GENERAL YAKUBU GOWON: A LIFE OF SERVICE AND OUTSTANDING LEGACY IN LEADERSHIP
“General Gowon has exceptional longevity and institutional wisdom. Not many countries are fortunate enough to have such leaders live so long, with full consciousness and insight’. Said the Sultan of Sokoto.” So said the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Sa’adu ABUBARKAR III, in his opening remarks, as the Chairman of the Anniversary Lecture held by ECOWAS to mark the 90th birthday of former Head of State, General Dr. Yakubu Gowon on October 19, last year.
At the ripe age of 90, General Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State and the last surviving founding father of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), stands as a towering figure in Nigeria’s history, West Africa integration and African unity. His life’s journey, marked by extraordinary service, resilience, and a commitment to peace, offers a profound narrative of leadership, compassion, hope, humility and integrity.
Born on October 19, 1934, in Kanke, Plateau State, Nigeria, Yakubu Gowon’s path to greatness began with humble origins. He grew up in a modest family where discipline and education were highly valued. Gowon’s early years were dominated by the foundational ethos of a christian upbringing which shaped his moral compass and unwavering philosophy of equity, fairness, justice, tolerance and compassion. Those early years were also shaped by a thirst for knowledge and a sense of duty. He attended Barewa College in Zaria, known for producing many of Nigeria’s leaders, and later pursued military training at Sandhurst Military Academy in the United Kingdom.
In 1966, amidst Nigeria’s tumultuous political climate marked by coups and ethnic tensions, Gowon emerged as the youngest military Head of State at the age of 31. His ascendancy to power came during one of Nigeria’s darkest periods, the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970).
Gowon is architect of peace, despite the fact the unfortunate civil war broke out under him when he decided to tame the then governor of Eastern Region, Col. Emeka Ojukwu. The Nigerian Civil War, often referred to as the Biafran War, was a devastating conflict that tested the young leader’s resolve. It broke out in 1967 and lasted till January, 1970, putting the country at the crossroad. Faced with the task of holding a fractious nation together, Gowon’s mantra of “No victor, no vanquished” became a cornerstone of his leadership. His post-war policies emphasized reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation—a strategy that helped mend the fabric of a nation torn apart by ethnic divisions.
Under Gowon’s leadership, Nigeria implemented the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in 1973, designed to promote unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. The program remains one of the enduring legacies of his tenure, fostering integration and understanding among Nigeria’s youth.
Apostle and visionary for regional unity, Gowon’s contributions extend beyond Nigeria’s borders. In 1975, alongside Togolese President Gnassingbé Eyadéma, he spearheaded the establishment of ECOWAS, a regional body aimed at fostering economic cooperation and integration among West African nations. His vision was rooted in the belief that regional unity and collaboration were essential for Africa’s development.
ECOWAS has since grown into a vital institution for West Africa, promoting trade, conflict resolution, and democracy across its 15 member states. As the only living founding father of ECOWAS, Gowon’s legacy as a pioneer of regional cooperation continues to inspire efforts toward African unity.
General Gowon is a humble statesman and humanitarian. Despite his monumental achievements, this iconic general has remained a figure of humility and integrity. After his tenure as Head of State ended in 1975, he pursued further education, earning a Ph.D. in Political Science from Warwick University, UK. His academic pursuits reflect his lifelong commitment to intellectual growth and service.
Gowon’s humanitarian efforts have been equally impactful. Through his organization, Nigeria Prays, he has championed interfaith dialogue and national unity, advocating for peace and moral revival across the country.
When General Dr. Yakubu Gowon celebrated his 90th birthday, accolades poured in from across Nigeria and the world. His life’s work serves as a testament to the power of visionary leadership, humility, resilience, and a commitment to the greater good. From steering Nigeria through its most challenging times to laying the foundation for regional unity, Gowon’s legacy is etched in the annals of African history. C elebrating General Gowon 90 years was celebrating leadership with Impact.
As a mark of honor and commitment to promoting the ideals of its founding fathers, the ECOWAS Commission on 19, October 2024, played host to the 90th Birthday Anniversary Lecture of the Nigeria’s former Head of State and the only surviving Founding Father of ECOWAS, General GOWON.
As Nigeria’s former military leader between 1966 – 1975, General Dr. Yakubu GOWON is the last living witness to the creation of ECOWAS. He was present with 15 other Heads of State and Government in Lagos during the formation of ECOWAS in May 1975.
