President Bola Tinubu and former President Goodluck Jonathan joined other dignitaries to honor former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), at the public presentation of his autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, held yesterday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Tinubu Calls Autobiography a National Document
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the memoir as a vital national document offering enduring lessons on leadership, reconciliation, regional cooperation, and the preservation of Nigeria’s unity. He urged that the book be widely circulated across the country, calling it part of Nigeria’s civic inheritance that should guide future generations.
“A nation that misplaces its memory soon begins to quarrel with its own reflection. A society without memory becomes an orphan in time,” Tinubu warned, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical memory to avoid repeating past mistakes.
He particularly praised Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation policy, especially the declaration of “No victor, no vanquished,” describing it as one of the defining principles that helped preserve Nigeria’s unity after the 30-month civil war that ended in 1970. Tinubu also highlighted the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as one of Gowon’s enduring legacies, noting that the scheme helped bridge ethnic, cultural, and religious divides across generations.
Jonathan Commends Gowon’s Vision
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the occasion, described the memoir as a significant contribution to preserving Nigeria’s institutional memory and deepening public understanding of critical moments in the nation’s history. He commended Gowon for his vision of a united and prosperous Nigeria, stating that many of the policies introduced during his administration remain highly relevant to the country’s development.
Gowon’s Remarks and Book Review
In his remarks, Gowon said he wrote the memoir to tell his side of history rather than sit in judgment over events or individuals. He explained that his personal story became inseparable from Nigeria’s history, making it necessary to document his experiences and stewardship.
Reviewing the book, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, described it as a vivid account of Nigeria’s turbulent history, the civil war, and Gowon’s personal journey through periods of national crisis. He noted that while autobiographies reflect personal perspectives, the memoir offers valuable insights into events during Gowon’s administration and remains important as Nigeria navigates similar challenges. Kukah also prayed for the country’s continued unity and progress.
Donations and Support
Former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, launched the 20-chapter memoir with a donation of N3 billion. He also directed that 12 copies of the autobiography be purchased and distributed to the libraries of each of the 20 universities that awarded Gowon honorary doctorate degrees.
The event, which attracted top government officials, diplomats, and senior military officers, also witnessed a N500 million donation from businessman Aliko Dangote in support of the book launch. Nigerian businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu purchased copies for N25 million.
In his welcome address, Chief Executive Officer of Havilah Group, Lanre Adesuyi, described the publication of biographies as a civic responsibility essential for preserving history and promoting thought leadership. He said Gowon’s autobiography represents an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical documentation and should be widely read by students and scholars interested in the country’s political evolution.
