Plaudits for Nigeria’s former leader General Gowon as he clocks 90

By Mark Ogagan

Nigeria’s leaders, both past and present, have praised former President, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), who turned 90 on 19 October, 2024.

He was described as an exemplary figure in Nigerian and African leadership, known for achieving numerous milestones during his tenure.

The commendation was expressed at a public lecture celebrating General Gowon’s birthday, titled “Salute to Excellence,” held in Abuja, Nigeria.

During the lecture, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, emphasised that President Gowon is a visionary and respected leader, as well as a father figure to the nation. He noted that Gowon’s impact is still evident in the numerous enduring infrastructure developments across Nigeria.

“You created the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the only policy decision in the history of Nigeria that has endured all governments, a pointer to your remarkable vision and confidence in the youth and Nigeria’s unity. 

“As a recognition of the beauty and richness of our cultural diversity, and ahead of the first-ever Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC), you commenced the construction of the National Theater, now named the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts,” he said.

Speaking on the topic, “Building a Global Nigeria,” Dr. Adesina said President Gowon’s leadership was exemplary, with a national development plan that was a masterpiece with industrialization as a pivotal priority, which spurred successive governments. Therefore, for Africa to develop, it needs Nigeria to develop faster.

“History beckons on Nigeria, and we cannot disappoint. It is time to look beyond our challenges and decisively seize the moment. When others doubt us, we must never doubt ourselves. 

“United, focused, and determined, we must create a new and brighter future for Nigeria – a Global Nigeria. For the time has come for Nigeria to arise and shine,” he said.

Dr. Adesina added that in support of Africa’s social and economic growth, the AfDB will establish a Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank for Nigeria, which is part of its support for young people.

“This new Bank will support the businesses of the youth in Nigeria, using technical assistance, business incubation, and invest equity, quasi-equity and debt in these businesses, as well as deploy guarantee facilities to de-risk lending to the businesses of young people by the financial system in Nigeria,” he added.

Also, the chairman of the event and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, described President Gowon as a symbol of “unity, humility and accommodation.”

The Sultan said Nigeria owed Gowon gratitude for laying the foundation for continuity and stability and for his perseverance and tenacity in keeping the country in one piece.

“Nigeria is exceptionally lucky to have a statesman of his age in full consciousness. Not many countries are really lucky to have such statesmen that live this long and in relatively good health,” Sultan Abubakar said.

Similarly, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said that Nigerians would not forget Mr Gowon for his indelible marks on the country.

Also, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, hailed General Yakubu Gowon on reaching the remarkable age of 90, noting that he deserves to be celebrated nationally.

Chief Obasanjo thanked God on behalf of the celebrant saying “I look at the galaxy of distinguished men and women around, only very few of them can claim to be eyewitnesses to your time in government, not to talk of your time in the army.

“And because by the grace of God who has given you the longevity of life and who has given me a little bit to be following you, I will just thank God on your behalf that God has made you reach 90.”