You presided over Nigeria when the economy of the country was very good. Would you say you used the money judiciously? How do you reconcile the story that you left penniless when your government was overthrown?
I left penniless? But Mr Goodheart, the British parliamentarian, said that when I was leaving Nigeria, I took half of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Yes, we had a lot of money. During the civil war, we made sure that we did not destroy any of the facilities. We did whatever we could not to damage our oil infrastructure. So, soon after the civil war, they were able to come back and we were able to have a reasonable amount of money. And I can tell you in all honesty that there was discipline in my government. I can tell you that any fund I ever held as head of state was roughly 83,000pounds. That was before we changed to the naira for security reasons. I was forced to do it for the sake of Nigeria.
All we did was in the public interest. I know I was accused of helping certain countries like Grenada, Barbados, but we did the same thing in West Africa too. We helped as much as we could, even at home.
I can say with absolute authority that I may not have anything today, but honestly, at least I have a clear conscience. I thank Idi Amin and Eyadema for the help they gave me to have money to start off with.
You had hints that you were going to be overthrown but you didn’t do anything about it; why?
Who said I didn’t do anything about it? When I was told by the security details that something like that was going to happen, the only two names I was given were people who were supposed to be very close to me – my commander, brigade of guards, Joe Garba and Tony Ochefu. Both of them were from my state, Benue-Plateau. Of course I had to be suspicious of those two names. They were from my state and also Christians, so I could not absolutely believe it. I tried to get Ochefu but could not despite every effort I made. And Joe Garba swore by heaven and earth.
These were people who had helped me to ensure that the country was one; those I trusted. I had to go to Kampala for a meeting. I was the one who made sure that the meeting of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was attended by most of the countries so that we could deal with the problem of Africa. As chairman of the OAU, I encouraged most leaders to come so that we could discuss the remaining colonial problem in Africa. We tried to do that and people attended.
I was discussing with the governor that accompanied me to Kampala, the commissioner of police, Farouk Usman, that if the coup happened, as far as I was concerned, it would not create any problem. As far as I was concerned, we would see what happened. My hope was that if God preserved us and we were able to make the 10th year, I would have probably done something about coups and countercoups in Nigeria. That was my prayer.
Usually, I never attended any meeting late, but Mobutu wanted to see me. I am sure he must have heard about the coup already. I got to the conference late, and as I entered, Idi Amin, who was was the chairman, called me. Mr Mbo, a Cameroonian, the head of the education sector, United Nations education, was giving his speech.
When I went to Idi Amin, he showed me a Reuters slip and I saw the news that my government was overthrown. I said I hadn’t heard anything. My high commission had not contacted me to tell me anything, so probably that might be a rumour. Soon after, when that was being done, I was whispering to Farouk that the issue we were discussing on the flight to Kampala and what we were afraid of had happened, but he didn’t quite get it. I didn’t seem to be worried at all, but you could see the worry in Farouk’s face.
That event almost killed the OAU meeting because others started going back. So, I left the meeting place and went to my hotel, and later on to exercise and play some tennis. Honestly, my interest was that Nigeria should continue.
The following day, I had to give a world press conference. I remembered that during my school days at Barewa College in Zaria, we read Shakespeare, who said, “The world is a stage and all the men and women are merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.”
I didn’t go beyond that because if I did, some of you press people would say he wanted to come back. When I got to that,I said, “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, this is my exit and all I want you to do is to give Nigeria the support you gave me in order that the country will progress. That was that.
I went to the United Kingdom to become a student, which they didn’t like because I was taking my tray to get my breakfast.
When I came back and we were going through all the crises, since I could not physically do anything, we formed an organisation called Nigeria Prays, to pray for peace, stability and well-being of Nigeria. Every Nigerian means something to me, so I thought we needed to pray to God to help us.
What is happening in Nigeria today would make you feel sad, but let us not give up in praying and making sure we believe in God.
If you remember, we had a development plan. We started the iron and steel company in Ajaokuta, the petrochemicals in Enugu and the LNG. I was to sign the memorandum of understanding for the LNG to start building four times the size of what was there. We had lots of development – things like Peugeot in Kaduna, and Volkswagen was supposed to be in Lagos, then of course, Steyr in Bauchi, Leylands in Ibadan; and I think Volkswagen in Enugu.
Looking at the situation in Nigeria, what is your advice to the current administration?
Every government that comes has a responsibility to make the country good for every citizen and every part of the country.
By Andrew Agbese & Isiaka Wakili Sat, 19 Oct 2024 6:39:12 WAT
In this interview, a former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) highlights some of his experiences in office, what transpired before and after the civil war, and restates his belief in a united Nigeria.
You are committed to Nigeria’s unity; how did you take it when the civil war broke out?
I grew up with other Nigerians in a little village called Wusasa. It is Hausa community, but honestly, we knew one another. We either attended church together, or if you were a Muslim, you would go to mosque together, whether you were Hausa, Yoruba, or whatever. The unity of this country is certainly something for me.
I have always said that if there’s no secession, there wouldn’t be a break out and there wouldn’t be a question of civil war because it got to the stage that the situation was getting pretty clear that a part of the country, the South-east wanted to secede.
My duty and profession at that time demanded to make sure that we kept the country together. And that was how it happened.
