Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has joined family, friends and well-wishers to celebrate former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), at 90.
She said his life of simplicity, humility, grace, dignity, and patriotism to Nigeria offers hope on the future of the country.
According to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, on Saturday, the First Lady was speaking at a special thanksgiving service to mark the 90th birthday anniversary of the former Head of State at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, where dignitaries, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, converged to honour General Gowon.
Recounting the virtues General Yakubu Gowon stands for, Nigeria’s First Lady, who explained she was six years old when he took the rein of power in 1966, could not but highlight his simplicity and patriotism.
“Looking back, I realsze that your life is a life destined by God, who called you to be an exemplary leader of good in this world of cynicism and despair.
“Your life of simplicity, humility, grace, dignity, and patriotism to our nation gives us hope, that Nigeria is all we have and we have to do everything in our power to make it work. Your love for country is infectious,” she stated.
Thanking the celebrant on behalf of the President and the nation, the First Lady noted that his special touch on leadership offers a lot of lessons.
“Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew, 22: 37-40, that the greatest commandment is loving God, loving our neighbours as we love ourselves. That on these two commandments hang all the laws and the Prophets.
“You have both loved this nation, the people, and taught us all how to be contented, humble, reliable, gracious, available and show love to all. We are grateful.
“My prayers for you is that as your days, so shall your strength be in Jesus name,” Mrs Tinubu prayed.
Basking in the celebration, General Gowon urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the country, reminding them of his famous quote that to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.
“We kept Nigeria together and all Nigerians from all parts of the country assisted me to keep Nigeria one and we did it, even though we had to fight an unfortunate civil war to keep it together.
“It is Nigeria that really won in the end. Nigeria was the victor, not any part of Nigeria over the other,” he stated.
The Thanksgiving service was a session of prayers and songs by various choirs.
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