Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, on Tuesday declared that Nigeria “will not fall” despite mounting political, economic, and security pressures, as the nation’s political, military, and traditional elite gathered in Abuja for the public presentation of his autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance.
The event, which began as a book unveiling, quickly evolved into a broader national reflection on leadership, unity, reconciliation, and Nigeria’s future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prominent figures at the gathering included Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma, the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, and Bishop Matthew Kukah, who reviewed the book.
Gowon said his confidence in Nigeria’s survival remained unshaken, recalling his experience leading the country through the civil war.
“During my time as Head of State, the country did not fall, and I remain confident that despite all her challenges, Nigeria will still not fall,” he said.
He warned against rising political desperation, especially ahead of the 2027 elections, urging political actors to avoid “do or politics” and promote credible electoral processes.
Gowon also explained that his autobiography was intended to correct misconceptions about his leadership and the civil war period, stressing the importance of historical accuracy in national discourse.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Gowon’s leadership during the civil war as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, noting that his “No Victor, No Vanquished” policy helped to restore peace and unity after the conflict.
Jonathan also highlighted Gowon’s role in elishing the National Youth Service Corps NYSC and the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS, describing both as enduring national and regional legacies.
Vice President Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, warned against division and rising distrust among Nigerians, saying nations survive only when citizens choose duty over conflict.
He urged Nigerians to study history critically rather than treat it as ceremonial memory, stressing that lessons from the past should guide future policy and governance.
Bishop Kukah, while reviewing the autobiography, noted that historical accounts remain subjective, saying no single narrative can fully capture national history.
He encouraged Nigerians dissatisfied with any account of history to document their own perspectives for public understanding.
The Sultan of Sokoto praised Gowon for documenting his experiences while still alive, noting that it allows for clarity and accountability in historical records.
Emir Sanusi, in his remarks, said leadership is ultimately judged by character rather than power or position, recalling Gowon’s personal gestures of empathy during his time in office.
Former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma launched the book with a donation of N3 billion, describing Gowon as a mentor and key figure in Nigeria’s post independence history.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, also donated N500 million at the event.
By the end of the ceremony, the atmosphere shifted from celebration to reflection, as speakers repeatedly emphasized unity, trust, and the urgent need to prevent political and social fragmentation.
Despite concerns about Nigeria’s future, the dominant message echoed throughout the event remained clear that the country must endure.
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