Tinubu describes Gowon’s memoir as blueprint for Nigeria’s unity, future

…Says ex-head of state’s life challenges divisive ethnic and religious narratives

…Calls for wide circulation of memoir as civic inheritance for Nigerians

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  described former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon’s autobiography as a vital national document that should serve as a guide for Nigeria’s future, regional cooperation and the preservation of national unity.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the public presentation of Gowon’s memoir, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, the President urged that the book be widely circulated across the country, describing it as a civic inheritance for all Nigerians.

Tinubu said the memoir comes at a critical moment when Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region continue to confront insecurity, economic difficulties and social fragmentation, making the lessons of reconciliation and statesmanship contained in the book particularly relevant.

According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Tinubu stressed the importance of preserving historical memory, warning that nations which fail to learn from their past risk drifting into uncertainty and internal divisions.

“A nation that misplaces its memory soon begins to quarrel with its own reflection. A society without memory becomes an orphan in time,” the President said.

He said reflections from leaders who witnessed defining moments in Nigeria’s history remain essential to sustaining democratic stability and strengthening national cohesion.

Tinubu particularly praised Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation efforts, especially his famous declaration of “No victor, no vanquished,” describing it as one of the defining principles that helped preserve Nigeria’s unity after the civil war.

“The decisions of that period cannot be understood by those who examine them with the arrogance of comfort. Every generation that inherits peace must learn to speak gently about the choices made in the season of peril,” he said.

The President also highlighted the role of the National Youth Service Corps as one of the enduring legacies of Gowon’s administration, noting that the programme had continued to bridge ethnic, religious and cultural divides among Nigerians.

According to him, shared national experiences remain critical to building trust and strengthening the federation.

Tinubu further said Gowon’s life remains a powerful counterpoint to attempts to reduce Nigeria’s diversity into narrow regional and religious narratives.

“His story teaches us that the Nigerian project becomes stronger when a citizen refuses to become a weapon in the hands of sectarian entrepreneurs,” he said.

The President also commended Gowon’s role in the establishment of Economic Community of West African States, describing the regional body as one of Africa’s most significant platforms for economic integration and collective security.

He noted that the vision behind the establishment of ECOWAS remains relevant as the region grapples with terrorism, political instability and economic disruptions.

“We need cooperation against insecurity. We need trade that empowers our young people. We need diplomacy that prevents conflict from becoming contagion,” he added.

Earlier, Yakubu Gowon said the memoir was not intended to settle scores or pass judgment on historical events but to tell his own story.

He explained that speaking out became necessary because his life and Nigeria’s history had become deeply intertwined.

“I only needed to tell my truth, not join issues with anyone or sit in judgment over what is right or wrong,” he said.

The former Head of State also urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country ahead of the 2027 elections.

He advised citizens against listening to “naysayers,” expressing confidence that Nigeria would overcome its present challenges.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the occasion, described the memoir as a significant account of one of the most turbulent periods in Nigeria’s history and praised Gowon’s vision for a united and prosperous country.

Jonathan said books such as Gowon’s would help preserve institutional memory and deepen public understanding of key national decisions and historical moments.

In his review of the book, Matthew Kukah described the memoir as a vivid account of Nigeria’s turbulent history, civil war experiences and Gowon’s personal journey.

He noted that while no autobiography can completely capture history in its entirety, the book nevertheless offers valuable insights into important events during Gowon’s tenure.

Also present at the event were former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, former First Lady Patience Jonathan, Caleb Mutfwang, the Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, senior government officials, serving and retired military officers, and traditional and religious leaders.

Ardo  Zubairu , OSIG(London)

Editor -In- Chief, African Journalist Media Platforms.

National Secretary 

Renewed Hope: Tinubu Re- Election Project 2027 . Office Phones: 

08033305195

08098885195

07033454053

Follow this link to join  https://chat.whatsapp.com/GGyI5S8pxi78dcZ3fKciGB