Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), has stated that the Nigerian Civil War was never fought out of hatred for any particular group but was a difficult step taken to preserve the unity of the nation.
Gowon made this statement on Saturday, June 7, 2025, while 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, where he was honoured with a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award.
“The Nigerian Civil War was not about hatred,” Gowon emphasized. “It was the most difficult period of my life. It was not my personal choice, but I had to act in the interest of keeping this country together.”
He added, “I can assure you it was never hatred against any people. I still hold love and respect for all ethnic groups in Nigeria.”
The 91-year-old elder statesman reflected on the losses he suffered during the war, including the death of his close friend, Major Arthur Unegbe, for whom he served as best man.
“As far as this heart is concerned, everything I do is through prayer. I ask God to help me act rightly and with love and respect for all. That is why, at the end of it all, we say: ‘No victor, no vanquished,’” he said, drawing applause from attendees.
General Gowon called on Nigerians to embrace forgiveness, peace, and mutual respect, stressing that unity must be the foundation of national growth.
“This is my prayer, and I ask for your prayers for Nigeria—that we may continue to live together in unity, regardless of religion or ethnicity,” he urged.
The Christian Men’s Fellowship also honoured two other distinguished Nigerians: Dr. Christopher Kolade, 93, and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, 95, for their exceptional service to the Church and the nation.
Delivering his remarks, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), praised the honourees, calling them “men of honour and integrity.”
“The Lord still seeks men of truth, integrity, and courage,” he said. “Men whose lives are shaped by the four Hs: heart, head, habit, and humility.”
Mrs. Angela Ndukuba, President of the Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild, said the awardees exemplify moral strength. “Despite their age, they have remained strong for God and for the Church,” she noted.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Prof. John-Kennedy Opara said, “These men have touched lives. God has used them to impact the nation.” He quoted Psalm 25:14 to affirm their spiritual significance.
Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, former executive secretary of TETFund, praised Gowon’s modesty, describing him as “a son of a clergy who led with integrity.” He recalled that Gowon left office without owning a personal house, despite presiding over Nigeria during an oil boom.
The CMF convention, themed “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit” (Psalm 15:1–5), brought together Christian men from across the country. The Bishop of Ilesa, Rt. Rev Prof. Dapo Asaju, delivered the keynote address, challenging men to uphold godly values in modern society.
Gowon’s words serve as a timely reminder of the need for national healing and reinforce his enduring legacy as a unifier and advocate of peace.
