Nigeria as a nation famously obtained independence on October 1st, 1960, and attained a republican status three years after in 1963, the foundation for future economic policies targeted at encouraging local content and ownership in Nigeria’s economy was made possible on 23rd February 1972 through the Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree No. 4 signed by the then 37 years old General Yakubu Gowon who was the military Head of State that has joined the exclusive nonagenarian club and distinguished as the first Nigerian leader to attain this feat. That Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree popularly referred to as the Indigenization Decree shaped the development of Nigeria’s economy in the post-independence/republican/civil war era. Yet like Caesar’s wife that must be above suspicion, he was above board by not reserving those shares for himself and friends.
Born on 19th October 1934, as we celebrate the 90th birthday of General Yakubu Gowon, we honor a man whose name is forever etched in the history of Nigeria. General Gowon, the youngest military head of state Nigeria has ever had, assumed the mantle of leadership during one of the nation’s most trying periods, steering the country through the stormy seas of the avoidable Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). His vision and determination to preserve the unity of Nigeria during those turbulent years remain a testament to his statesmanship and love for the country as a patriot.
In the aftermath of the war, General Gowon was committed to spearheading initiatives to heal a divided nation through his 3Rs of reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation . His policy of “No victor, no vanquished” helped forge a path to unity and national development, even when the country was fractured along regional and ethnic lines. The achievement of his administration dots our national and regional landscape from the Federal Government Colleges, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) that was the focus of his PhD thesis ‘a study in political and economic integration’ at the University of Warwick. A sportsman himself, ensured the country successfully hosted the 2nd All Africa Games in 1973.
Ironically, beyond his military leadership, General Gowon has shown a remarkable spirit of humility, patriotism, and dedication to peace which friends and foes have unanimously agreed based on literary materials on the Nigerian military that undisputably recognized our celebrator as a man of faith. His post-presidency years have been marked by a commitment to nation-building and service, including his leadership of the Nigeria Prays initiative, which underscores his faith and hope for Nigeria’s progress.
As at Q1 2024, Nigeria’s total Public Debt portfolio stands at =N=121.67trn ($91.46bn) which does not capture the debt of gratitude President Bola Ahmed Tinubu obliges the Nation owes General Gowon on the occasion of his 85th birthday celebration in 2019, the first Nigerian 4 star General equally owes us the debt of much-awaited autobiography needed to fill the necessary spaces and gaps in our National history. As our General Yakubu Gowon turns 90, we not only celebrate his long life but also his lasting contributions to Nigeria. His life embodies resilience, service, and the deep belief in a united and indivisible Nigeria as evidenced in the expressed meaning of his name GOWON (Go On With One Nigeria). Happy birthday, sir! May your legacy of peace and unity continue to inspire the present and future generations of Nigerians. And in the famous press conference on hearing that about the overthrown of his government in 1975, he only desired one thing, which was the progress of Nigeria – “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, this is my exit and all I want you to do is to give Nigeria the support you gave me in order that the country will progress.
