ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd), are set to lead a distinguished gathering for the public presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd).
Okay News reports that the event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. The 881-page book, published by the Havilah Group, offers a comprehensive personal account of Gowon’s life, his leadership during Nigeria’s most turbulent years, and his post-service contributions to national development.
President Tinubu will attend as the Special Guest of Honour, while Gen. Danjuma, a key figure in Nigeria’s military history, will officially unveil the memoir. The autobiography provides a detailed reflection on the 30-month Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) and chronicles Gowon’s rapid ascent to power in August 1966, a role he held for nine years. Beyond his military career, the book highlights his academic achievements, including a PhD in Political Science from the University of Warwick, and his transition into a statesman focused on peacebuilding and public health.
The launch is expected to be a major diplomatic and historical event, drawing military veterans, diplomats, and top government officials. It serves as a rare opportunity for Nigerians to engage with a firsthand narrative of the country’s foundational challenges and the long-standing advocacy of the Yakubu Gowon Centre in the fight against diseases such as Guinea worm, HIV/AIDS, and viral hepatitis.
