It was an atmosphere of jubilation as family, friends, and well-wishers gathered at the National Christian Centre to celebrate the 90th birthday of General Yakubu Gowon, former head of state of Nigeria.
The service was graced by prominent Nigerians, including former presidents, current leaders, and clergymen.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who represented former presidents, stated, โWhen I am asked to speak about Gowon, it is something like carrying a load too heavy for you.โ Jonathan reflected on Gowonโs influence on Nigeria, recalling his early life during Gowonโs presidency.
โWhen Gowon became head of state, I was in primary four. There was no social media; there was no television. But the clergy did wonderfully well,โ he added, acknowledging the limited means of communication during that era.
Jonathan described Gowon as a โpeace ambassador par excellence,โ highlighting his commitment to national unity and the principle that โto keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.โ
The former President enumerated the challenges faced during Gowonโs youth and how his leadership during the Nigerian Civil War helped preserve the nationโs integrityโan assertion that resonated deeply with the audience.
โToday, we are talking about โnot too young to runโ; Gowon was head of state at the age of 32. If he was not somebody that has that gift of leadership, I am not sure Nigeria would have been won today,โ Jonathan remarked, encapsulating Gowonโs decisive role in shaping the nationโs trajectory. The former presidentโs reflection not only celebrated Gowonโs past but also acknowledged the youth in leadership, a poignant connection to the eventโs overarching theme.
Also, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated, โGeneral Gowon embodies all that we expect of leadership. The fear of God, humility, honesty, integrity.โ He reminisced about lining the streets to watch Gowonโs convoy, exuding admiration for a leader who remained committed to the gospel and Christian values long after leaving office.
Osinbajo pointed out the significance of Gowonโs legacy, describing him as still โa very young manโ with much left to accomplish.
โYou are just 90, so you still have very, very many years to go,โ the former Vice President said while quoting biblical references to underline Gowonโs potential for further contributions to the nation and beyond.
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also shared her personal reflections about Gowonโs influence on her childhood.
โI was just a little girl of six when you became the head of state,โ she reminisced, depicting the deep impact Gowonโs leadership had on the nation. She emphasised that Gowonโs life exemplifies โsimplicity, humility, grace, dignity, and patriotism.โ
The First Lady expressed gratitude for Gowonโs support and encouragement to current leaders, admitting the โinfectious love for countryโ displayed by the former president. โI want to thank you for your kindness, love, and support to me and Mr. President,โ she acknowledged, further stressing the bonds that Gowon cultivated within the fabric of Nigerian life.
Also, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, noted, โHis Excellency General Yakubu Gowon has been an example of what we mean by bringing righteousness into governance.โ Okoh commended Gowonโs humility and his efforts in the Nigeria Praise initiative aimed at mobilising citizens for collective prayer and action.
โThe rallies you led across the states have fostered a spirit of unity and resilience among our citizens,โ he said, recognising the importance of faith in addressing the nationโs challenges. โWe prayโฆ that the younger generation and those who aspire to political leadership will always see you as an encouragement.โ
The service featured reflection, prayer, and worship, reminding attendees that despite the challenges Nigeria faces, the resolute spirit of unity championed by leaders like Gowon continues to inspire hope for the future.
Osinbajo, while concluding, said, โAs your days, so shall your strength, so shall your wisdom, so shall your favour with God.โ