President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Nigeria’s former head of state and one of the living, General Yakubu Gowon as he turns 85 years tomorrow, Saturday, October 19, 2019.
In a statement obtained by Igbere TV issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari described Gowon as a living legend and symbol of national unity.
He extolled the celebrant for his courage and interest in the “interest” of Nigeria, saying his (Gowon’s) visionary leadership style, wisdom and disciplined outlook had kept the country as one.
According to Buhari, Gowon laid a solid foundation for the country to thrive, with the creation of federating units, and implementation of futuristic policies like the famous NYSC.
He, therefore, commended the former head of state for “providing wise counsels to leaders, encouraging good governance in Nigeria, and for consistently upholding the nation in prayers.”
A copy of the statement issued by Femi Adesina, on behalf of Mr President, is reproduced below by Igbere TV…
On behalf of the Federal Executive Council and all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on his 85th birthday, October 19, 2019, describing him as a living legend and symbol of national unity.
As Nigeria’s youngest leader since Independence, President Buhari affirms that Gen. Gowon’s visionary leadership style, wisdom and disciplined outlook kept the country as one, extolling the former Head of State for faith and steadfastness in God in times of adversity, and courageously pursuing the interest of majority Nigerians for a unified and stronger country.
The President believes the elder statesman laid a solid foundation for the country to thrive, with the creation of federating units, and implementation of futuristic policies like the National Youths Service Corps, that has consistency served the purpose of fostering unity, harmony and expanding the horizons of young Nigerians for life-time opportunities.
President Buhari commends Gen. Gowon’s simplicity and humility, leaving the highest position in the country to return to school for further studies, and returning to provide wise counsels to leaders, encouraging good governance and setting up an organization , Nigeria Prays, that consistently upholds the nation in prayers.
The President notes that the former Head of State has stayed relevant in Nigeria and beyond, and enjoys wide respect from far and near.
President Buhari congratulates all family members, friends and close associates of the exemplary leader on the auspicious occasion of his 85th birthday, praying that the Almighty God will always remember his sacrifices for the nation, and grant him longer life, good health and strength to keep working for the good of country and humanity.
All Comments