I had an experience of crisis in some African countries, especially the Congo. I served twice in the Congo and saw the brutality and suffering of the people, but little did I know that a few years later, one was going to face the same problem. We had to do whatever we could to keep the country together.
I can assure you that it was not done out of joy but to make sure that at least we would be able to live together after resolving the problem. That was what we did.
The soldiers were given what we called a list of dos and don’ts like all the Geneva Convention instructions in any international conflict. There were about 12 conditions, such as not permitted to fight against old people, women, children etc. It was only against those who took up arms against you; that’s all. But unfortunately, it happened.
If given another opportunity, what would you have done differently?
I don’t think I would have done anything differently. Every effort was made to make sure that the situation did not degenerate into a breakaway. I had a duty to make sure that the breakup of the country did not happen. We had to fight for two and a half years and made sure that there was no interference from outside. There was no question of allowing any nation or power to get involved in our crisis. If you remember, in the Congo you had United Nations forces made up of Nigerian troops and others from other parts of Africa to deal with the problem.
At least we were able to deal with that problem and make sure we were able to live again as a people. So, I couldn’t have done it differently.
There are still agitations in the South-east for a Republic of Biafra. Does it mean that the three Rs that were declared after the civil war failed to make any impact? What is your message to the people of that region?
The Rs stand for reconciliation, rehabilitation and reintegration, and of course, reconstruction.
The instruction I gave to the fighting troops after the war was, ‘having fought your brothers and sisters, I want you to be soldiers of peace. Do whatever you can to help them get back to their homes and places; and give whatever assistance to them.’
Despite what happened, a lot of courageous Igbo people that lived in the North went back to Kaduna, Kano, Jos etc and got back their properties, which some of their friends had kept for them. They got them back almost immediately. The troops helped to transport them to various parts of the country.
There was no question of trial. Everyone was given the opportunity to go back if they wished. But I gave a special instruction to soldiers, especially officers because they knew that they should not have gone against the government. That was where a few retirements were made.
I had Mr Ukpabi Asika, a brilliant nationalist as administrator and gave him all the assistance he needed. For example, we gave assistance to get the schools going. There was also the medical side, etc. A lot of things were done so that at least you could start getting the reconciliation and integration so that people would be able to go back to various parts of the country.
On my message for the people of the South-east, I would say that the civil war has ended and Republic of Biafra is no more because people have accepted to be reintegrated as Nigerians. Do you want me to sort of say they should continue? No. Don’t ask that question.
At the end of the civil war, the Newsweek magazine described you as the equivalent of Abraham Lincoln of the United States. What do you say to that?
I remember this question of comparing me with Abraham Lincoln. I remember that during the time, somebody called Mr Martin Dent and gave me a book about the American civil war, but because of what was happening, I had no time to read it until towards the end.
When I read that book, I said to myself that what was happening in Nigeria was very much like the American civil war. It was so uncanny.
Honestly, if I had read that book before we prosecuted the Nigerian civil war, if anybody had said that I was trying to make myself look like Abraham Lincoln, I would have found it very difficult to say there was no comparison between us. The only difference was that at the end of it, I was able to continue with the reconciliation and getting the country through. So, sometimes I say to myself that I don’t mind being called the Abraham Lincoln of Nigeria because we had a similar situation and we were able to achieve the same result.
I remember that one English journalist asked why I thought the war was over —what if the people continued with guerrilla warfare? But thank God there was no guerrilla.
Let me deviate a little bit. I thank God that when the war ended, I did not capture Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu because I would have probably found it very difficult to handle with public opinion that would have encouraged me to deal with him. This is because I knew that I would have done everything to save his life. But would it be the same thing if it was the reverse?
We heard so many versions of what transpired between you and Ojukwu in Aburi, Ghana. We want to hear from the horse’s mouth. What actually happened? Did you agree to a confederation?
Well, Ojukwu used to say, “On Aburi we stand” and I would say, “From Aburi you will fall.”
The story of Aburi is that we had been trying everything to be able to meet in Nigeria to resolve all the unfortunate things that happened – the killings and all the katakata after the January 15 coup. I was to go to Ibadan the following day, but I was informed that I could not go because there was a reception for officers coming into the brigade – officers like me being posted to that brigade and others from the brigade being posted out. There was a reception by the brigade commander for officers like me and others and I had to attend on that Friday night to ensure that I did the correct thing in that unit. So, that evening I went for the reception, and when it ended, I moved to Ikeja to stay for the night.
Unfortunately, late that night, there was commotion. I was wondering what it was, but nobody told me anything. And I was to take over the battalion the following morning. Then there was movement of troops and vehicles in the unit. After some time, it died down. But after another two to three hours, there was greater movement and commotion and I was wondering what was happening. There was a beagle calling all the troops to a master parade. I was wondering and looking through the window to see what was happening. Luckily, I saw one of the officers, the adjutant of the unit, Captain Martin Ademo, now late. He later became a General. I saw him passing by the duplex, a temporary quarter that I was to stay since the commanding officer’s residence was not ready yet for occupation.
