President Bola Tinubu has described the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, as a vital national document capable of guiding Nigeria’s future, strengthening regional cooperation and preserving national unity.
The President also called for the wide circulation of the memoir across the country, describing it as a civic inheritance for all Nigerians.
Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday during the public presentation of Gowon’s memoir at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
According to the President, reflections from leaders who witnessed defining moments in Nigeria’s history remain crucial to sustaining democratic stability and national cohesion.
“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.
The President noted that the memoir was being released at a period when Nigeria and the wider West African region are grappling with insecurity, economic challenges and social divisions, making Gowon’s lessons on reconciliation and statesmanship particularly significant.
He praised Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation efforts, especially the “No victor, no vanquished” declaration, which he described as one of the key principles that helped preserve 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 stated.
Tinubu further stressed the importance of institutions and policies that encourage national integration, fairness and mutual understanding among citizens.
He highlighted the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps as one of the enduring legacies of Gowon’s administration, noting that the scheme has helped bridge ethnic, religious and cultural divides across generations.
The President also described Gowon’s life as a strong response to divisive narratives seeking to reduce Nigeria’s diversity to regional and 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,” he said.
On regional integration, Tinubu commended Gowon’s role in the formation of the Economic Community of West African States, describing the body as one of Africa’s most important platforms for economic cooperation and collective security.
He said the founding vision of ECOWAS remains relevant as West Africa continues to confront terrorism, political instability and economic disruptions.
“We need cooperation against insecurity. We need trade that empowers our young people. We need diplomacy that prevents conflict from becoming contagion,” the President added.
Earlier, Gowon said the memoir was not written to attack anyone or judge past events, but to present his personal account of history and his years in service to Nigeria.
He stated that his story became inseparable from Nigeria’s history, making it necessary to document his experiences and reflections.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the former Head of State urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country despite existing challenges.
Also speaking at the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the memoir as an important reflection on a defining era in Nigeria’s history, adding that such books help preserve institutional memory and deepen public understanding of national events.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, who reviewed the book, described it as a vivid account of Nigeria’s turbulent history, including the civil war and Gowon’s personal journey as a leader.
He noted that while autobiographies reflect individual perspectives, the memoir offers valuable insight into major events during Gowon’s administration.
In his welcome address, Chief Executive Officer of Havilah Group, Lanre Adesuyi, described the publication as an important contribution to the preservation of Nigeria’s historical heritage.
Other dignitaries at the event included former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, former First Lady Patience Jonathan, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Daniel Okoh, among other political, religious and military leaders.
