Former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, and other prominent Nigerian leaders have urged stronger efforts toward national reconciliation and the preservation of historical records for future generations.
The call was made on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s autobiography titled “My Life of Duty and Allegiance.”
The event attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, diplomats, and elder statesmen who all underscored the importance of documenting leadership experiences to prevent distortion of Nigeria’s history.
Former President Jonathan, who chaired the occasion, described Gowon’s memoir as a “living testimony” of leadership during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent periods.
He said the former military leader’s decision to document his experiences would help deepen public understanding of governance and national development.
“As younger generations study our nation’s history, it is important that they hear directly from those who bore the burden of leadership during difficult times.
“Memoirs such as this help preserve institutional memory, deepen public understanding, and enrich the national conversation on governance and leadership,” Jonathan said.
He added that many valuable aspects of Nigeria’s past are often lost because key actors fail to document their roles, noting that he also plans to publish his own reflections in the future.
“By sharing his story, General Gowon has rendered yet another important service to Nigeria and to the historical record of Africa.
“I believe this is a debt I also owe Nigerians and humanity. Someday, it will be my turn to present personal reflections at a programme like this,” he said.
The Sultan of Sokoto also emphasised the importance of autobiographies, saying they help protect the integrity of historical narratives.
“Launching your own biography while you are still alive is one of the most important things to do.
“It is not after someone’s death that people write lies and lies about the person when he is not alive to defend himself.
”We thank Allah, you are alive and you presented to us your own true words,” the Sultan said.
He praised Gowon’s humility and his contributions to peace-building between religious communities in Nigeria.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, also commended Gowon’s leadership style, noting that character remains the most enduring legacy of any leader.
He recalled a personal experience from his childhood in Kaduna, where Gowon, as Head of State, maintained a personal connection with the family of a late friend through handwritten letters signed “Uncle Joe.”
“That is a window into the person that you’re dealing with. As head of state, Commander-in-Chief, he would write a handwritten letter to the son of his dead friend so that the boy would continue to feel he had a father,” Sanusi said.
Book reviewer and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, described the memoir as a reflection of selfless public service.
He noted that no autobiography can capture every detail of history but said such works remain valuable personal accounts of events.
“Nobody tells all the truth, because a point of view is a point for review.
“The author has written things as he saw them.
”And if you respond negatively to autobiography, the answer is go and write your own,” Kukah said.
Earlier, publisher Akogun Adesuyi warned that history would always be shaped, one way or another, stressing the importance of individuals documenting their own experiences.
The event was attended by top officials including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, former leaders, governors, ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
