President Bola Tinubu says the “no victor no vanquished” philosophy of Yakubu Gowon, a former military head of state, helped Nigeria to heal after the civil war.
In a tribute to commemorate Gowon’s 90th birthday celebration, Tinubu said the former head of state significantly contributed to nation-building and development of Nigeria.
The president described Gowon as the “father of national infrastructure”.
Tinubu said the former head of state has become his “counsellor” since he became the president.
“As a brilliant officer trained at Sandhurst and reluctantly became Nigeria’s leader at 32, his life story has inspired many Nigerians,” the president said.
“As the nation’s head of state, he significantly contributed to nation-building and development and can be rightly called the father of national infrastructure.
“It is on record that after the country’s civil war, his philosophy of “No victor, no vanquished” helped promote national healing, peace, and reconciliation.
“His most incredible legacy was the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, founded in 1975.
“He was there for us when we had a misunderstanding with some of our Sahelian states, calling for moderation from all sides for the sake of ECOWAS unity.”
Born on October 19, 1934, Gowon served as Nigeria’s military head of state from August 1, 1966 to July 29, 1975.
He became the head of state at 31 — making him the youngest person to lead Nigeria.
Gowon created 12 states during his regime and was in power when the country witnessed the civil war from 1967 to 1970.
After the 30-month war, Gowon declared that there was “no victor no vanquished” as part of the move for national reconciliation.