Tinubu on Gowon memoir — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the autobiography of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, as a vital national document. He said the memoir offers guidance for Nigeria’s future, regional cooperation, and national unity.

Speaking during the public presentation of Gowon’s memoir at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Tinubu said the reflections of leaders who witnessed defining moments in Nigeria’s history remain essential.

The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, urged Nigerians to ensure the memoir receives wide circulation across the country.

According to him, the book is more than a personal account. He described it as “a civic inheritance for all Nigerians.”

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“A nation that misplaces its memory soon begins to quarrel with its own reflection. A society without memory becomes an orphan in time,” President Tinubu stated.

The President stressed that Nigeria must preserve its historical memory to avoid repeating past mistakes. He added that societies that fail to learn from history often drift into division and uncertainty.

Furthermore, Tinubu noted that the memoir comes at a critical time. Nigeria and the wider West African region continue to battle insecurity, economic pressure, and social fragmentation.

Consequently, he said the lessons of reconciliation and statesmanship contained in the book remain highly relevant.

President Tinubu also commended General Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation efforts, especially his famous declaration of “No victor, no vanquished.”

According to him, the principle played a defining role in preserving Nigeria’s unity after the civil war.

“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 explained that peace and national healing require deliberate policies. He said such policies must be built on trust, inclusion, and shared citizenship.

In addition, he highlighted the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as one of the enduring legacies of Gowon’s administration.

He said the scheme has continued to bridge ethnic, cultural, and religious divides among Nigerians.

According to Tinubu, shared national experiences remain critical for building a stronger federation and deepening trust among citizens.

President Tinubu further stated that General Gowon’s life remains a strong rebuke to divisive narratives. He said some groups attempt to reduce Nigeria’s diversity into rigid regional or religious stereotypes.

“His story teaches us that the Nigerian project becomes stronger when a citizen refuses to become a weapon in the hands of sectarian entrepreneurs,” the President declared.

On regional affairs, Tinubu praised Gowon’s contribution to the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

He described ECOWAS as one of Africa’s most important platforms for economic cooperation and collective security.

The President noted that the founding vision behind ECOWAS remains crucial. According to him, West Africa continues to face 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 added.

The President maintained that Nigeria’s prosperity and security remain closely connected to the stability and development of neighbouring countries.

Earlier, General Gowon explained that he wrote the memoir to tell his own story and not to sit in judgment over anyone.

“I only needed to tell my truth,” Gowon said.

He explained that his story became intertwined with Nigeria’s history. He added that the book reflects his modest effort to document the opportunity he had to serve the country.

Ahead of the 2027 elections, the former Head of State advised Nigerians not to listen to “naysayers.” He insisted that Nigeria would overcome its present challenges.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the occasion, described the memoir as a living testimony of leadership during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent eras.

He praised Gowon’s vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria. Jonathan also noted that memoirs such as My Life of Duty and Allegiance help preserve institutional memory.

According to him, such books also deepen public understanding of the nation’s history.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, described the book as a vivid account of Nigeria’s turbulent history and General Gowon’s personal journey.

Kukah noted that autobiographies often present a particular perspective. However, he added that the memoir provides valuable insights into events that shaped Nigeria during Gowon’s leadership.

He also prayed for Nigeria’s unity and progress. In addition, he assured the gathering of God’s continued blessings upon the nation.

Several dignitaries attended the event. They included former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa, the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, among others.

Keyphrase: Tinubu on Gowon memoir.