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Tag: Yakubu Gowon

  • Gov. Alia Hails Gowon’s Contributions to Public Health, Nation-Building at 91

    Gov. Alia Hails Gowon’s Contributions to Public Health, Nation-Building at 91

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has commended former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), for his tireless contributions to public health and national unity as the elder statesman marks his 91st birthday.

    In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor praised General Gowon’s efforts in combating Guinea Worm, Malaria, and HIV/AIDS through his humanitarian initiative, the Yakubu Gowon Centre for National Unity and International Cooperation.

    Governor Alia also lauded Gowon’s enduring commitment to good governance and nation-building, describing him as a man of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service.

    He recalled the former leader’s post-war policy of “Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation”, noting that it played a pivotal role in healing the wounds of the Nigerian Civil War and rebuilding the country’s economy and infrastructure—particularly in the Eastern Region.

    “General Gowon’s steadfast belief in one, united Nigeria has continued to inspire hope and unity among our people,” Alia stated, adding that his leadership legacy remains a guiding light for current and future generations.

    Governor Alia prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the former Head of State, wishing him good health, long life, and renewed strength to continue contributing to the nation’s progress.

    He further urged Nigerian leaders to emulate Gowon’s humility, statesmanship, and unwavering dedication to national service.

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia celebrates Gen. Yakubu Gowon at 91, praising his role in eradicating Guinea Worm and promoting unity through nation-building efforts.

  • FG demands apology from British govt. over accusation on Former Head of State, Gowon

    FG demands apology from British govt. over accusation on Former Head of State, Gowon

    The Federal government has reacted to the accusation on the former Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, by a member of the United Kingdom Parliament, Mr. Tom Tugendhat.

    Recall that Tugendhat had during a debate on Tuesday, November 24 accused Gowon of leaving the government with ‘’half of the Central bank.’’

    He said, ‘’Some people will remember when General Gown left Nigeria with half the Central Bank and moved to London.”

    Mr Tugendhat, who is the chairman of the foreign affairs committee in the British House of Commons, did not provide any evidence or detail to his claim.

    Reacting to this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ferdinand Nwonye on Friday, November 27, sought for an apology and retraction of the unsubstantiated allegation from the British Government.

    According to the statement, ‘’The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Nigerian High Commission in London immediately sought an apology and retraction of the unsubstantiated allegation from the British Government.

    ‘’After due consultations and engagements with the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in London, the Head of Africa Department of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Charlotte

    Pierre, expressed strong reservations on the comment of the Parliamentarian. ‘’

    She further explained that “the said comment of the MP does not reflect the views of Her Majesty’s Government and the British Government has no mechanism for controlling the actions and speeches of members of the Parliament”.

    Pierre urged the British Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to “discountenance the said comment of the MP, as Her Majesty’s Government has nothing to do with it”.

    Meanwhile, Gowon, who reacted in an interview with the BBC, said, “I don’t know where he got that rubbish from, I served Nigeria diligently and my records are there for all to see”.

    “What the MP said was just mere ridicule and I don’t know as to where he cooked up such statement. I served Nigeria as much as I could and my achievements during those years are available to everyone.

    “I don’t want to talk over the matter since those who know me very well say that the MP’s statement is nothing but a mere fallacy.”

  • Northern governors felicitates with gen. Gowon at 86

    Northern governors felicitates with gen. Gowon at 86

    The Northern Governors Forum has described former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon as a distinguished Statesman, Gentleman, Prayer Warrior and Bridge Builder who has spent most of his lifetime working for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria. While felicitating with the former Nigerian leader on the occasion of his 86th birthday, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said General Gowon remains one of Nigeria’s finest leaders whose exemplary lifestyle of humility and enormous sacrifices towards nation building and global peace is well recognized. Governor Lalong said General Gowon has continued to provide inspiration to the nation’s leadership and development trajectory through his commitment to the unity, peace and progress of the country right through his military career till date. He also acknowledged that the former Nigerian leader has continued to take particular interest in the development of the Northern region particularly at this time when it is facing serious challenges such as poverty, insurgency, banditry, and illiteracy. While wishing the celebrant good health, God’s grace and divine strength, the Northern Governors urged Gen. Gowon not to relent in deploying his wealth of experience and knowledge in the pursuit of unity and national integration despite the challenges the nation is passing through.