His commitment to Nigeria’s unity, devt praiseworthy – Buhari
…I want to live long like him – Obasanjo
…I learnt a lot from ex-Head of State – Jonathan
…He fought hard to keep us together, must be celebrated- Sultan…Gowon’s symbol of national unity, peace – ACF
Immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, has paid tribute to former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, as he marks his birthday, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress.
In a message to Gen. Gowon on his 90th birthday, President Buhari said the former military ruler’s far-sighted leadership and commitment to the nation’s unity and future development was praiseworthy.
In a statement issued Friday in Abuja by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, the former president said, “We honour his invaluable contributions to our nation’s continued existence as one, and the progress that has come with that.
“Today, we pay a humble tribute to a distinguished statesman and a soldier, who had all the qualities of a successful army commander.”
Buhari said both the old and the younger generations of Nigerians would continue to be proud of Gen. Gowon and the officers and men he led for their courage and gallantry in preserving the unity and territorial integrity of the nation.
“I pay homage to all those who served and laid their lives for the country. Gowon and the team he led will continue to inspire the young generations and the country for a long time.”
He conveyed his strong appreciation for the resolute dedication of the former Head of State as he continues to offer service to the nation and its people, including “the admirable role he plays in leading his pet project, Nigeria Prays.”
Obasanjo
Also, in celebrating the former head of state, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said he aws following behind and wished to live long just like the General.
Speaking at an event organised to celebrate the former head of state, Obasanjo, who revealed he was not billed to speak “today, but tomorrow,” said it was not a joke to live up to 90 years; hence, “Gowon deserves to be celebrated.”
He said, “I thank God for giving General Gowon the privilege to live up to 90. I am supposed to speak tomorrow so I won’t speak much today so that I won’t undermine my speech tomorrow.
“If I had come from Calabar, I would say it is not a ‘yoke’ to live up to 90. It is not a joke to live up to 90. I am following behind as I hope for God to continue blessing General Gowon. I also want to live long like him.”
Jonathan
Likewise, former President Goodluck Jonathan in his reaction described the nonagenarian as “a man worthy of emulation, especially with regards to how he ruled Nigeria during the 1967-1970 civil war.”
Speaking virtually at the event Jonathan said he learnt a lot from Gowon during meetings with heads of state as President of Nigeria.
He said, “We wish General Gowon well. For people at my age and others, whenever General Gowon is mentioned, what comes to mind is the civil war. I think I was five then and in my primary school. He led the country through challenges.
“His leadership focus was the unity and progress of this country. The time to know a good general is in a war situation. Gowon is a peaceful man. He feels the pain of his people and did what is right for his people during the civil war. Even during a council meeting, I listened to him and learnt a lot from him.”
The Sultan
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, has said former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon fought very hard to keep the country united and must be celebrated.
Speaking at an event organised to celebrate Gen. Gowon as he marked his 90th birthday at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja, the Sultan, who served as Chairman of the occasion, said Gowon’s life is worthy of emulation, and prayed for the former head of state to live beyond 100 years and in good health.
He said, “General Gowon evokes nostalgia. Not many countries have the luck of having their leaders live this long and in good health like General Gowon. It is a huge privilege to chair this anniversary lecture.
“The name Gowon is my acronym for Go On With One Nigeria. Only God will reward Gowon for the sacrifices he made to keep this country together. Look at the dignitaries that came to honour him. This is because he is living an impactful life. We wish him to live above 100 years and in good health.”
The event had in attendance former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; immediate past president Muhammadu Buhari (represented by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha); former President of the Senate Bukola Saraki; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje; President of the African Development Bank Dr. Akinwumi Adeshina, among others.
ACF
In a related development, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has congratulated its Grand Patron, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on his 90th birthday, describing him as “a symbol of national unity and peace.”
In a statement issued on Friday, the ACF commended Gowon for his contributions to “Nigeria’s stability, particularly during his tenure as Head of State from 1966 to 1975.”
According to the statement signed by ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the Forum acknowledged Gowon’s leadership during Nigeria’s civil war, where he championed the famous Three Rs policy—Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Rehabilitation—which helped rebuild the nation after the war.
“General Gowon stands as an inspirational leader, having led the country through one of its most challenging periods,” the statement read, noting that his tenure saw significant strides in national development and regional integration, particularly through the establishment of ECOWAS.
The ACF also praised Gowon’s post-retirement efforts, stating that he “continues to serve as a voice of moderation and peace in Nigeria and across West Africa.”
“Even in retirement, he has continued to intervene in regional crises, promoting peaceful coexistence and unity.”
The Forum expressed gratitude for Gowon’s relatively good health at 90 and wished him more years of service to Nigeria, stating that, “May God Almighty continue to bless General Gowon and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”