Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), emphasized on Saturday in Abuja that the Nigerian Civil War was never driven by hatred but rather by a difficult necessity to preserve the country’s unity. Speaking at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship (CMF) of the Diocese of Abuja, held at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Gowon stressed the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across all faiths and ethnic groups. “I remember the most difficult period of my life. It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I had to, to keep this country together,” Gowon said after receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award.
“It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you. Apart from that, there is love and respect between us.”
The former military leader, now 91, recalled personal losses during the conflict, including the death of his friend, Major Arthur Unegbe, for whom he served as best man. Reflecting on life after the war, he said his decisions have been consistently guided by prayer, integrity, and compassion:
“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 the love and respect from all the people.
“That is why, at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished.”
Gowon praised the progress Nigeria has made since the civil war and called on citizens to support the government’s efforts to promote peace, love, and mutual respect:
“This is my prayer, and I ask your prayers for Nigeria so that we can continue to unite and live together as one people, irrespective of our faith, whether Christian, Muslim, or unbelievers.”
Alongside General Gowon, the Christian Men’s Fellowship honored two other distinguished Nigerians: Dr. Christopher Kolade, 93, a respected diplomat and academic; and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, CON, 95, a pioneering federal permanent secretary. The awards recognized their exemplary service to the Church, the nation, and humanity.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, who presided over the convention, urged Christian men to embrace truth, integrity, and courage. He highlighted the “four Hs” that define godly men, heart, head, habit, and humility.
His wife, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba, praised the honourees as “men of courage” who have stood strong for the Lord despite societal moral decline.
A tribute on behalf of former President Goodluck Jonathan, delivered by Prof. John-Kennedy Opara, lauded the honourees for their consistent lives of integrity:
“These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation,” he said, quoting Psalm 25:14: “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.”
Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, former executive secretary of TETFund, described Gowon as “a son of a clergy who inherited integrity and forgiveness,” highlighting his refusal to enrich himself during Nigeria’s oil boom and noting that he left office without building a personal house.
The CMF convention drew Christian men from across Abuja and beyond, focusing on the theme “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit” (Psalm 15:1-5). The Bishop of Ilesa, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo Asaju, served as the guest speaker.
