Former Minister of Defence, retired General Theophilus Danjuma, on Tuesday donated N3 billion during the public presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, in Abuja.
The event, which attracted top government officials, diplomats, military officers, and business leaders, also received major support from President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, who contributed N500 million toward the launch of the memoir.
The 20 chapter autobiography, titled “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” chronicles Gowon’s life, military career, leadership journey, and role during Nigeria’s civil war and post-war reconciliation period.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony, while the memoir was reviewed by Bishop Matthew Kukah, Catholic cleric, author, and social commentator.
Danjuma, who served as Chief Presenter at the launch, was represented by former Chief of Defence Staff, retired General Martin Luther Agwai.
Beyond the N3 billion donation, Danjuma also directed that 12 copies of the autobiography be purchased and distributed to the libraries of each of the 20 universities that have awarded honorary doctorate degrees to Gowon.
Paying glowing tribute to the former Head of State, Danjuma described Gowon as Nigeria’s foremost living statesman, an international icon, and a leader whose wartime decisions helped preserve the country’s unity.
“Gen. Gowon is not only a household name in Nigeria but also a globally acknowledged leader with an impeccable record in leadership, nation-building and military strategy,” he stated.
He further praised Gowon’s famous post-civil war declaration of “no victor, no vanquished,” noting that it laid the foundation for reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation after the conflict.
Reflecting on their relationship, Danjuma revealed that his friendship with Gowon dates back more than 70 years to their childhood days in Wusasa, Zaria. He described the autobiography as a “treasure trove of history” and a valuable gift to future generations.
Also speaking at the event, Mansur Ahmed, who represented Dangote, announced the purchase of 25 copies of the book for N500 million in honour of Gowon.
Ahmed, a Senior Adviser to Dangote, said the industrialist was only 10 years old when Gowon led Nigeria through one of its most turbulent periods, adding that the former Head of State’s leadership helped create the stable environment that later enabled Dangote to build a pan-African business empire.
Other dignitaries and business leaders also supported the launch through donations and bulk purchases of the autobiography.
Credit: TheCable