I asked what was happening but he wouldn’t say anything, so I decided to go down and find out. When I met him and asked what the commotion was about, he said General Aguiyi Ironsi, who was the General Officer Commanding (GOC), came and told them that there was some crisis in town affecting the prime minister, Tafawa Balewa and Okotie Eboh, the finance minister and he had come to seek some assistance to see if he could deal with the problem. My first reaction was: Why Ironsi? Why not the brigadier because the chain of command should have come through him? Ironsi should have told the brigadier, who would have related to the battalion commander.
However, I asked where he was and he said he was at the master parade area. So I had to change into civil clothes to see what was happening. When we got there, he briefed me, saying that he wanted some units to be prepared so that they could go and deal with the situation. When he finished, he asked if there were questions.
I did not know that by that time, all the senior officers from my school —Maimalari, Kur Mohammed, Abo Baladinma, Yakubu Pam – had been killed. One of my good friends, Arthur Unegbe, from Ozobulu was also killed and I didn’t know.
I went and I got the Quarter Master to get me some military uniforms, boots, hat etc and I went into town. Luckily enough, we were able to deal with the coup in Lagos. But in Kaduna, they succeeded in killing the premier, his wife and other officials. They were certainly in command, but at least in Lagos, which was the headquarters, we were in charge. I was able to get all the other units to make sure that at least they did not go along with what had just happened. That was how I got involved. I tried to get things under control.
However, it got to a stage when the leadership could not do anything to put things right. But we tried to see if we could meet within the country.
Of course, Ojukwu said that with what happened, he could not be sure of his safety. He asked if we could also go to the East or Mid-west, which was supposed to be neutral, for a meeting since the whole thing seemed to be North versus East.
We got one of the British Airways aircraft for us to meet in the air or on one of the British naval ships. Every effort was made, both by Nigerians and the British for us to meet, but in the end, we had to agree to meet in Aburi. That was where it all started.
I think we went there early January. And as far as I am concerned, we were going for that meeting so that we could agree as military officers.
When I went, I did not take my secretary to the government and officials like advisers. But of course, Ojukwu had a different intention, so he came with all his advisers and prepared a memorandum, which he wanted to be the solution to the problem, as if we were to do an agreement in a class. I said no.
I joked with him and said he came with a pink solution paper. At our training in senior courses, students wrote on a white paper, but the staff had another green paper or something, and the solution paper was usually pink.
It was from his paper that he was reading all the conditions, things he wanted done. We discussed them. We had two days there. The agreement was that when we got back, I would be the one to make a statement on the areas we agreed on.
Unfortunately, I was down with a very serious fever; and honestly, I could not do anything. As soon as Ojukwu got back, he made a statement on what was agreed. I had not seen the document he was using. He made a statement that we had agreed to part or something like that. And early in the morning, David Ejoor called to tell me what Ojukwu had done (I was still on a sickbed).
I asked if that was what we agreed and he said no. That was how the confusion started. Of course, when I got better, we disagreed because that was not the agreement. We were going to discuss most of these things in Nigeria; however, that did not happen. So we had to ensure that something was done.
Ojukwu then started doing all sorts of things, disobeying federal government’s instructions, taking over government’s revenue, all the rolling stock from Port Harcourt and hijacking the Nigerian Airways’ aircraft etc.
A lot of things were happening. Security-wise, people were disappearing etc and the fault was put on northern soldiers. The information was that there were some elements among the recruitment made at that time. There were some bad eggs using the opportunity of being in the military to settle scores.
Ojukwu said his Constituent Assembly said he could break away to form Biafra.
From some of the intelligence I was receiving, it was just a step to the next thing. That was when I created a state of emergency and 12 states to make sure that no region in Nigeria was marginalised because there was the fear of the monolithic North. And the minority group in the East, Biriye, Briggs and others did not want to go along with the agreement given to Ojukwu. They personally came to me several times. I created 12 states to make sure that no place is too big or too strong to threaten the unity of the country.
Lagos State was made up of Lagos central, Epe, Ikeja and Badagry, that was for the old colony of Lagos to become a state of its own. That was probably one of the reasons that after the civil war, the security situation made us to think of establishing a new capital in Abuja so that at least the federal government and a state would not stay in one place. We knew that Lagos was going to remain the commercial capital of the country, as well as the engineer of national activities.
Shagari was my commissioner for finance, and one of the instructions I left for him was that when they were doing the budget, he should make sure that he had some money kept for planning and building the infrastructure of the future capital of Nigeria in Abuja.
Not that I didn’t want to return the country to democracy, but when I was about to do it, politicians had started going at each other. You can remember the popular statement, “If you Tarka me, I Dabo you, if you Dabo me, I Tarka you”.
Honestly, I did not want a sort of situation reflective of what happened before the first coup.
I don’t know what version you heard, but in the end, we had to meet in Benin, me and all the governors at the time to discuss the Aburi agreement and put it in the true context. We invited Ojukwu to be there but he did not come. The only thing I included, which probably made him not to accept it, was that there was no chance for any part of the country to secede without the agreement of two-third of the members of the group. But as soon as we left, Ejoor told me that Ojukwu came to find out what it was.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Nigeria’s former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon on his 90th birthday.
Jonathan described Gowon as a model leader worthy of emulation, particularly for his pivotal role in steering Nigeria through the 1967-1970 civil war.
Jonathan made these remarks during a virtual address at an event held to celebrate Gowon’s 90th birthday at the Economic Community of West African States Secretariat in Abuja on Friday.
