First Lady celebrates General Gowon at 90, hails his patriotism, simplicity

By Kunle Sanni

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Saturday joined dignitaries in Abuja to celebrate the 90th birthday of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.

Speaking at a special thanksgiving service at the National Christian Centre, the First Lady highlighted Gowon’s lifetime of humility, grace, and commitment to the country as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s future.

Among those who attended the event were former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who came together to honor the elder statesman.

Reflecting on Gowon’s legacy, the First Lady noted that she was just six years old when he first took office and lauded his lifelong dedication to the country. “Your life is a testament to God’s calling, a life destined for leadership in a world often filled with cynicism,” she said. “Your simplicity, humility, dignity, and infectious love for Nigeria show us that this nation is all we have, and it’s our duty to make it work.”

Speaking on behalf of the President and the nation, the First Lady expressed gratitude for Gowon’s impact on leadership, referencing his qualities of contentment, reliability, and kindness. She invoked biblical teachings on love and service, quoting Matthew 22:37-40, and prayed for his continued strength in his later years.

General Gowon, in his remarks, encouraged Nigerians to continue praying for the nation and reiterated his famous mantra: “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.”

He recalled the collective effort that kept the nation united during his tenure, including the challenges of the Nigerian Civil War, emphasizing that the true victory belonged to Nigeria as a whole. “We kept Nigeria together, and all Nigerians from all parts of the country assisted me to keep Nigeria one. We did it, even though we had to fight an unfortunate civil war to keep it together.

“It is Nigeria that really won in the end. Nigeria was the victor, not any part of Nigeria over the other.”

The thanksgiving service included prayers and songs by various choirs.