Buhari greets Gowon on 87th birthday

image

AGENCY NEWS, OCTOBER 20, 2021 | 12:24 PM


President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on his 87th birthday, rejoicing with the leader and his family on the grace for good health and strength to keep serving.

Buhari, in a congratulatory message issued by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, on Tuesday in Abuja, lauded Gowon for the formidable role he has been playing in the development of the country.

He acknowledged that the former Head of State had always been advocating peace and unity, and consistently remaining a voice of reason and wisdom in good governance and democracy.

The president also noted with commendation and gratitude, the statesmanship of the Convener and National Chairman of “Nigeria Prays’’, whose vision for a greater country resonates in the programmes he instituted in the 70’s .

He stated that such programmes included the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), creation of states, and the Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation project, which had turned a reference for harmony.

Buhari believed that grace and fortune had continued to guide the elder statesman, starting out as a career soldier, youngest military Chief of Staff and youngest Head of State, before turning a Professor of Political Science and founder of the Yakubu Gowon Centre.

The Centre has continued to support issues of good governance, infectious disease control, HIV/AIDS and malaria.

The president joined Gowon’s family, friends and Nigerians in praying for longer life for the visionary leader.

NAN


Appeal for support


Conflict Reporting is dangerous and risky. Our reporters constantly face life-threatening challenges, sometimes surviving ambushes, kidnap attempts and attacks by the whiskers as they travel and go into communities to get authentic and firsthand information. But we dare it every day, nonetheless, in order to keep you informed of the true situation of the victims, the trends in the conflicts and ultimately help in peace building processes. But these come at huge cost to us. We are therefore appealing to you to help our cause by donating to us through any of the following means. You can also donate working tools, which are even more primary to our work. We thank you sincerely as you help our cause.

Alternatively, you can also email us on info@yen.ng or message us
via +234 803 931 7767