Reflecting on Gowon’s leadership during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent periods, Jonathan said, “We wish General Gowon well.
“For those of us around my age and others, when you hear his name, what comes to mind is the Civil War. I was about five years old and in primary school at the time. He led the country through those challenges.”
Jonathan also shared that he had gained valuable insights from Gowon during meetings with former heads of state, commending the former leader for his peaceful nature.
“He always prioritised the unity and progress of this country. A true test of a good general is during a war, and Gowon showed his peaceful disposition, feeling the pain of his people and doing what was right during the Civil War. Even in council meetings, I’ve listened to him and learned a lot from his wisdom,” Jonathan added.
The celebration attracted numerous dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by former SGF Boss Mustapha; and former Senate President Bukola Saraki. Other prominent attendees included the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
’90 no be joke’: Obasanjo, Sultan, IBB celebrate Gowon as icon of unity
October 18, 2024
By Luminous Jannamike, ABUJA
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo praised General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) Nigeria’s former Head of State, as a statesman worthy of celebration. He noted that few can claim to have witnessed his time in government or the army.
He made this statement at a public lecture in Abuja marking Gowon’s 90th birthday on Friday evening.
The event brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, and citizens from across the country to honour Gowon’s legacy as a symbol of national unity and perseverance.
Obasanjo said: “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 honour you today.”
He humorously remarked on Gowon’s milestone, saying, “God has made you a big 90. If I were from Calabar, I would say, ’90 no be yoke’.'”
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who chaired the event, highlighted Gowon’s exceptional longevity and institutional wisdom.
“In our time, children were everyone’s responsibility, regardless of tribe or religion. Honesty, hard work, and selflessness were the benchmarks of our society.
“The civil service was efficient, and society lived in peace and harmony. Not many countries are fortunate enough to have leaders live so long, with full consciousness and insight,” he added.
IBB
General Ibrahim Babangida, in a goodwill message, praised Gowon’s decency and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development, urging the younger generation to learn from his life story.
Babangida said “I will continue to pray for him. The younger generation should learn from his life story, as he started leading this country at a tender age.”
Other dignitaries from various sectors who attended the public lecture reflected on Gowon’s broad influence and respect.
They celebrated his leadership, which spanned critical periods in Nigeria’s history, for promoting unity, peace, and harmony.
PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES GENERAL GOWON ON HIS NONAGINTENNIAL YEAR ANNIVERSARY
TRIBUTE TO GENERAL GOWON AT 90
On his 90th birthday (October 19), I pay special tribute to our elder statesman and former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon.
General Gowon is a gentleman extraordinaire, one of the longest-serving Nigerian leaders.
He did a lot for our country and served meritoriously in various capacities within and outside the military.
As a brilliant officer trained at Sandhurst and reluctantly became Nigeria's leader at 32, his life story has inspired many Nigerians.
As the nation's head of state, he significantly contributed to nation-building and development and can be rightly called the father of national infrastructure.
It is on record that after the country's civil war, his philosophy of "No victor, no vanquished" helped promote national healing, peace, and reconciliation.
His most incredible legacy was the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, founded in 1975.
Since I became President, General Gowon has been my counsellor, offering advice when needed.
He was there for us when we had a misunderstanding with some of our Sahelian states, calling for moderation from all sides for the sake of ECOWAS unity.
General Gowon's life outside the office is also remarkable. After stewardship of the country, he acquired more knowledge, demonstrating that age and status are never barriers to seeking to be the best we can be.
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.
This is a further testament to his belief in the unity and togetherness of Nigeria.
We thank General Gowon for his leadership and his labour of service to Nigeria.
His sterling example remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for us in government, encouraging us to do our best for our beloved country.
We will continue to cherish his wisdom and wise counselling.
I pray 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.
EX-PRESIDENT BUHARI PRAISES GOWON ON HIS 90th BIRTHDAY.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon as he marks his birthday, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress.
In a message to General Gowon on his 90th birthday, President Buhari said the former military ruler’s far-sighted leadership and commitment to the nation’s unity and future development was praiseworthy.
“We honor his invaluable contributions to our nation's continued existence as one, and the progress that has come with that. “Today we pay a humble tribute a distinguished statesman and a soldier, who had all the qualities of a successful army commander.”
Muhammadu Buhari said both old and the younger generation of Nigerians would continue to be proud of General Gowon and the officers and men he led for their courage and gallantry in preserving the unity and territorial integrity of the nation.
“I pay homage to all those who served and laid their lives for the country. Gowon and the team he led will continue to inspire the young generations and the country for a long time.”
He conveyed his strong appreciation for the resolute dedication of the former Head of State as he continues to offer service to the nation and its people, including “the admirable role he plays in leading his pet project ‘Nigeria Prays.’”
The National Youth Service Corps has congratulated the founder of the 51 year old Scheme, General Dr Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) GCFR as he turns 90 years on 19th of October, 2024.
The Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, who visited the nonagenarian Statesman in his house in Abuja, expressed appreciation to God for sparing General Gowon's life over the years.
General Ahmed, who was accompanied by members of the NYSC Top Management and some Corps Members said the visit was to wish the former Head of State a happy birthday.
The Director General presented the celebrant with a life-size birthday card on behalf of the entire Staff and Corps Members nationwide. Responding, General Gowon expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life thus far, and, appreciation to Nigerians for their goodwill towards him.
