President Bola Tinubu has described the autobiography of former Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, as a significant national record that preserves Nigeria’s history and provides lessons for future generations.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of Gowon’s autobiography titled “My Life of Duty and Allegiance.”
He said the memoir captures key moments in Nigeria’s historical journey while highlighting enduring values such as unity, reconciliation and regional cooperation.
The President called for wide circulation of the book, stressing that reflections from leaders who participated in defining national events are crucial for strengthening democratic stability and national cohesion.
According to him, preserving historical memory is essential to preventing the repetition of past mistakes.
“A nation that misplaces its memory soon begins to quarrel with its own reflection. A society without memory becomes an orphan in time,” Tinubu said.
He noted that Gowon’s account comes at a period when Nigeria and the wider West African region continue to face insecurity, economic strain and social fragmentation, making lessons on reconciliation and leadership more relevant.
Tinubu praised Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation policy, particularly the famous declaration of “No victor, no vanquished,” which he said played a central role in sustaining Nigeria’s unity after the civil conflict.
He added that national healing requires deliberate policies rooted in trust, inclusion and shared citizenship.
“The decisions of that period cannot be understood by those who examine them with the arrogance of comfort.
“Every generation that inherits peace must learn to speak gently about the choices made in the season of peril,” he said.
The President also emphasised that national unity must be reinforced through institutions that promote fairness, interaction and mutual understanding among citizens.
He pointed to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as one of the lasting legacies of Gowon’s administration, noting that it has helped bridge ethnic and religious divides.
Tinubu further stated that shared national experiences remain vital for building trust and strengthening the federation.
He said Gowon’s life challenges narratives that seek to reduce Nigeria’s diversity into divisive ethnic or religious identities.
“His story teaches us that the Nigerian project becomes stronger when a citizen refuses to become a weapon in the hands of sectarian entrepreneurs,” he said.
The President also commended Gowon’s role in the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), describing it as a key platform for regional cooperation and collective security.
He stressed that ECOWAS remains essential as West Africa grapples with terrorism, political instability and economic disruption.
“We need cooperation against insecurity. We need trade that empowers our young people. We need diplomacy that prevents conflict from becoming contagion,” he said.
Tinubu added that Nigeria’s prosperity is closely tied to the stability of neighbouring countries.
In his remarks, Gowon said he wrote the autobiography to present his personal truth and document his service to the nation, not to settle disputes or pass judgment on past events.
He explained that his life and Nigeria’s history are deeply intertwined, making it necessary to document his experiences.
He also urged Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections not to listen to “naysayers,” expressing confidence in the country’s continued survival despite current challenges.
Book reviewer and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, described the memoir as a vivid account of Nigeria’s turbulent history, especially during the civil war era.
He noted that while the book provides valuable insights into Gowon’s leadership, no autobiography can fully capture historical events, as each account reflects a personal perspective.
Kukah concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying, “God will continue to do great things for Nigeria.”
