Yemi Obafemi
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commended former Head of State Yakubu Gowon for introducing policies that continue to influence national development and unity decades after his administration.
Jonathan spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the public unveiling of Gowon’s autobiography titled My Life of Duty and Allegiance, where he reflected on the former military leader’s role during one of Nigeria’s most challenging periods.
According to him, Gowon demonstrated exceptional leadership by keeping the country together during the Nigerian Civil War, despite assuming office at a young age and under difficult circumstances.
He noted that Gowon’s post-war message of “No victor, no vanquished” helped promote reconciliation and national healing after the conflict.
Jonathan also praised the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps, describing it as a visionary initiative aimed at strengthening national unity by exposing young Nigerians to different cultures and regions across the country.
While admitting that the objective had not been fully realised, he said the scheme remained one of the boldest efforts at promoting integration among Nigerians.
The former president recalled how NYSC members posted to his secondary school in the early 1970s positively influenced his education and personal development.
Jonathan further highlighted Gowon’s contribution to regional cooperation through the creation of the Economic Community of West African States, saying the initiative continues to play a major role in West African integration.
“These are policies that have stood the test of time and will continue to impact society for generations,” he said.
