Tinubu names Gowon as father of national infrastructure

By, Daniel Usman

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the weekend, described the former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon as father of national infrastructure and development.

Tinubu who made this known in a statement to mark the 90th birthday celebration of the former military Head of State, Gowon, commended him for his significant contributions to nation-building and development.

President Tinubu noted further that the celebrant, Gowon remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for those in government, which according to him is encouraging them to do their best for the country.

He further stated that Gowon is one of the longest-serving Nigerian leaders, and a brilliant officer, trained at Sandhurst and reluctantly became Nigeria’s leader at 32, and whose life-story has inspired many Nigerians.

Tinubu significantly acknowledged his philosophy of “No victor, no vanquished”, which helped promote national healing, peace, and reconciliation after the country’s civil war.

He described the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, founded in 1975 as General Gowon’s most incredible legacy.

The president noted further that since he became the nation’s leader, General Gowon has been his counsellor, offering advice when needed.

He recalls his role when the ECOWAS had a misunderstanding with some of the Sahelian states, calling for moderation from all sides for the sake of ECOWAS unity.

The president says General Gowon has continued to deploy his “Nigeria Prays’ Programme in prayer and intercession for the country, while also suing for religious tolerance, peace, harmony and stability in the land, Which he points at as a further testament to his belief in the unity and togetherness of Nigeria.

He prayed that God Almighty will imbue General Gowon with more wisdom and grant him good health and more years to continue to be useful to Nigeria and humanity.