Gowon
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has described the Nigerian Civil War (July 6, 1967 – January 15, 1970) as the most difficult period of his life.
Gowon made the remark in Abuja on Saturday after being honoured with a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship of the Abuja Anglican Diocese.
The event, themed “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit,” brought together notable political stalwarts.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gowon reflected on the war years and clarified that his actions at the time were not motivated by animosity but by a strong obligation to keep Nigeria united.
“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. It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you,” he said.
Looking back on his years of leadership, Gowon explained that prayer had guided his decisions and instilled in him a sense of integrity and empathy.
“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers.
I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people. That is why at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” he added.
He praised the progress Nigeria has made since the conflict and called on all citizens to support peace, unity, and mutual respect.
Representing former President Goodluck Jonathan as Chairman of the occasion, John-Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, congratulated the awardees and praised their impact.
“These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation,” he said.
Quoting Psalm 25:14, Opara added:
“The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.”
Also speaking at the event, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, called on Christians to uphold values of truth, courage, and integrity.
He stated:
“They owe nobody any apology for doing the right thing; many good people are not taking their stand, and that is why evil men thrive.
They should stand unashamedly for the right, for the truth and also fight for that which is good and I believe that with time, the light will shine brighter and brighter.”
Quoting Psalm 15:1–5, Ndukuba outlined the four “H’s” that define people of honour: Heart, Head, Habit, and Humility.
President of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Diocese, Mr. Isaac Chukwudi, said the convention’s theme was chosen due to the erosion 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.”
“We need to build integrity from the home, and these are the men to speak to where the leaders will emerge from to better the situation in Nigeria,” he said.
Two other nonagenarians, Dr. Christopher Kolade, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, a former Minister of Establishment and former Chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank, were also honoured for their service to the nation, church, and humanity.
