President Tinubu, Danjuma to Lead Launch of Gowon’s Autobiography in Abuja

(President Bola Ahmed Tinubu(R) and former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (L). Photo credit: X.com)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd), are set to headline the public presentation of the long-awaited autobiography of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Abuja.

The event will take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre and is expected to bring together top government officials, military veterans, diplomats, and dignitaries from across the country.

President Tinubu will serve as the special guest of honour, while Gen. Danjuma, former Chief of Army Staff and one-time Minister of Defence, will perform the official unveiling of the book.

The 881-page autobiography, published by Havilah Group, offers a personal account of Gen. Gowon's life, leadership journey, and reflections on pivotal moments in Nigeria's history, most notably the 30-month civil war that lasted from 1967 to 1970.

The book also traces his early years and the circumstances surrounding his emergence as Nigeria's leader at one of the most consequential periods in the country's history.

Born in 1934, Gowon assumed the role of Head of State and Commander-in-Chief on August 1, 1966, and held the position for nine years.

After leaving office, he pursued academic studies and earned a PhD in Political Science from the University of Warwick in 1984. Since then, he has dedicated himself to peacebuilding, national development, and spiritual leadership.

His post-service contributions include founding the "Nigeria Prays" movement and championing advocacy efforts against guinea worm, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria through the Yakubu Gowon Centre.

He also serves as Nigeria's National Goodwill Ambassador for the control of viral hepatitis.