Tinubu Describes Gowon’s Memoir as National Guide for Unity, Future Development

Tinubu Describes Gowon’s Memoir as National Guide for Unity, Future Development

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, as an important national document capable of guiding Nigeria’s future, strengthening regional cooperation and preserving national unity.

The President made the remarks on Tuesday during the public presentation of Gowon’s memoir at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, where he called for the book to be widely circulated across the country.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu said the reflections of leaders who witnessed defining moments in Nigeria’s history remain vital to sustaining democratic stability and promoting national cohesion.

He stressed the need for Nigeria to preserve its historical memory, warning that nations that fail to learn from their past risk division and uncertainty.

“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.

President Tinubu noted that Gowon’s memoir comes at a period when Nigeria and the wider West African region are facing security challenges, economic pressures and social divisions, making the lessons of reconciliation and leadership more relevant.

He praised Gowon’s post-civil war efforts, particularly the “No victor, no vanquished” policy, describing it as one of the major principles that helped sustain Nigeria’s unity after the conflict.

The President also highlighted the role of the National Youth Service Corps as one of the enduring legacies of Gowon’s administration, saying the scheme has continued to bridge ethnic, cultural and religious divides among Nigerians.

On regional integration, Tinubu commended Gowon’s role in the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States, describing it as a key platform for economic cooperation and collective security in West Africa.

“We need cooperation against insecurity. We need trade that empowers our young people. We need diplomacy that prevents conflict from becoming contagion,” he said.

Earlier, Gowon said he wrote the book not to pass judgment on anyone but to tell his own story, noting that his personal journey became closely linked with Nigeria’s history.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the event, described the memoir as a valuable reflection of leadership during one of Nigeria’s most challenging periods and said such works help preserve institutional memory.

Also reviewing the book, Matthew Kukah said the memoir offers important insights into Nigeria’s turbulent history and Gowon’s personal experiences during his time in office.

The event attracted several prominent figures, including former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, traditional rulers, religious leaders, serving and retired military officers, ministers and other top government officials.

Tinubu Describes Gowon’s Memoir as National Guide for Unity, Future Development