Yakubu Gowon has revealed that his newly released autobiography was written to provide a personal account of the major decisions taken during his administration and to shed more light on one of the most turbulent periods in Nigeria’s history.
The former Head of State spoke ahead of the public presentation of the memoir scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
The event is expected to attract top political figures, former military officers, diplomats, academics and other dignitaries from across the country. Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour, while former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, will officially unveil the book.
Published by Havilah Group, the 881-page autobiography documents Gowon’s early life, military career and years in leadership. The book also revisits key moments in Nigeria’s post-independence history, including the Nigerian Civil War fought between 1967 and 1970.
The memoir further details Gowon’s rise to power during a period of political crisis and uncertainty, offering readers a firsthand account of governance during a defining era in Nigeria’s political development.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Gowon said the autobiography was not intended to reopen old wounds but to explain the reasoning behind decisions and policies often interpreted by others.
“By choosing to write, I took a conscious decision not to reopen old wounds but to clarify my thinking on policies and plans at a period often narrated by others,” he said.
Reflecting on his time in office, the former military ruler added: “My story is one of conviction evaluated by circumstances at the crossroads of expectations and reality.”
Group Chief Executive Officer of Havilah Group, Lanre Adesuyi, described the autobiography as an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical and intellectual discourse.
“We consider this project a significant milestone in our journey, one that reflects our commitment to preserving history, promoting thought leadership, and contributing meaningfully to national discourse,” Adesuyi stated.
Born in 1934, Gowon became Nigeria’s Head of State and Commander-in-Chief on August 1, 1966, following a period of political instability and military upheaval. He remained in office for nine years before he was overthrown in 1975.
Following his exit from office, Gowon pursued further academic studies and later earned a doctorate in Political Science from University of Warwick in 1984.
The autobiography is expected to offer fresh perspectives on Gowon’s administration while contributing to ongoing national conversations on Nigeria’s political history, unity and development.
Credit:North Book
