Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), has reflected on the Nigerian Civil War era, describing it as the most challenging period of his leadership and personal life. He shared these reflections in Abuja on Saturday after receiving the Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award during the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese.
In his address, Gowon emphasized that his actions during the conflict were not rooted in animosity, but stemmed from a compelling need to maintain the unity of Nigeria.
“I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life.
It was not my choice, but I had to be there and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together.
It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you,” he stated.
He further encouraged Nigerians to uphold the principles of truth, forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity, irrespective of religious or ethnic background. Gowon noted that his post-war decisions have been informed by spiritual guidance and a commitment to ethical leadership.
“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers.
I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people.
That is why, at the end, what do we have to say? As they say, ‘No victor, no vanquished,’” he added.
He praised Nigeria’s progress since the civil war and urged citizens to actively support efforts aimed at fostering peace, unity, and mutual respect.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the event and was represented by John-Kennedy Opara, the former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, congratulated the honourees for their steadfast integrity. He quoted Psalm 25:14 while calling on men to uphold righteousness and moral consistency.
In his sermon, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, emphasized the importance of integrity and moral courage among Christians. He praised the award recipients and underscored the relevance of the convention’s theme in encouraging believers to stand firm in their values across all spheres of life.
Referencing Psalm 15:1-5, Archbishop Ndukuba highlighted that God continues to seek individuals marked by what he called the “four Hs”—the heart, head, habit, and humility.
Mr. Isaac Chukwudi, President of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Diocese, stated that the theme of the convention was chosen in response to a growing deficit of integrity in both private and public sectors.
“Integrity is so scarce, both at home and in government, and that was why we chose the theme to instill in men the spirit of living well.
We need to build integrity from the home, and these are the men to speak to where the leaders will emerge from to better the situation in Nigeria,” he said.
Alongside Gowon, two distinguished nonagenarians were also honoured for their lifelong service to the church, nation, and humanity: Dr. Christopher Kolade, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, a former Minister of Establishment and ex-Chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank).
