Gowon: Civil War Was About Unity, Not Hate
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has said the Nigerian Civil War was not fought out of hatred, but to keep the country together.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship (CMF) held at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Gowon, now 91, said the war was one of the hardest moments of his life.
> “I didn’t choose to lead Nigeria during that time, but I had to do what was necessary to keep us united,” he said after receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award.
“It was never about hating any part of the country. There was – and still is – love and respect among us.”
He shared how deeply the war affected him personally, including the loss of his close friend, Major Arthur Unegbe, who was his best man.
Looking back, Gowon said prayer and a commitment to doing what’s right have guided his life ever since.
> “Everything I’ve done, I’ve done through prayer. I ask God to help me act with love and to do what is right for everyone,” he said.
“That’s why we declared, ‘no victor, no vanquished,’ after the war.”
Recognizing Integrity and Service
The award was presented to Gowon by Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), during the CMF event, which drew Christian men from across the country.
Two other respected Nigerians were also honoured:
Dr. Christopher Kolade, 93, a well-known diplomat, media figure, and public servant.
Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, 95, a legendary former permanent secretary known for his role in shaping Nigeria’s civil service.
The awards were given in recognition of their lives of service, honesty, and contribution to both the Church and the nation.
Archbishop Ndukuba praised the honourees and urged Christian men to lead lives built on truth, discipline, and humility.
> “God is still looking for men of honour,” he said, referencing the “four Hs” – heart, head, habit, and humility – as qualities of true leadership.
His wife, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba, added that these men had stood firm in their faith and service despite the times.
> “In an age where values are fading, they have remained strong examples,” she said.
Tributes from Across the Nation
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, through a message delivered by Prof. John-Kennedy Opara, described the honourees as men who have lived with integrity and touched lives.
> “God has used them to bless this nation,” Opara said, quoting Psalm 25:14: “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.”
Former TETFund boss, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, described Gowon as a man of rare humility.
> “He governed during the oil boom, yet left office without building even one house for himself,” Bogoro noted. “That tells you everything about his character.”
A Message of Unity and Hope
Gowon praised Nigeria’s progress since the civil war and urged all Nigerians to support peace and live in unity, regardless of religion.
> “This is my prayer for Nigeria – that we stay united, whether Christian, Muslim, or not religious at all.”
The event was held under the theme “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit” (Psalm 15:1–5). Guest speaker, Rt. Rev Prof Dapo Asaju, Bishop of Ilesa, charged men to stand for truth in a world where values are constantly tested.
