President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the enduring influence of Rtd. General Yakubu Gowon’s leadership in shaping governance in Nigeria.
He regards General Gowon as an exceptional symbol of resilience and a significant figure in the nation’s history.
President Tinubu stated this on Saturday in his address as the Special guest of honour at the 90th Birthday Banquet held in honour of General Yakubu Gowon, at the Banquet Hall of the State House Abuja.
Reflecting on the visionary leadership of General Gowon, President Tinubu described the nonagenarian as the father of the national infrastructure and unity adding that he laid the solid foundation for the systems that support the Nigerian nation.
“Your sterling example lights the path for us in government, encouraging us to strive relentlessly to serve our fatherland with integrity and dedication.
“Indeed you can rightly be called the father of National Infrastructure and Unity
Having laid the solid foundation for the systems that support our country today, one of the most beautiful legacies left behind after the civil war was your philosophy of no victory no vanquish, this powerful mantra fostered an atmosphere of peace and reconciliation that many cherish and strive for today.
“Rtd Gen Yakubu Gowon you are a remarkable figure in the history of Nigeria and a testament to resilience, humility and visionary leadership, as we honour you today, we reflect on your incredible journey that has inspired and continues to inspire generations of Nigerians, at 31, you took the monumental of leading our dear nation at a difficult time as a brilliant officer.”
The Nigerian Leader lauded Yakubu Gowon’s leadership approach applauding his profound wisdom and dedication.
“You have always moderated us towards moderation and dialogue remarkable with us is the importance of unity within the ECOWAS and beyond, I am immensely grateful for your wise counsel and invaluable”
He mentioned that his vision which transcends borders and birthed ECOWAS, an initiative established in 1975 has continued to strengthen ties among nations in the West African region.
President Tinubu also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of Rtd General Gowon towards peace, harmony and stability of Nigeria through his pet project Nigeria Prays.
He added that the programme has further enhanced and has continued to advocate for religious tolerance while nurturing a spirit of togetherness among Nigerians.
“We remain grateful for the lessons you taught us, through your Nigeria Prays programme you have shown your unwavering commitment to peace harmony and stability in Nigeria. Advocating for religious tolerance while nurturing a spirit of togetherness among Nigerians. In your retirement, you have remained a beacon of knowledge and wisdom your continued quest for learning reminds us that age and status have no barrier to growth and enlightenment.
The President prayed for continued wisdom, good health and many more years for the celebrant to contribute to the ideals he holds dearly.
President Tinubu was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Ex-President, Olusegun Obasanjo, in his remarks, recalled the institutions created by Rtd. General Gowon such as the National Youth Service Corps, Unity Schools, Federal Universities and Polytechnics, and ECOWAS amongst many others, added that most important is his contribution to National Unity.
Further extolling General Gowon as his mentor, Ex-President Obasanjo acknowledged the several roles the celebrant played in his life including his sacrifices and commitment to a more united Nigeria.
“Some people say situation turn out a leader or situation make a leader or a leader makes situation whichever way you want to look at it, we had a difficult situation and at a very young age of 31 going to 32, that makes you the youngest Nigerian that has ever occupied that position.
“What you achieved is just not your effort but the efforts and sacrifice of many Nigerians who worked with you in the military whether, on the Nigerian side or the so-called Biafran side, all those who died in civil war made Supreme sacrifice.
“They made sacrifices that made us have Nigeria unity today, it doesn’t matter which side they died. The sacrifice that those who work with you whether military or not and the leadership that you have made us to have a united Nigeria today,” he said.
Former President Obasanjo encouraged General Gowon to persist in offering prayers of thanksgiving for Nigeria, he said “Until you stop breathing, your life will continue to be dedicated to service and humanity and service to God.”
In his goodwill message, Former President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, acknowledged the unifying roles of the Former Head of State, Rtd General Gowon, he testified to what he illustrated as private wise counsel towards the good of the country.
“As a military Head of State and democratically elected President of Nigeria, I can testify to his private wise counsel all the time to the good of our country.”
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