President Bola Tinubu has written a tribute to General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), a former military head of state who is celebrating his 90th birthday.
A statement signed by the president on Saturday described the elder statesman as a gentleman extraordinaire.
“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,” President Tinubu wrote.
