ABUJA, Nigeria – The public presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon drew immense financial support from Nigeria’s elite, with prominent figures pledging over ₦3.7 billion at a star-studded event in the capital.
Okay News reports that the landmark event took place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. Former Minister of Defence, retired Lieutenant General Theophilus Danjuma, led the donations with a staggering contribution of ₦3 billion, while Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, supported the unveiling with a ₦500 million donation. Additionally, Abdul-Samad Rabiu, the President of BUA Group, made a significant purchase of copies worth ₦25 million.
The 20-chapter memoir, titled “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” chronicles the life, military career, and wartime leadership of the 91-year-old elder statesman, who guided Nigeria through its turbulent civil war between 1967 and 1970. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the gathering, which was chaired by former President Goodluck Jonathan and attended by diplomats, top government functionaries, and the military top brass. Renowned Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, served as the official book reviewer.
General Danjuma, who acted as Chief Presenter but was represented by former Chief of Defence Staff General Martin Luther Agwai, paid glowing tribute to Gowon, calling him an international icon whose “no victor, no vanquished” policy laid the structural foundation for national reconciliation.
Beyond his multi-billion Naira pledge, Danjuma directed that 12 copies of the autobiography be purchased and distributed to the libraries of each of the 20 universities that have awarded Gowon honorary doctorate degrees over the decades, ensuring his historical perspectives remain accessible to future generations.
