President Bola Tinubu has said that the autobiography of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, serves as a crucial record of Nigeria’s history and a guide for strengthening national unity.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the launch of Gowon’s autobiography, “My Life of Duty and Allegiance.”
Tinubu said the book preserves key moments in Nigeria’s past and reinforces values such as reconciliation, unity and cooperation among regions.
He urged that the memoir be widely read, noting that the experiences of past leaders are essential for understanding governance and sustaining democratic stability.
According to him, countries that fail to preserve their historical memory risk division and repeated mistakes.
“A nation that misplaces its memory soon begins to quarrel with its own reflection. A society without memory becomes an orphan in time,” he said.
The President said Gowon’s reflections were particularly relevant given current challenges facing Nigeria and West Africa, including insecurity and economic difficulties.
He praised Gowon’s post-civil war leadership and his “No Victor, No Vanquished” policy, which he said helped to preserve Nigeria’s unity after the conflict.
Tinubu added that national healing requires inclusive policies and deliberate efforts to foster trust among citizens.
He highlighted the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as one of Gowon’s most significant contributions, noting its role in bridging ethnic and religious divides.
He also commended Gowon’s role in the formation of ECOWAS, describing it as a key institution for regional cooperation and collective security in West Africa.
Tinubu said regional collaboration remains essential in addressing terrorism, instability and economic hardship across the sub-region.
Earlier, Gowon said he wrote the memoir to present his own account of events, emphasising that his story was closely linked with Nigeria’s national history.
He said the book was not intended to judge others but to document his experiences in public service.
Gowon also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, urging citizens to remain confident in the country’s ability to overcome its challenges.
Bishop Matthew Kukah, who reviewed the book, described it as a detailed account of Nigeria’s civil war era and Gowon’s leadership.
He noted that no autobiography captures history in its entirety and encouraged alternative perspectives to be documented for balance.
