GOVERNOR Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has announced a combined donation of ₦1.1 billion on behalf of the 36 states at the presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon.
Mutfwang, who made the announcement at the event in Abuja on Friday, said his state, would purchase copies of the book worth ₦200 million for distribution to its tertiary and secondary institutions.
He further disclosed a collective contribution of ₦25 million from each of the 36 states of the federation, totalling ₦900 million.
He said the announcement followed consultations with Vice President Kashim Shettima, who serves as the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the presentation of the book titled, “My Life of Duty and Allegiance”
Mutfwang said Plateau and the entire country remained proud of Gowon’s immense contributions to national unity and development, noting that his leadership remains a stellar reference point in Nigeria’s history.
“I bring felicitations from the people of Plateau. We are so proud to have donated you to Nigeria and to Africa.
“I am living a dream that I am privileged to be alive at this point in time, serving as governor of the state of origin of this great statesman,” he said.
The governor added that he was barely two years old when Gowon became Head of State in 1966, describing his presence and role at the book launch as a “living dream.”
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio described Gowon’s autobiography as a valuable historical record that would guide and inspire future generations.
Akpabio, represented by the Sen. Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory in the red Chamber hails Giwon’s contributions to the nation’s integration and unity.
He said Gowon’s famous civil war-era declaration, “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done,” remains a powerful reminder of national unity during a critical period in the country’s history.
He also hailed the Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation policy of “No victor, no vanquished,” stating that it effectively laid the foundation for peace and national healing.
In his remarks, former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who was represented by his daughter, Aisha, described Gowon as one of the most enduring symbols of Nigeria’s unity and historical identity.
Babangida highlighted that Gowon successfully led Nigeria through a turbulent civil war and post-war reconstruction period, while also establishing key national institutions that have outlived his administration.
He further observed that in a nation still grappling with divisive forces, Gowon’s record stood out remarkably for its neutrality and consistency.
“In a nation still wrapped by divisive forces and tendencies, it is to Gen. Gowon’s abiding credit that he has not been associated with any of the trending ethnic, religious, or geopolitical movements ravaging today’s Nigeria.
“He has, instead, remained one steady symbol and voice for a united, diverse, and inclusive nation,” Babangida said.
The event drew top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, alongside various former heads of state, governors, ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps. (NAN)
