- Former President Muhammadu Buhari praised General Yakubu Gowon’s leadership and dedication to Nigeria as he celebrates his 90th birthday
- Buhari acknowledges Gowon’s contributions to national unity and the progress of Nigeria during critical historical periods
- The former president emphasises Gowon’s role in inspiring both older and younger Nigerians through his courageous leadership
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to the former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, as he celebrates his 90th birthday.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, October 18, by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, the former President commended Gowon’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress.
Buhari highlighted Gowon’s far-sighted approach to governance, stating, “We honor his invaluable contributions to our nation’s continued existence as one, and the progress that has come with that.
“Today we pay a humble tribute to a distinguished statesman and a soldier, who had all the qualities of a successful army commander,” he said.
Buhari noted that both the older and younger generations of Nigerians would continue to take pride in Gowon and the bravery of the officers he led during critical periods in the nation’s history.
“I pay homage to all those who served and laid their lives for the country. Gowon and the team he led will continue to inspire the young generations and the country for a long time,” he remarked.
He commended Gowon’s courage, interest in Nigeria’s well-being, and implementation of policies like those of the National Youth Service Corps.
Buhari also appreciated Gowon’s ongoing commitment to the nation, particularly through his initiative, ‘Nigeria Prays’”.
Gowon will be 90 on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
Full List: Gowon, Obasanjo, Rawlings, other presidents who have chaired ECOWAS since inception
In an earlier report, TheRadar compiled the full list of ECOWAS chairpersons from inception till date as the president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was re-elected as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday, July 7, 2024, by the ECOWAS’ Authority of Heads of State and Government.
From the list, many Nigerian presidents have chaired ECOWAS, including Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, and others.
