….he is a living chapter in Nigeria’s history – Saraki
President Bola Tinubu celebrated former Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon’s 91st birthday, describing him as a stalwart patriot whose leadership and wisdom continue to shape Nigeria’s cohesion and advancement.
In a statement released Sunday, October 19, by his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended Gowon’s “unwavering patriotism, visionary leadership, and enduring contributions to national peace and development.”
Tinubu also specifically lauded Gowon’s consistent role in promoting national unity and his steadfast service to the country, both during and after his time in office.
He said: “General Gowon’s exemplary statesmanship and continued counsel in national affairs remain invaluable to the growth and stability of the nation.”
Tinubu prayed that God grant the elder statesman long life, good health, and renewed strength to continue his service to humanity.
In his birthday message to the nonagenarian, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended Gowon’s outstanding dedication to maintaining Nigeria’s unity, both as leader and as a private citizen.
Akpabio said Gowon’s policy of “No Victor, No Vanquished” after the civil war remained a beacon of unity and national healing.
He said: “On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and the 10th National Assembly, I wish to heartily rejoice with our former Head of State, His Excellency, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on occasion of his 91st birthday, it is a thing of joy to see him reach this milestone in life.
“Sir, your leadership during and after Nigeria’s civil war continues to shape our history, and your ‘No Victor, No Vanquished’ policy remains a beacon of unity and national healing.
“I commend your commitment to peace and inter-generational dialogue, which remains relevant today.”
Akoabio said Gowon’s legacy as a statesman and unifier served as inspiration to generations of leaders
“I pray that God grants you many more years of good health, strength and wisdom. Your life’s work is a testament to your dedication to Nigeria’s progress.
“Happy birthday, Your Excellency and congratulations sir,” he said.
Also congratulating Gowon is the former President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr. Abubakar Saraki, who praised the elder statesman’s enduring legacy of leadership and national unity.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday, October 19, Saraki described Gowon as “a living chapter in Nigeria’s history” who exemplifies “discipline, patriotism, and a deep sense of commitment to the unity of our nation.”
He highlighted Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation efforts as “one of the most defining and admirable acts of leadership in our national life.”
Saraki, who served as Senate President from 2015 to 2019 and was previously Governor of Kwara State, wrote, “As a living chapter in Nigeria’s history, General Yakubu Gowon has defined what it means to lead with discipline, patriotism, and a deep sense of commitment to the unity of our nation.
“His decision to pursue reconciliation after the civil war remains one of the most defining and admirable acts of leadership in our national life.
“Today, as he turns 91, my family and I extend our warmest congratulations.”
Also joining the chorus of well-wishers are some governors, including Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda.
Gowon, Nigeria’s Head of State from 1966 to 1975, is best known for leading the country through the tumultuous Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) against Biafran secessionists led by Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu, and remains one of the country’s most respected leaders and a prominent figure in its political and historical development.
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