He also thanked the Director General and the entire NYSC family for the goodwill visit.
He further expressed appreciation for the dogged commitment shown by successive batches of Nigerian graduate youths for ensuring that the Scheme lived up to the ideals of nation building, unity, and integration.
Going down memory lane, General Gowon recalled the initial resistance from the youth at the inception of the NYSC. He noted that despite the initial misgivings, the Scheme had grown to become a huge success story with immense contributions to national development.
The DG along with his team, spontaneously sang the happy birthday song for the celebrating nonagenarian.
I join Nigerians and others to celebrate General Yakubu Gowon, a refined and uncontroversial public figure with an unwavering commitment to national unity and integrity.
Healing the wounds of the civil war through national reconciliation was one of General Gowon's greatest and indelible achievements.
He was instrumental in founding the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has helped forge socioeconomic and political integration in the sub-region.
I praise his humility and integrity, some of the remarkable virtues for which he is widely respected.
I pray that the Almighty God continues to bless him with a longer life and good health in the service of humanity. -AA
I am privileged to join other Nigerians of goodwill to celebrate a highly respected leader and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on his 90th birthday anniversary.
In a time of hate, you stood for love. At a time of strife, you stood for peace. At a time of division, you stood for unity.
Your life of service to our great nation, Nigeria, stand as one of sacrifice, leadership, and unity.
Your steadfast commitment to preserving the peace and sovereignty of Nigeria during a challenging period in our history will forever be remembered and revered.
Your exemplary leadership and statesmanship remain an inspiration to younger and many generations of Nigerians.
As we celebrate this milestone, I pray that God continues to grant you good health, wisdom, and the grace of true fruitfulness.
May your legacy continue to guide us as we strive to build a more united, prosperous, and just Nigeria.
Today, we celebrate the 90th birthday of General Yakubu Gowon, a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s history. As the former Head of State, he played a key role in shaping our nation’s industrial landscape.
We’re especially proud to acknowledge his contribution to the establishment of PAN Nigeria, where he launched the first car rolled out of our assembly plant! This milestone marked the beginning of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
General Gowon’s visionary leadership and commitment to national development continue to inspire us. We honor his legacy and wish him a joyous birthday, filled with good health, happiness, and celebration!!🎉
Opening of Express Way Leading to Eko Bridge | Gen. Yakubu Gowon Meets Walter Scheel | October 1971
Friday, October 15th, 1971.
Reuters Text:
"An important new stretch of motorway, designed to speed up traffic flow into Lagos, was opened on Friday. Nigerian Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing Femi Okunnu cut the tape. And watching was the visiting West German Foreign Minister Walter Scheel. He later drove over the new expressway in a motorcade. The new road, bridging over a mile of creeks and swamps, cost over five million pounds sterling and was built with the help of a West German firm of contractors. It has been called a most successful example of co-operation between the two countries.
On Friday afternoon, Herr Scheel and his West German mission met the Nigerian head of state, General Yakubu Gowon. Talks about further West German loans to the country were expected to crop up during Herr Scheel's two-day visit--which has been undertaken to see as much as possible of Nigeria's development programmes. He was also to have talks with the Nigerian Finance Commissioner, during which it was agreed that private investment by German firms could be an important instrument in the further development of Nigeria. They discussed ways of encouraging investment. Another principle issue of talks was the future relationship of African countries with the European Common Market."
General Gowon Visits The Uncompleted Black Arts Festival Village | Later FESTAC Town | March 1975
Saturday, March 22nd, 1975.
Footage of General Yakubu Gowon, the head of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria visiting the incomplete building project which was to serve as the residence of participants in the forthcoming Second African and Black Festival of Arts and Culture.
Reuters Text:
"Work on the multi-million-naira housing project for the Second African and Black Festival of Arts and Culture has been delayed because of an industrial action and shipping problems.
The Co-ordinator of the project, Mr. Simon Shodipo, explained this to General Yakubu Gowon during an inspection tour of the village on Saturday (22 Match).
Mr. Shodipo said about 20 per cent of the houses in the village would not be completed in time for the Festival...due to open in Nigeria later this year.
He blamed construction delays of two months on strikes by building workers demanding civil services pay increases. He added that this was aggravated by the constant congestion at Lagos Port.
The village will accommodate some 150,000 people -- more than two thirds of those expected at the Festival.
However, General Gowon re-assured Festival officials that there would be no accommodation problem."
The video begins with a street scene. We see a banner on the street that reads, “Happy 14th year anniversary”. Then we see the Tafawa Balewa Square. We can see Western House in the background. The Nigerian Police Mounted Troop escort the state car into the venue. The horses’ hooves kick up too much dust, so I can’t tell for sure if the car is the iconic w100 Mercedes Benz 600 (the number 1 state car) or if it was a W108 S Class. Judging from the length of the car, I think it’s the 600 limousine.
Then we see a cross section of the members of the public who are watching the parade.
Next we see General Gowon in the uniform of an admiral. Behind him is the chief of staff, Supreme Headquarters, Vice Admiral Wey. They are both climbing up the stairs to the saluting dais.
