The launch of former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s autobiography in Abuja on Tuesday attracted billions of naira in donations from prominent Nigerians, including retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma and businessman Aliko Dangote.
The autobiography, titled “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” was presented at a high-profile event attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, alongside senior government officials, diplomats and military leaders.
Retired Gen. Danjuma donated N3 billion in support of the book launch, while Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, contributed N500 million.
Danjuma, represented by former Chief of Defence Staff retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, also directed that copies of the memoir be distributed to universities that had honoured Gowon with honorary doctorate degrees.
Under the arrangement, 12 copies of the autobiography will be donated to the libraries of each of the 20 universities.
In his tribute, Danjuma described Gowon as an exceptional statesman whose leadership during the Nigerian civil war preserved the unity of the country.
He commended Gowon’s post-war reconciliation policy, especially the famous “no victor, no vanquished” declaration, which he said promoted national healing after the conflict.
According to Danjuma, his relationship with Gowon dates back more than 70 years to their early days in Wusasa, Zaria.
He described the autobiography as a “treasure trove of history” and an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical record.
Representing Dangote at the event, Mr Mansur Ahmed announced that the businessman had purchased 25 copies of the memoir for N500 million.
Ahmed stated that Dangote, who was a young schoolboy during Gowon’s administration, benefited from the stability and unity preserved under the former Head of State’s leadership.
He said the peaceful environment created after the civil war enabled Dangote to later establish a successful pan-African business empire.
The event also received support from other prominent figures, including BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu, who bought copies worth N25 million.
The book was reviewed by Bishop Matthew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and respected author and public affairs commentator.
