Former President Babangida Urges Nigerians to Appreciate General Gowon’s Unity Efforts

Former Nigerian President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has urged Nigerians to recognise and appreciate the efforts of General Yakubu Gowon in maintaining the unity of the nation.

In an interview with Voice of Nigeria (VON) in Minna, Niger State, Babangida emphasised the importance of understanding General Gowon’s contributions, encouraging citizens to delve deeper into his efforts to preserve Nigeria’s unity.

General Babangida praised General Gowon’s milestone of reaching ninety years, describing it as a remarkable achievement. He highlighted that Gowon, who began his leadership journey at a young age, remains strong, active, and vibrant. According to Babangida, General Gowon has witnessed and experienced a great deal throughout his lifetime.

Ex-President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida

The former military president, who led Nigeria from 1986 to 1993, acknowledged Gowon’s crucial role in reuniting the country during and after the civil war.

He noted that the experience of the civil war has fostered a sense of unity, with people from different regions now fully integrated and coexisting across the nation.

General Gowon, who governed Nigeria from 1966 to 1976, led the country through the thirty-month civil war between 1967 and 1970, which concluded with the famous mantra, “no victor, no vanquished.” He will celebrate his 90th birthday on Saturday, October 19.