The colorful 90th Anniversary Birthday Lecture, held at the main auditorium of the ECOWAS Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, under the theme “Building A Global Nigeria”, was chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Sa’adu ABUBARKAR III.
The event was attended by high level dignitaries, including H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, the President of the ECOWAS Commission; Nigeria’s President and current ECOWAS Chairman, H.E. Ahmed Bola TINUBU represented by the Secretary to the Federal Government of the Federation, Senator Dr. George AKUME; former President of Nigeria, H.E. General Olusegun OBASANJO, former and serving state governors, senators and staff members of the ECOWAS Commission, among others.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Anniversary Lecture and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Sa’adu ABUBARKAR III, said Nigeria was fortunate to have a statesman like General Dr. Yakubu Gowon.
Nigeria’s President and current Chairman of ECOWAS, H.E. Ahmed Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Dr. George Akume, congratulated General Dr. Gowon for his 90th birthday anniversary and described the former Head State as a gentleman extraordinaire who served Nigeria meritoriously.
In his remarks., the former President of Nigeria, General Olusegun Obasanjo, described General Dr. Gowon, as a statesman who deserves to be nationally celebrated while he is still alive.
“This is a national celebration, and you are worthy of being celebrated while you’re still with us. Very few can claim to have witnessed your time in government or the army. But by God’s grace, you have lived long enough for us to honor you today.” said General OBASANJO.
In his goodwill message, Nigeria’s former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, described General Gowon as a decent man with unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
“I will continue to pray for him. The greatest thing he did for this country was to keep us as one. The younger generation should learn from his life story, as he started leading this country at a tender age. They should study his life.’ Said Babangida.
In the same vein, former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in his goodwill message described General Gowon as a man of unity whose leadership during Nigeria’s civil war helped in keeping the country united.
Also in his goodwill message, Nigeria’s former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, described General Gowon as a humble statesman and father of the nation whose outstanding leadership qualities makes him well deserving to be celebrated.
In remarks, the Chairman of the General Gowon 90th Birthday Celebration National Planning Committee, and Nigeria’s former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, thanked the ECOWAS Commission for wholeheartedly providing the venue and for successfully hosting the event at its Headquarters.
Delivering the 90th Birthday Anniversary Lecture, the President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said General Gowon’s visionary leadership led to the creation of ECOWAS, bringing together all 16 countries in the region, for economic and political cooperation. The AfDB President also commended ECOWAS for its commitment towards the actualization of the Lagos-Abidjan Highway Project.
Dr. Adesina said, “Of significant note, the African Development Bank has provided $12.6 million to the ECOWAS Commission to support a feasibility study for the Lagos to Abidjan corridor highway. As a bank, we and other institutions will help mobilize $15 billion financing for the corridor, which carries over 80% of trade in the region. When completed, Lagos to Abidjan corridor highway will enhance transport connections from Nigeria into the rest of the West Africa region, with one stop border posts to facilitate intra- regional trade.”
In his parting remarks at the end of the Anniversary Lecture, General Gowon expressed his appreciation to H.E. Omar Alieu TOURAY for successfully hosting the Birthday Anniversary Lecture at the Commission’s Headquarters and commended the ECOWAS Commission’s President for his efforts and commitment towards ensuring the unity of the Community.
“I want to specially thank the President of ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, for freely giving us the use of the Commission’s facilities for my 90th Anniversary Lecture, and also for his efforts and commitment in ensuring the unity of ECOWAS” General Gowon said.
Other highlights of the General Gowon’s 90th Birthday Anniversary Lecture included cultural dances and displays from various troupes including the cultural troupe of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which was established on 22 May 1973, during General Gowon’s tenure as Nigeria’s military Head of State.
In a world often marked by division and strife, Gowon’s example reminds us of the enduring value of service and the pursuit of peace. His story is not just a Nigerian tale but a universal one—a narrative of hope, perseverance, and the unyielding belief in the possibility of a brighter future.
An account of General Gowon’s life is a masterclass in global leadership. No wonder he is celebrated as an extraordinary leader and honourable statesman whose life’s work continues to inspire generations across the African continent and beyond. General Dr. Yakubu Gowon at 90 is a beacon of hope, a symbol of Africa unity, and a testament to the power of enduring service.
