President Bola Tinubu has described the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, as a vital national document that provides valuable lessons on Nigeria’s future, regional cooperation and the preservation of national unity.
During the public presentation of the memoir at International Conference Centre, Abuja on Tuesday, President Tinubu said the reflections of leaders who witnessed defining moments in the nation’s history remain essential to strengthening democratic stability and national cohesion.
The Nigerian leader who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, particularly called for wide circulation of the memoir across the country, saying “it is a civic inheritance for all Nigerians.”
President Tinubu said “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,” President Tinubu said.
Insecurity
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.
The Nigerian leader 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.
The President 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.
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The President explained 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.’
President Tinubu also said Gowon’s life stands as a rebuke to divisive narratives that attempt to reduce Nigeria’s diversity into rigid regional or religious stereotypes.
“His story teaches us that the Nigerian project becomes stronger when a citizen refuses to become a weapon in the hands of sectarian entrepreneurs,” the President said.
ECOWAS Vision
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,” the Nigerian leader said.
President Tinubu maintained that Nigeria’s prosperity and security are closely tied to the stability and development of neighbouring countries.
He 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.
In his remarks, General 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,” stressing that the book reflects his modest attempt to document the opportunity he had to serve Nigeria.
Election
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.
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.’
Jonathan 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.
He 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.
Reviewing book, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah said 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 said 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”.
Also 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, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang; Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; Arts Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa and Defence, General Christopher Musa.
Also at the event were! the 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, amongst others.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
