First Lady Felicitates General Gowon at 90

…says his love for country is infectious

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, today joined family, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on his 90th birthday.

She lauded his life of simplicity, humility, grace, dignity, and patriotism, which she said offers hope for the future of the country.

She spoke at a special thanksgiving service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, to mark the occasion, where dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo gathered to honor the former Head of State.

Reflecting on the virtues General Gowon represents, Nigeria’s First Lady, who recalled that she was six years old when he assumed power, could not help but highlight his simplicity and patriotism.

“Looking back, I realize that your life is a life destined by God, who called you to be an exemplary leader of good in this world of cynicism and despair. Your life of simplicity, humility, grace, dignity, and patriotism to our nation gives us hope that Nigeria is all we have, and we must do everything in our power to make it work. Your love for the country is infectious.”

Thanking the celebrant on behalf of the President and the nation, the First Lady noted that his unique style of leadership offers many lessons.

“Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 22:37-40 that the greatest commandment is loving God and loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. These two commandments form the basis of all the laws and the Prophets. You have both loved this nation and its people, teaching us how to be content, humble, reliable, gracious, and loving to all. We are grateful. My prayer for you is that, as your days increase, so shall your strength be, in Jesus’ name.”

In the spirit of the celebration, General Yakubu Gowon urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country, reminding them of his famous quote: “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.”

“We kept Nigeria together, and all Nigerians from all parts of the country helped me achieve that. We did it, even though we had to fight an unfortunate civil war to keep it together. In the end, Nigeria was the victor—not any part of Nigeria over the other,” he added.

The thanksgiving service featured prayers and songs from various choirs.