FORMER Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), on Saturday in Abuja said the Nigerian Civil War was never driven by hatred, but by a difficult necessity to preserve national unity.
Speaking at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship (CMF) of the Diocese of Abuja, held at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja, Gowon emphasized the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across faiths and ethnicities.
“I remember the most difficult period of my life. It was not my choice, but I had to be there—and had to do what I had to—to keep this country together,” Gowon said after receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award.
“It was never a hatred against any tribe or people, I can assure you. Apart from that, there is love and respect between us.”
The former military leader, now 91, recalled personal losses during the war, including the death of his friend, Major Arthur Unegbe, for whom he served as best man.
Reflecting on life after that era, he stressed that his decisions have been guided by prayer and a desire to act with integrity and compassion.
“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers. I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with the love and respect from all the people.
“That is why, at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” ,” he added.
Gowon praised the progress Nigeria has made since the civil war and called on all citizens to support the government’s efforts to uphold peace, love, and mutual respect.
“This is my prayer, and I ask your prayers for Nigeria so that we can continue to unite and live together as one people, irrespective of our faith, whether Christian, Muslim, or unbelievers.”
Alongside General Gowon, the Christian Men’s Fellowship honoured two other distinguished Nigerians.
Dr. Christopher Kolade, 93, a respected diplomat, corporate executive, broadcaster, and academic; and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, CON, 95, a renowned former federal permanent secretary often described as a “super permanent secretary” for his pioneering work in Nigeria’s civil service.
The awards were presented in recognition of their exemplary service to the Church, the nation, and humanity.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, who presided over the convention, urged Christian men to uphold truth, integrity, and courage.
“The Lord is still in search of men of honour and integrity,” he said, referencing the “four Hs” that define godly men, heart, head, habit, and humility.
His wife, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba, President of the Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild, commended the honourees as “men of courage” who have lived honourably in an age of moral decline.
“Despite their age, they have stood strong for the Lord and His Church,” she said.
In a tribute delivered on behalf of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Prof. John-Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, praised the honourees for their consistency in living with integrity.
“These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation,” he said.
Quoting Psalm 25:14, he added: “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.”
Former executive secretary of TETFund, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, described Gowon as “a son of a clergy who inherited integrity and forgiveness,” noting that despite presiding over Nigeria during the height of its oil boom, he refused to enrich himself.
“He uncharacteristically left office without even building a personal house,” Bogoro remarked.
The CMF convention brought together Christian men from across the Diocese of Abuja and beyond, focusing on the theme ‘‘Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit’’, Psalm 15: 1-5.
The Bishop of Ilesa, the Rt, Rev Prof Dapo Asaju, was the guest speaker on the theme of the convention.