not written to reopen old wounds but to provide clarity on difficult policy decisions and major events that shaped his administration, including the Nigerian Civil War.

The 881-page autobiography chronicles Gowon’s early life, his unexpected emergence as Nigeria’s leader at the age of 31, and his post-service commitment to peacebuilding and national development. Born in 1934, Gowon became Head of State and Commander-in-Chief on 1 August 1966, and served for nine years.

After leaving office, he obtained a PhD in Political Science from the University of Warwick in 1984 and has since devoted his life to peacebuilding, spiritual leadership, and public health advocacy. His post-service initiatives include the “Nigeria Prays” movement and campaigns against guinea worm, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria through the Yakubu Gowon Centre. He also serves as Nigeria’s National Goodwill Ambassador for the control of viral hepatitis.