Danjuma donates N3bn, Dangote N500m, Rabiu N25m at Gowon’s book launch

Former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, on Tuesday donated N3 billion during the public presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, held in Abuja.

The autobiography, titled My Life of Duty and Allegiance, was unveiled at a high-profile ceremony attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, alongside senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and military leaders.

Represented by former Chief of Defence Staff, Martin Luther Agwai, Danjuma, who served as the chief presenter at the event, also directed that 12 copies of the autobiography be distributed to libraries in each of the 20 universities that had awarded honorary doctorate degrees to Gowon.

In his tribute, Danjuma described Gowon as Nigeria’s foremost living statesman and a global symbol of leadership whose role during the civil war preserved the unity of the country.

He praised Gowon’s post-war reconciliation efforts, particularly the “no victor, no vanquished” policy, which he said laid the foundation for national healing, reconstruction and rehabilitation after the conflict.

Danjuma also reflected on his more than seven-decade relationship with Gowon, noting that their friendship began during childhood in the Wusasa area of Zaria. He described the memoir as “a treasure trove of history” and a valuable contribution to future generations.

Also speaking at the event, a representative of Dangote Group announced a N500 million donation by company chairman Aliko Dangote through the purchase of 25 copies of the book.

The representative, Mansur Ahmed, said Dangote was only 10 years old when Gowon led Nigeria through one of its most difficult periods, adding that the former Head of State’s leadership helped sustain the unity and stability that enabled future economic growth.

Other dignitaries and business leaders also supported the launch. President of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, purchased copies of the book worth N25 million.