Then we see the troops marching past. Then we see General Gowon, Admiral Wey and General Ejoor on the saluting dais. We next see policemen marching past and then it’s the turn of school children to march past the saluting dais. We also see some foreigners in the audience who are taking pictures.
We see the parade commander and then there’s a loss of sound as the 21 gun salute is fired. There’s still no sound as we see naval ratings give three cheers to the head of state. Finally we see the officers on the saluting dais.
It was on this day that General Gowon made a major mistake. He had previously promised that he would hand over to a civilian government in 1976. However, in his Independence Day speech in 1974, he said that the 1976 handover date was no longer feasible. Many soldiers were tired of military rule. They were tired of being involved in government and they wanted to return to purely military duties. After this speech, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Joseph Garba and Abdullahi Mohammed started plotting to overthrow General Gowon. They staged their coup in July 1975 and handed over to Murtala Muhammad, Olusegun Obasanjo and Theophilus Danjuma, who announced that they would hand over to a civilian government in 1979.
"Of particular importance is the progress which we have continued to make with the implementation of our policy of increasing our control over the strategic sectors of our economy as well as encouraging indigenous ownership of business generally. The Federal Government now holds 40 per cent of the equity shares in the three major expatriate commercial banks and has its appointees serving on their Boards of Directors. Further, negotiations which have been in progress and aimed at securing Government participation in the existing oil companies and their concessions have been concluded successfully. As a result, the Federal Government now holds at least thirty-five per cent of the equity shares in each of the oil companies operating in the country.
With effect from tomorrow, 2nd October, 1973, the Nigerian Bank of Commerce and Industry will open business to members of the public. The Bank, as you know, aims at providing equity capital and funds by way of loans to indigenous persons, institutions and organisations for medium and long term investments in industry and commence.
These past few years have witnessed erratic weather conditions all over the world. Scanty rainfalls in the Savannah Region stretching across North Africa, Central Asia and Latin America have caused the worst drought in these areas in recent history. Parts of Nigeria, especially the northern districts of the North-Western, North-Central, Kano and North-Eastern States have been badly affected. It would like to seize this opportunity to express the deep concern of the federal Government about the plight of the people in all the affected areas.
To provide immediate succour to the people in the areas affected by the drought, the Federal Government has made grants totalling 12-million Naira (16.4 million sterling) to the four states gravely affected, partly for the purchase of foodstuffs and livestock feeds to augment whatever is available locally and partly to improve water supply facilities by the provision of bore holes."
We see the Nigeria Police Mounted Troop escorting the state car (a W108 Mercedes Benz S Class) into the arena. General and Mrs Gowon alight from the car. We see General Gowon and Kam Selem walking towards the saluting dais.
Then we see General Gowon reviewing the troops from the back of an open top Land Rover. And then we see the troops marching past. Reviewing the troops on the saluting dais are General Gowon (who was promoted from the rank of major general to general on that day), Rear Admiral Nelson Soroh (who was promoted to the rank of rear admiral on this day), Alhaji Kam Selem, Major General David Ejoor and other senior military officers.
We see policemen marching past and then fighter planes flying overhead. Then we see a cross section of the crowd watching the parade. We see Mrs Victoria Gowon and then the Lagos State Governor Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson. Then we see the federal commissioner (minister) for information and labour, Chief Anthony Enahoro. Finally, we get another view of the audience.
We see a sign above the road and it reads, "ONE COUNTRY ONE DESTINY". Then we see a banner above Carter Bridge and that banner reads, "UNITY AND FAITH". We see flags and buntings over the Cenotaph at Idumota (Soja Idumota). We see another sign that reads, "One Nigeria" and we see the traffic on Broad Street.
Then we see General Gowon's motorcade enter the Race Course in Lagos (venue of the parade). He steps out of the limousine and salutes the policewoman. We then see Victoria Gowon in the audience and the General Gowon saluting as the National Anthem is played.
We see Christian clerics and then the band as they play "Praise To The Lord The Almighty". The people in the crowd also sing along. We see General Gowon, Mrs Victoria Gowon, Admiral Wey, Inspector General of Police Kam Selem and another officer as they also sing along.
Then we see the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Reverend Doctor John Kwao Amuzu Aggey, as he also sing the song. We see other Christian clerics and then we see the Oba of Lagos, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan. Then we see General Gowon greeting the Christian clerics.
We see Mrs Victoria Gowon leaving the grandstand. It looks like she is pregnant. Then we see the motorcade leaving the arena and people waving at it.
Major General Yakubu Gowon Opens Eko Bridge | Lagos, Nigeria | February 1969
Saturday, February 8th 1969.
Footage of Major General Yakubu Gowon, the Head of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria, opening Eko Bridge, the second bridge to link Lagos Mainland to Lagos Island.
Reuters: The construction of the bridge was financed from a loan of 66 miliion Deutschmarks from the West German government. A special eight-man delegation led by Dr. Udo Hein, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Economic Co-operation represented West Germany at the ceremony. In a short speech Dr. Hein described federal Nigeria as "one of the most important trading partners of the Federal Republic of Germany in Africa.
General Yakubu Gowon is told that he has been overthrown | July 29th 1975
July 29th 1975.
General Yakubu Gowon, the Nigerian Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is captured at the Organisation of African Unity conference in Uganda, being informed that he has been overthrown by a military coup.
It is exactly 9 years after the army mutiny led by Northern officers brought him to power.
