₦airaland Forum

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Tinubu To Gen. Gowon: Your Memoir Is A Compass For Nigeria’s Future

Says ex-head of state’s life stands as rebuke to those trying to reduce nation’s diversity to regional, religious stereotypes

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT has described the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, as an important national document that offers guidance for Nigeria’s future, regional cooperation and the preservation of national unity.

The Nigerian leader particularly called for wide circulation of the memoir across the country, noting that it is a civic inheritance for all Nigerians.

Speaking on Tuesday during the public presentation of the memoir at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, the President, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM , said the reflections of leaders who witnessed defining moments in the nation’s history remain essential to strengthening democratic stability and national cohesion.

President Tinubu said Nigeria must preserve its historical memory to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, stressing that societies that fail to learn from their history risk drifting into division and uncertainty.

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

President Tinubu observed that the former Head of State’s account was arriving at a time when Nigeria and the wider West African region continue to grapple with insecurity, economic pressures and social fragmentation, making the lessons of reconciliation and statesmanship even more relevant.

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

He said peace and national healing require deliberate policies built on trust, inclusion and shared citizenship.

“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 added that national unity must be sustained through institutions and policies that encourage interaction, fairness and mutual understanding among citizens.

He highlighted the role of the National Youth Service Corps as one of the enduring legacies of Gowon’s administration, saying the programme has helped bridge ethnic, cultural and religious divides across generations.

According to him, shared national experiences remain vital to building a stronger federation and deepening trust among Nigerians.

President Tinubu also said Gowon’s life stands as a rebuke to divisive narratives that attempt to reduce Nigeria’s diversity into rigid regional or religious stereotypes.

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

On regional affairs, the President commended General Gowon’s role in the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States, describing the regional body as one of the continent’s most important platforms for economic cooperation and collective security.

He said the founding vision behind ECOWAS remains critical as West Africa confronts terrorism, political instability and economic disruption.

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

The President maintained that Nigeria’s prosperity and security are closely tied to the stability and development of neighbouring countries.

President Tinubu said General Gowon’s influence extends beyond his years in office, describing him as a statesman whose commitment to peace, unity and national service has endured across generations.

Earlier, Gen. Gowon said he only needed to tell his truth, not join issues with anyone or sit in judgment over what is right or wrong.

He said speaking out became necessary because his “story and that of Nigeria became intertwined,” adding that the book reflects his modest attempt to document the opportunity he had to serve Nigeria.

Ahead of the 2027 election, he advised Nigerians against listening to “naysayers,” maintaining that the nation, which did not fail under his watch, will never fail despite the country’s challenges.

On his part, former President Goodluck Jonathan who was chairman of the ocassion, described the book is a fitting presentation of the living testimony and reflection of a leader during the era of Nigeria’s turbulent history.

He said the former leader deserved commendation for his farsightedness and vision for a united and prosperous nation, which according to him is manifested in the many legacies of General Gowon.

Jonathan observed that memoirs such as "My life of duty and allegiance" will help preserve institutional memory and deepen public understanding of critical phases and decisions in Nigeria’s history.

In his review of the book, the Bishop Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, His Lordship, Matthew Kukah, noted that the book is a vivid account of Nigeria’s turbulent history through a civil war, and General Gowon's personal travails and life's journey, which is important as the nation continues to navigate through similar challenges.

He added that different sections of the book provide valuable insights to events during the General's reign as head of state, noting however that no autobiography summaries history in totality as each account presents a particular point of view.

While praying for Nigeria's continued unity and progress, Bishop Kukah assured the gathering of God's continuous favours and blessings for the country, noting that "God will continue to do great things for Nigeria".

In his welcome address, the CEO of Havilah Group, Akogun Lanre Adesuyi, emphasised the significance of publishing biographies and autobiographies as a civic duty that goes beyond keeping records to the preservation of history and promotion of thought leadership as critical tools for national development.

He said the publication of the Gowon Autobiography was a befitting icing on his career as a publisher and preservation of Nigeria’s cherished history, describing the book as a quintessential history to be read by students and enthusiast of Nigeria’s historical development.

Also present at the event were former head of state, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar; representative of the first lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu; former first lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan; Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang; Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; Arts Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III; CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh; serving and retired senior military officers as well as traditional and religious leaders, amongst others.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
19th May, 2026

A President's Trust in the Eyes of His Vice

Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM , today at the launch of elder statesman Yakubu Gowon’s autobiography, spoke on the need for unity, trust, and peaceful coexistence among the leadership and followership in the country, as… pic.twitter.com/eAs2NAeMoX

— Stanley Nkwocha (@stanleynkwocha_) May 19, 2026

Just In....

HEVP, Sen. Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM arrives at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, for the Public Presentation of the Autobiography of General (Dr.) Yakubu Gowon, GCFR.

The Vice President is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu… pic.twitter.com/fauJOXQpdm

— Stanley Nkwocha (@stanleynkwocha_) May 19, 2026

I WRITE TO CORRECT MISINFORMATION ABOUT MYSELF - GEN. YAKUBU GOWON

Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, says the autobiography is to correct misconceptions and misinformation circulating in the media, rather than reopen old wounds.

Gen. Gowon stated this during the public… pic.twitter.com/5mDEfuDVeW

— NTANetwork (@NTANewsNow) May 19, 2026

When General Yakubu Gowon paid a state visit to the then North East, we all lined up not to see him but to see his elegant and beautiful First Lady, Victoria Gowon. Since her exit, that role became famous with the late Maryam Babangida.

- Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima at… pic.twitter.com/vzTomthJXL

— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) May 19, 2026

Gowon's Autobiography: T. Y Danjuma Donated ₦3 Billion, Dangote ₦500 Million, Abdul-Samad ₦25 Million

Retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma has donated ₦3 billion to support the public presentation of former Head of State, Retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s autobiography.

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, contributed ₦500 million, while Abdul-Samad Rabiu, President of BUA Group, purchased copies of the book worth ₦25 million.

The 20-chapter memoir, titled “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” was publicly presented in Abuja on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the well-attended event, which drew top government officials, diplomats, and senior military officers.

Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, reviewed the book. Danjuma, who served as Chief Presenter, was represented by retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, a former Chief of Defence Staff.

Beyond the cash donation, Danjuma directed the purchase and distribution of 12 copies of the book to the libraries of each of the 20 universities that awarded Gowon honorary doctorate degrees.

seunmsg:
Gowon’s memoir will make an interesting read. I need to get a copy.

bolaayenimo:
I won't read hls memoir. Gowon not fair to Igbos

QuinQ:
As you read bear this quote below in mind

seunmsg:
I’ve read several memoirs about the first coup and the civil war. I won’t mind reading his account as well even if it’s a lie.

Wizardslayer:
To be honest, hate Benue people that he abandon them at mercy of heartless islamic militias that are armed to the teeth.

YAKUBU GOWON you see life, one Nigeria indeed.

codemaniacs:
he is from Yaya Jameh country that's why he allows the kerrorists to over run the country..

he has no siblings anyone knows about

he has no parents anyone knew about

he has no cousins anyone knows about

he has no pictures of him in primary school and secondary school

he has no pictures of him when he was a teenager

the above can only be possible if the person is an immigrant.

QuinQ:
As you read bear this quote below in mind