Former President Goodluck Jonathan has praised former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, for his leadership during and after the Nigerian Civil War, saying Gowon’s famous declaration of “no victor, no vanquished” helped lay the foundation for healing and national reconciliation.
Jonathan spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the launch of Gowon’s autobiography, which he described as “a living testimony” of leadership, nation-building and statesmanship.
“Today’s event is not merely the unveiling of a book. It is the presentation of a living testimony.
“It is a reflection of a leader who stood at the centre of some of the defining moments in our national journey,” Jonathan said.
The former president said the autobiography offered deep insights into military leadership, peace building and the challenges of governing a diverse nation.
“The Nigerian autobiography offers not only a personal account of military strategy and leadership, but also one of the big insights into the challenges of nationhood, reconciliation, peace building, and statesmanship,” he said.
Reflecting on the 1967–1970 civil war, Jonathan described the period as one of the most painful chapters in Nigeria’s history but commended Gowon’s approach to reconciliation after the conflict.
“The years of the civil war from 1967 to 1970 remain among the most painful chapters of our national experience.
“Yet, this historical record is committed to the realisation of national unity and perhaps more importantly, the unanimity at the end of this conflict embodied in the enduring declaration of ‘no victor, no vanquished’ The declaration laid the foundation for healing, reconstruction and reintegration at a time when victims and witnesses would have been in pain,” he said.
Jonathan also praised Gowon for introducing policies that transformed Nigeria, particularly the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps.
“In Nigeria, the establishment of the NYSC was one key policy that today remains in place,” he said.
He noted that the scheme helped foster unity among young Nigerians and addressed shortages of teachers in rural schools at the time.
Recalling his personal experience, Jonathan said, “I remember in 1973, I was in class three in secondary school when the third batch of the NYSC came.
“In those days, it was so difficult to get graduate teachers to teach in secondary schools, especially schools that were not in the cities.”
He said two corps members posted to his school taught him subjects including Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology and contributed significantly to his education.
“So the vision of the NYSC is great and will continue to be great,” he added.
Jonathan further commended Gowon for continuing to promote peace and national unity decades after leaving office.
“General Gowon has continued to distinguish himself through decades of public service and advocacy for peace.
“His commitment to national unity, interfaith harmony, and youth development has remained steadfast long after leaving office,” he said.
The former president said memoirs such as Gowon’s autobiography were important for preserving Nigeria’s history and helping younger generations understand the burden of leadership during difficult times.
“As younger generations study our nation’s history, it is important that they hear directly from those who bore the burden of leadership during critical times.
“By sharing his stories, General Gowon has once again rendered another important service to Nigeria and the historical record of Africa,” he said.
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