Meeting of Nigeria's Supreme Military Council in Lagos Boycotted by Lt. Col. Ojukwu | March 1967
Sunday, March 19th 1967.
Footage of a meeting of the Supreme Military Council of Nigeria. The SMC discussed the annual budget as well as the rejection by the Eastern Region of several clauses in a draft decree on Nigeria's constitutional future.
The meeting was chaired by Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon, the Head of State and was attended by Commodore Joseph Wey, the Chief of Naval Staff; Colonel Adeyinka Adebayo, the military governor of the Western Region; Lt. Colonel David Ejoor, the military governor of the Mid-Western Region, Lt. Colonel Hassan Katsina, the military governor of the Northern Region; and Major Mobolaji Johnson, the military administrator of Lagos.
The Chief Justice of the federation, Dr. T.O. Elias was also in attendance.
Meeting of Nigeria's Supreme Military Council in Benin Boycotted by Lt. Col. Ojukwu | March 1967
Footage of members of Nigeria's Supreme Military Council meeting for the second day running on Friday March 10th 1967 in Benin City, Capital of the Mid-West Region.
The Head of State, Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon had expressly invited Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, the military governor of the Eastern region to attend. The meeting was being held in the Mid-West Region, which borders the Eastern Region, as a gesture towards Ojukwu. Ojukwu however refused to attend despite the assurances given in regard to his safety.
Two months after the meetings in Aburi, Ghana, Nigeria was teetering on disintegration because of a disagreement over the interpretation of the Aburi Accord.
Ojukwu warned that if provisions he insisted were part of the Aburi agreement were not implemented by the end of the month, he would take unilateral action. "Unilateral action" was taken to mean the secession of the Eastern Region from the federation which the Supreme Military Council maintained would be an act of rebellion that would be met by force.
Ojukwu responded by stating that "force would be met with force".
Earlier in the week, the military governor of the Northern region, Lt. Colonel Hassan Katsina had said that the east would be crushed within a matter of hours.
The members of the Supreme Military Council at the meeting were:
1. Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon, the Head of State. 2. Commodore Joseph Wey, the Chief of Naval Staff. 3. Lt. Col. David Ejoor, MIlitary Governor of the Mid-West Region. 4. Col. Adeyinka Adebayo, Military Governor of the Western Region. 5. Lt. Col. Hassan Katsina, Military Governor of the Northern Region. 6. Major Mobolaji Johnson, Military Governor of Lagos State.
Major General Gowon Presents the Nigerian Navy with its First Colours | October 21st 1968
Major General Yakubu Gowon, the Nigerian Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces presents the Nigerian Navy with its first colours at a parade held at the Naval Base in Apapa, Lagos.
The Navy was instrumental in executing the seaborne assault of the town of Bonny in July of 1967 -a strategic necessity in the overall federal objective of encircling the secessionist state of Biafra, and it also maintained a blockade.
Hosting Major General Yakubu Gowon were Rear Admiral J.E.A. Wey, Chief of Naval Staff and Navy Captain James Rawe, Chief-of-Staff and Base Commander who authored the amphibious landings at Bonny (July 25, 1967), Sapele, Warri and Koko (September 21, 1967), Calabar (October 18, 1967) and Oron (March 19, 1968).
The ceremony took place on Monday, the 21st of October 1968.
Obafemi Awolowo Released | Arrival in Lagos | Met By Lt. Col. Gowon & Lt. Col. Muhammed | Aug. 1966
Early August 1966.
Rare footage of Chief Obafemi Awolowo on his release from prison by the new military regime headed by Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon.
Awolowo, the leader of the Action Group Party and former Prime Minister of the Western Region, had been imprisoned by the civilian government of Nigeria in 1963 for "Treasonable Felony".
Awolowo was flown to Lagos after his release from a prison in Calabar where he met Gowon. Also present and captured in the newsreel is Lt. Colonel Murtala Muhammed one of the leaders of the July uprising by soldiers of Northern Nigerian origin which overthrew the government headed by Major General J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi.
Original source: Reuters.
NB.
. Controversy.
Who released Awo: Ironsi, Gowon or Ojukwu?
After ignoring internatonal requests and refusing a personal plea from Awolowo himself, Ironsi had begun the process of releasing him at the time he was assassinated on July 29th 1966. Gowon gave effect to it as soon as he assumed power in early August 1966 and Ojukwu who governed the Eastern region where Awo was being held (Calabar) did not oppose the release of the man who was a prisoner of the federal government.
. His own words.
"At this juncture, it is of interest to narrate the nature of Ironsi’s proposed release as it was disclosed to me after my actual release. The plan was to take me to Ikoyi prison until it was judged safe to set me free. A cell had been prepared for me there which contained extra facilities . If I did not like the place, I could be placed under house arrest at Ikenne. If I wanted to travel abroad, every facility would be afforded me to do so. That was why my intended release was not announced, even though a plane had been dispatched to Calabar to bring me to Lagos. Until negotiation with me on the above lines had been concluded, Ironsi’s team did not want the public to know that I had been transferred back to Ikoyi prison or to my house under house arrest, with my own consent."
Major General Yakubu Gowon visiting Bonny Camp in September 1967
Major General Yakubu Gowon, the head of the military government which succeeded that of the slain Major General Aguiyi-Ironsi, visits Bonny Camp, a military installation on Victoria Island in Lagos.
