Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon being honoured with the Life Time Integrity and Achievement Award on Saturday in Abuja (NAN)
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has revealed that the country’s civil war was the most challenging period of his life.
Speaking at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship in Abuja, Gowon emphasized that his decisions during the war were driven by a difficult necessity to preserve national unity, rather than hatred for any particular group.
“It Was Never About Hatred”
Gowon explained that he had to make tough decisions during the war to keep Nigeria together. “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,” he said.
He stressed that his actions were guided by prayers and a desire to act with integrity and compassion, adding that “As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers”.
*A Call for Unity and Forgiveness*
Gowon urged Nigerians to stand for the truth, forgiveness, and reconciliation, emphasizing that “no victor, no vanquished” should be the guiding principle for national unity.
He lauded Nigeria’s progress since the civil war and called on citizens to support government efforts to uphold peace, love, and mutual respect.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by John-Kennedy Opara, congratulated the honourees for their consistency in living with integrity. He quoted Psalm 25:14, saying, “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant”
Jonathan urged men to live right and stand for integrity, regardless of the situation.
Integrity and Leadership
The event’s theme, “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit,” resonated with attendees.
Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, commended the honourees and urged Christians to uphold truth, integrity, and courage.
He emphasized that Nigeria needs “men and women of honour and integrity, leaders willing to serve the people and not corruptly pile up wealth”.
Quoting Psalm 15:1-5, Ndukuba highlighted the importance of the “four Hs” – Heart, Head, Habit, and Humility – in defining men and women of integrity. He encouraged Christians to stand strong in society, workplaces, and businesses, saying, “We want to encourage people to be unashamedly Christians… They should stand unashamedly for the right, for the truth, and also fight for that which is good”.
Archbishop Ndukuba further emphasized the need for strong homes, churches, and societies, stating that *“When the home is strong, the church will be, and the society also”*. He lamented that many good people are not taking their stand, allowing evil men to thrive, and urged Christians to shine their light brighter.
President of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Diocese, Isaac Chukwudi, explained that the theme was chosen due to the prevalence of bankruptcy of integrity in the country.
“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 the living well”*. He emphasized the need to build integrity from the home, adding that *”these are the men to speak to where the leaders will emerge from to better the situation in Nigeria”*
Gowon was honoured with a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award, alongside two other nonagenarians, Dr. Christopher Kolade and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, for their exemplary service to the church, nation, and humanity.
