Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida has described former Head of State Yakubu Gowon as a lasting symbol of a united Nigeria, praising his leadership, humility, and commitment to national cohesion during and after the Nigerian Civil War.
Represented by his daughter, Aisha Babangida, Gen. Babangida made the remarks while delivering his goodwill message at the unveiling of Gen. Gowon’s autobiography, “My Life of Duty and Allegiance”, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Babangida paid glowing tribute to the elder statesman for his decades of selfless service to Nigeria and highlighted his role in preserving the country’s unity at a critical point in the nation’s history following the January 1966 military coup and the outbreak of the civil war after the declaration of the Republic of Biafra.
According to him, Gowon assumed leadership at a difficult moment, with the responsibility of keeping both the nation and the military united while continuing the task of nation-building.
“It is to General Gowon’s eternal credit that he faced all these historical challenges with courage, wisdom and characteristic humility,” he stated.
He noted that Gowon’s leadership during the civil war helped end the conflict with “minimal bitterness,” emphasising that there were no lingering guerrilla conflicts after the war because of the former leader’s reconciliatory approach.
Babangida credited Gowon with laying the foundation for several enduring national institutions and policies, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Unity Schools, the federal character principle and the introduction of the naira as Nigeria’s national currency.
He also praised Gowon for his role in the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), describing it as a major step towards regional integration and cooperation in West Africa.
The former military president stressed that Gowon remained committed to peace and national unity even after leaving office, noting that he avoided partisan politics and was never linked to divisive ethnic or religious movements.
“In a nation still wracked by divisive forces and tendencies, General Gowon has remained one steady symbol and voice of a united, diverse and inclusive nation,” Babangida said.
He equally described Gowon as a man of integrity who was never associated with corruption or personal business interests, adding that the former leader continued to live a simple and selfless life worthy of emulation by younger generations.
Babangida commended Gowon’s continued contributions to national development through mediation efforts, prayers for the nation under the Nigeria Prays initiative and advisory roles to successive governments.
He further described Gowon as a distinguished soldier, author, gentleman, nationalist, and outstanding statesman whose autobiography would serve as an important reference point for patriotism, leadership, and commitment to national unity.
