Civil War Was the Toughest Time of My Life — Gowon
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has described the Nigerian Civil War as the most difficult period of his life.
Gowon made the statement in Abuja on Saturday, after receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese.
The event, themed “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit,” brought together Christian leaders and notable figures who emphasised the need for integrity, truth and unity.
Reflecting on the war that lasted from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970, Gowon said, “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 said his decisions were guided by prayers and a desire to act with compassion and integrity.
“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.”
Gowon acknowledged Nigeria’s progress since the civil war and urged citizens to support efforts that promote peace and mutual respect.
The Chairman of the occasion, former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by John-Kennedy Opara, hailed the honourees for their lives of integrity.
“These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation,” he said, quoting Psalm 25:14.
Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, also urged Christians to uphold truth and stand firm in their homes, workplaces, and society.
He said the country needs men and women of honour who are willing to serve, not enrich themselves.
“When the home is strong, the church will be, and the society also. They owe nobody any apology for doing the right thing. Many good people are not taking their stand, and that is why evil men thrive,” he said.
Quoting Psalm 15:1-5, he described people of honour as defined by four “Hs”: Heart, Head, Habit, and Humility.
Christian Men’s Fellowship President, Mr Isaac Chukwudi, said the theme was chosen due to the scarcity of integrity in the country.
“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.
Others honoured alongside Gowon include Dr Christopher Kolade, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, a former Minister and ex-Chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
