Gowon’s memoir offers lessons for Nigeria’s national unity, stability — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has described the newly presented autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, as a “national compass” capable of guiding Nigeria’s future and strengthening unity across regional and religious divides.

Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja at the public presentation of Gowon’s memoir held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The President called for widespread circulation of the memoir, saying it should be regarded as a civic resource for all Nigerians. According to him, the country’s ability to preserve its historical memory is essential to avoiding past mistakes and preventing further divisions.

“A nation that misplaces its memory soon begins to quarrel with its own reflection,” Tinubu said, warning that societies without historical awareness risk instability and fragmentation.

He praised Gowon’s post–civil war reconciliation doctrine of “no victor, no vanquished,” describing it as a key foundation that helped restore national unity after the conflict. Tinubu also highlighted the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps as one of the enduring legacies of Gowon’s administration that continues to promote integration among young Nigerians.

“We need cooperation against insecurity. We need trade that empowers our young people,” he said, stressing that Nigeria’s stability is closely tied to developments in neighbouring countries.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the occasion, described Gowon’s memoir as a valuable historical record that preserves institutional memory and offers insight into Nigeria’s turbulent past, particularly the civil war era.

In his remarks, Gowon said the memoir was an effort to document his personal experiences in public service, noting that he sought to present “his truth” rather than engage in disputes over historical interpretations. He also urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the country’s future despite current challenges.