The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has extended his warmest congratulations to former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, on the occasion of his 89th birthday.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen lauded General Gowon for his monumental contributions to the peace and unity of Nigeria throughout his military and post-military career. The former Head of State is recognized as one of the esteemed figures in the nation’s history, revered by Nigerians to this day.
Speaker Abbas took a moment to reflect on General Gowon’s remarkable journey, including his academic achievements and his dedication to societal betterment. After his tenure as Head of State, General Gowon earned a doctorate degree at the University of Warwick and subsequently assumed the position of a Professor of Political Science at the University of Jos during the 1980s.
The Speaker recollected how the retired General, in 1992, established the Yakubu Gowon Centre for National Unity and International Cooperation—a non-governmental and not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting good governance and health-related causes.
Speaker Abbas affirmed that General Gowon’s life, from his pinnacle in the military to his emergence as an elder statesman, continues to be a source of inspiration to countless individuals across the nation.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen offered his heartfelt prayers, beseeching the divine for General Gowon to be granted many more years of good health. The Speaker hoped that General Gowon’s sage advice on national matters would continue to guide and benefit the people of Nigeria.