Bonny Camp was being used to train troops to be deployed to the Nigerian Army then engaged with the task of crushing a rebellion in the eastern part of the federation.
Gowon ended the tour by visiting the premises of the American International School which was located within the camp.
General Gowon Launches Nigeria's National Youth Service Scheme | June 4th 1973
Footage of Nigeria's military ruler, General Yakubu Gowon announcing the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps on Monday June 4, 1973.
Modelled on the American Peace Corps, it is still in operation in Nigeria today.
Transcript of General Gowon's remarks:
"It has been generally accepted that if Nigeria is to make rapid progress on all fronts internally, and if she is to make her mark on the continent of Africa, and indeed, in the community of Nations, then her youths must be fully mobilised and be prepared to offer, willingly and without asking for rewards in return, their best in the service of their nation at all times.
I wish to assure you, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Directorate of the National Youth Service Corps, of the full support and co-operation of all the Governments in the Federation in all your undertakings. Yours is not an easy assignment and the whole world will watch to see what you make of this bold and challenging venture. God willing you will not fail. I wish you the very best of luck, success and God's blessings.
Major General Gowon at University of Ibadan Installation | November 17th 1967
Major General Yakubu Gowon was the special guest at the ceremonial installation of Sir Kashim Ibrahim as university chancellor and other distinguished Nigerians who received honorary degrees from the University of Ibadan in the Western State.
Honorary degrees were bestowed on:
1. Mr. Robert Gardiner, the Secretary-General of the Economic Commission for Africa, who was previously the head of the United Nations Peace Keeping Operation in the Congo. He was also the first director of the Department of Extra-Mural Studies at the University of Ibadan. He received an honourary law degree.
2. Mr. Justice Udo Udoma, the Nigerian Chief Justice of Uganda.
3. Chief Akin-Deko, chairman of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation in Africa.He was a former minister for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Western Nigeria.
You can see the Emir of Kano's Rolls Royce Silver Wraith, the same vehicle that Queen Elizabeth II used when she came to Nigeria in 1956.
Gen. Gowon Hosts President Ahidjo Of Cameroon | Kano | Northern Nigeria | August 1974
Friday, August 30th 1974.
Footage of General Yakubu Gowon, the Nigerian Military Head of State hosting President Ahmadou Ahidjo of Cameroon on a state visit to NIgeria.
Ahidjo arrived in the ancient city of Kano, and part of his itinerary was a visit to the Palace of the Emir.
According to Reuters:
"Thousands of people packed the terminal to shout their welcome. Banners and Cameroun flags were waved as the two leaders inspected a guard of honour before leaving for the centre of Kano and the Palace of the Emir. Offices along the route between the airport and the city were closed to allow workers to line the streets as the official party made its way to the Palace."
Emperor Haile Selassie Arrives For a State Visit To Nigeria | Welcomed By General Gowon | Jan. 1972
Wednesday, January 19th 1972.
Footage of Haile Selassie's arrival in Nigeria on a national tour.
Reuters Text:
"A warm welcome with traditional dancing, and the full ceremonial due to an honoured Head of State was laid on at Lagos airport on Wednesday for the arrival of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie on a five-day State visit. There to greet Africa's elder statesman was the Nigerian Federal leader, General Yakubu Gowon. The 70 year-old Emperor is to have two rounds of official talks with Nigerian leaders before leaving Lagos on Sunday for Monrovia to preside over an O.A.U. peace meeting between Senegal and Guinea.
The two African leaders inspected a Guard of Honour together as part of the ceremony of welcome, and later General Gowon introduced military leaders and Government officials, before driving into town.
Next day the Emperor was to visit Kaduna, capital of the north-central state, for a tour of defence industries, and for a colourful Durbar at which horsemen gave acrobatic displays. On Friday Emperor Selassie was scheduled to fly to Enugu to see for himself the progress of post-war rehabilitation and reconciliation in the east-central state. He was due to return to Lagos to receive an honorary Doctorate in Law the same evening, and on Saturday was to have a major session of talks with General Gowon. Emperor Selassie has a high standing among Nigerians, not least for his efforts during the Nigerian civil war to reach a settlement using the good offices of the O.A.U. He will end his Nigerian tour on Sunday following a Church service at the Anglican Cathedral in Lagos, and after further talks with General Gowon."
Gen. Yakubu Gowon Visits National Census Board Prior to Nigerian Census | November 1973
Thursday, November 22nd 1973.
Footage of the Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, visiting the National Census Board Secretariat in Lagos to inspect preparations for the national census, which was scheduled to begin on November 25.
Gowon was shown around the census headquarters by the Board Chairman, Sir Adetokuobo Ademola.
The NCB was scheduled to deploy 300,000 field workers during the seven-day population count.Schools throughout the country were to be closed during the exercise to enable teachers and senior students to help in the operation. The government also decided to reduce working hours in the major cities by two to three hours so that workers could be at home when the count is taken.
The census was scheduled to tabulate such national characteristics as religion, ethnic origin/nationality, and languages spoken. There are about 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Politics › Re: Today Is General Yakubu Gowon's 90th Birthday. by naptu2(op): 1:49pm On Oct 19, 2024
