‘Father of national infrastructure’ — Tinubu pays tribute to Gowon at 90

‘Father of national infrastructure’ — Tinubu pays tribute to Gowon at 90

President Bola Tinubu says the “no victor no vanquished” philosophy
of Yakubu Gowon, a former military head of state, helped Nigeria to heal after
the civil war.

 

In a tribute to commemorate Gowon’s 90th birthday
celebration, Tinubu said the former head of state significantly contributed to
nation-building and development of Nigeria.

 

The president described Gowon as the “father of national
infrastructure”.

 

Tinubu said the former head of state has become his
“counsellor” since he became the president.

 

“As a brilliant officer trained at Sandhurst and reluctantly
became Nigeria’s leader at 32, his life story has inspired many Nigerians,” the
president said.

 

“As the nation’s head of state, he significantly contributed
to nation-building and development and can be rightly called the father of
national infrastructure.

 

“It is on record that after the country’s civil war, his
philosophy of “No victor, no vanquished” helped promote national healing,
peace, and reconciliation.

 

 “His most incredible
legacy was the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, founded in
1975.

 

“He was there for us when we had a misunderstanding with
some of our Sahelian states, calling for moderation from all sides for the sake
of ECOWAS unity.”

 

Born on October 19, 1934, Gowon served as Nigeria’s military
head of state from August 1, 1966 to July 29, 1975.

 

He became the head of state at 31 — making him the youngest
person to lead Nigeria.

 

Gowon created 12 states during his regime and was in power
when the country witnessed the civil war from 1967 to 1970.

 

After the 30-month war, Gowon declared that there was “no
victor no vanquished” as part of the move for national reconciliation.

Source: ‘Father of national infrastructure’ — Tinubu pays tribute to Gowon at 90

 - NigerianEye
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