Retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, the former head of state of Nigeria, has received praise from the Northern Governors’ Forum for his efforts to reduce insecurity.
In a statement to wish him a happy 88th birthday, Mr. Simon Lalong, the chairman of the forum and governor of Plateau, made the compliment.
His spokesperson, Dr. Makut Macham, released the statement on Wednesday in Jos.
“Gen. Gowon has played significant roles in his interventions with members of the forum towards tackling the challenges of insecurity, peace, unification, and religious harmony within the northern area and throughout the country,” the speaker claimed.
Along with battling to keep Nigeria united, Gowon has supported succeeding administrations and has remained a father figure to the country for many years after leaving power.
The chairman acknowledged Gowon’s assistance to overcoming the issues facing the country through prayers, advice, and strategic participation.
He praised Gowon as one of Nigeria’s most cultured and patriotic presidents, noting that he personifies modesty, humanity, and benevolence.
He claimed that the former military commander had a positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable members of society through his foundation by providing relief for their misery.
He praised him for mobilizing funds to help the poor in society, noting that this move had drawn contributions from both local and international partners.
According to Lalong, his humanitarian efforts have helped combat diseases, illiteracy, poverty, and hunger among other things.
He continued by saying that his efforts had also brought overlooked but crucial concerns to the notice of the government, donor organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
The forum also praised him for starting and maintaining Nigeria Prays, a nationwide program for spiritual intercession that prays for the stability, progress, and unity of the nation.
The forum encouraged him to continue serving as an honorable ambassador for the area and the nation while also wishing him many more years of good health, wisdom, and God’s protection.
