Nigeria’s political and business elite converged in Abuja on Tuesday as former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, unveiled his autobiography titled My Life of Duty and Allegiance, attracting multi-billion naira donations from prominent dignitaries.
Leading the donations was former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, who pledged ₦3 billion during the public presentation of the 20-chapter memoir.
The retired General was represented at the event by former Chief of Defence Staff, Martin Luther Agwai.
Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, also supported the launch with a ₦500 million donation through a representative, describing Gowon’s leadership during Nigeria’s most difficult years as foundational to the country’s unity and future economic growth.
The event attracted top government officials, diplomats, military officers, and influential Nigerians. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of Danjuma, Agwai described Gowon as “Nigeria’s foremost living statesman” whose leadership during the Nigerian Civil War prevented the country from disintegrating.
He also praised Gowon’s famous “No Victor, No Vanquished” declaration after the civil war, saying it laid the foundation for national reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation.
Danjuma further directed that copies of the autobiography be distributed to libraries of universities that had previously honoured Gowon with doctorate degrees, underscoring the historical value of the memoir.
Representing Dangote, businessman Mansur Ahmed said the industrialist was inspired by Gowon’s role in preserving national stability during a turbulent era.
According to him, Dangote was only a child when Gowon governed Nigeria, but the stability that followed helped create the environment in which major indigenous businesses later flourished.
Other dignitaries also made significant purchases of the book, including Abdul Samad Rabiu, who reportedly procured copies worth ₦25 million.
The autobiography was reviewed by Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, who described the memoir as an important contribution to Nigeria’s political and military history.
The launch has since generated nationwide reactions, with many Nigerians viewing the scale of donations as a reflection of Gowon’s enduring influence decades after leaving office.
