President Bola Tinubu has commended former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon whom he says can be rightly called the father of national infrastructure for his significant contributions to nation-building and development.
In a statement he personally issued, to celebrate General Gowon at 90, president Tinubu says the celebrant’s sterling example remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for those in government, encouraging them to do their best for the country.
Acknowledging the former head of state as a gentleman extraordinaire, one of the longest-serving Nigerian leaders, the President describes him as a brilliant officer trained at Sandhurst and reluctantly became Nigeria’s leader at 32, and whose his life-story has inspired many Nigerians.
The president significantly acknowledged his philosophy of “No victor, no vanquished”, which helped promote national healing, peace, and reconciliation after the country’s civil war.
He describes the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, founded in 1975 as General Gowon’s most incredible legacy.
President Tinubu says since he became the nation’s leader, General Gowon has been his counsellor, offering advice when needed.
He recalls his role when the ECOWAS had a misunderstanding with some of the Sahelian states, calling for moderation from all sides for the sake of ECOWAS unity.
The president says General Gowon has continued to deploy his “Nigeria Prays’ Programme in prayer and intercession for the country while also suing for religious tolerance, peace, harmony and stability in the land, Which he points at as a further testament to his belief in the unity and togetherness of Nigeria.
President Tinubu prays that God Almighty will imbue General Gowon with more wisdom and grant him good health and more years to continue to be useful to Nigeria and humanity.
