Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu; former President Goodluck Jonathan; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, have eulogized the qualities of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who is celebrating his 90th birthday.
In her speech, Tinubu recalled Gowon’s influence on her childhood.
“I was just a little girl of six when you became the head of state,” Tinubu stated.
She added that Gowon’s life exemplifies simplicity, humility, grace, dignity, and patriotism. The former First Lady of Lagos State expressed gratitude to Gowon for his support and encouragement to current leaders, including his infectious love for the country.
“I want to thank you for your kindness, love, and support to me and Mr. President,” Tinubu also said.
Also speaking, Jonathan recalled how at 32, Gowon took on the monumental task of steering Nigeria through one of its most turbulent eras: the Nigerian Civil War. Jonathan, who spoke on behalf of past presidents of Nigeria, said, “When I am asked to speak about Gowon, it is something like carrying a load too heavy for you.”
While reflecting on Gowon’s influence on the country, Jonathan further recalled his early life during Gowon’s administration.
“When 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,” Jonathan stated.
He further hailed Gowon as a peace ambassador par excellence, highlighting his commitment to national unity and the principle that “to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.”
Jonathan also recalled the challenges faced during Gowon’s youthful days and how his leadership during the Civil War helped preserve the nation’s integrity.
“Today, we are talking about Not Too Young To Run; Gowon was head of state at the age of 32. If he was not somebody who had that gift of leadership, I am not sure Nigeria would have been won today,” Jonathan added.
On his part, Osinbajo said Gowon embodied all that people expect from leadership.
“The fear of God, humility, honesty, integrity,” Osinbajo stated.
He also recalled lining up on the streets to watch Gowon’s convoy and hailed him as a leader who remained committed to the gospel and Christian values long after leaving office.
Osinbajo highlighted the significance of Gowon’s legacy, saying he is still a very young man with much left to accomplish.
“You are just 90, so you still have very, very many years to go,” Osinbajo stated.
In his address, Okoh said Gowon has been an example of “what we mean by bringing righteousness into governance.”
Okoh commended Gowon’s humility and his efforts in the Nigeria Praise Initiative aimed at mobilizing citizens for collective prayer and action.
“The rallies you led across the states have fostered a spirit of unity and resilience among our citizens.
“We pray that the younger generation and those who aspire to political leadership will always see you as an encouragement,” Okoh said.
In attendance at the church service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, in Gowon’s honour were Gowon and his wife, Victoria; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; the Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo and others.