13th President of the Nigerian Senate, Bukola Saraki, has sent his birthday greetings to General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State, on the occasion of his 90th birthday, today, Saturday 19 October, 2024.
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| General Yakubu Gowon |
Saraki tagged Gowon “a living historical icon.”
The former Federal Commissioner of Defence was born on 19 October, 1934 in Kanke, Northern Region, British Nigeria (now Kanke, Plateau, Nigeria).
Saraki wrote: “General Yakubu Gowon is a living historical icon. At just 31 years old, he became Nigeria’s youngest Head of State, tasked with leading the country through one of its darkest hours—the Nigerian Civil War.
Despite the complexities and the weight of preserving a nation at such a young age, his commitment to unity, encapsulated by his “No victor, no vanquished” philosophy, continues to resonate as a powerful message of reconciliation and national healing.
Today, as he joins the exclusive league of nonagenarians, my family and I join the entire nation in wishing him the blessings of the Almighty and continued good health.
Happy Birthday, Sir!”
