VANGUARD
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.
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.”
