FORMER Minister of Defence, Retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, on Tuesday, donated N3 billion at the public presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, Retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, in Abuja.
News Point Nigeria reports that Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of the Dangote Group, also supported the book launch with a donation of N500 million.
This newspaper also reports the presentation of the 20-Chapter autobiography, titled, “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented President Bola Tinubu, top government officials, members of Diplomatic Corps, and military top brass.
Danjuma, who served as the Chief Presenter at the event, was represented by a former Chief of Defence Staff, Retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai.
Apart from the financial pledge, Danjuma directed that 12 copies of the book be purchased and distributed to the libraries of each of the 20 universities that had awarded honorary doctorate degrees to Gowon over the years.
In his tribute, Danjuma described Gowon as Nigeria’s foremost living statesman, an international icon, and a wartime commander whose leadership prevented Nigeria from disintegration.
”Gen. Gowon is not only a household name in Nigeria but also a globally acknowledged leader with an impeccable record in leadership, nation-building and military strategy.
”His well-recorded slogan of ‘no victor, no vanquished’ after the civil war set the tone for an effective post-war policy of reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation,” Danjuma said.
The retired General noted that his friendship with Gowon spanned over 70 years, dating back to their childhood days in the Wusasa area of Zaria, adding that the memoir is a “treasure trove of history” and a gift to the world.
Similarly, Mr Mansur Ahmed, the representative of Dangote, announced the purchase of 25 copies of the book for N500 million to honour the former Head of State.
Ahmed, a Senior Adviser to the richest man in Africa stated that, his boss, Dangote was only a 10-year-old primary school pupil when Gowon was leading the nation through its most turbulent times.
He said Gowon’s successful efforts to keep Nigeria unified created the stable environment that allowed Dangote to grow up and build a pan-African business empire.
This newspaper reports that other corporate leaders and dignitaries also made substantial purchases of the book at the event, including Alhaji Abdul-Samad Rabiu, the President of BUA Group, who procured copies of the book for N25 million.
This newspaper also reports that the book was reviewed by Bishop Mathew Kukah, a prominent Catholic Cleric, author, and social commentator who has served as the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto since 2011.