Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida and the the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, have congratulated former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), on his 90th birthday, saying that he is a statesman worthy of celebration.
Obasanjo and other prominent Nigerians spoke at a public lecture in Abuja to mark Gowon’s 90th birthday on Friday evening.
The epoch making event brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, and citizens from different walks of life to honour Gowon’s legacy as a symbol of national unity and perseverance.
Obasanjo said: “This is a national celebration, and you are worthy of being celebrated while you’re still with us. Very few can claim to have witnessed your time in government or the army.
“But by God’s grace, you have lived long enough for us to honour you today.”
The former President also shared a joke on Gowon’s milestone, saying that , “God has made you a big 90. If I were from Calabar, I would say, ’90 no be yoke’.’”
The Sultan of Sokoto, who chaired the event, highlighted Gowon’s exceptional longevity and institutional wisdom.
The royal father said “In our time, children were everyone’s responsibility, regardless of tribe or religion. Honesty, hard work, and selflessness were the benchmarks of our society.
“The civil service was efficient, and society lived in peace and harmony. Not many countries are fortunate enough to have leaders live so long, with full consciousness and insight,” he added.
In his goodwill message, General Babangida, praised Gowon’s decency and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development, urging the younger generation to learn from his life story.
Babangida said, “I will continue to pray for him. The younger generation should learn from his life story, as he started leading this country at a tender age.”
Other dignitaries from various sectors who attended the public lecture reflected on Gowon’s broad influence and respect.
They also celebrated his leadership, which spanned critical periods in Nigeria’s history, for promoting unity, peace, and harmony.
