18th October, 2013
The Northern States Governors’ Forum has paid tribute to a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, as he attains 79 years on Saturday.
The forum described Gowon as a promoter of national unity and conflict resolution through dialogue.
In a statement in Minna on Friday, Dr Babangida Aliyu, the forum’s Chairman and Governor of Niger, described Gowon as a symbol of statesmanship, patriotism, vision and courage.
Aliyu said that Gowon’s leadership qualities had guided him through years of active public service.
“We salute Gen. Gowon for his ingenuity in coupling back the constituent regions which make up Nigeria in the wake of a tragic civil war using the slogan ‘Go On With One Nigeria’,” he said.
Aliyu said in and out of office, Gowon had continued to display an amazing degree of charisma, charm, uncommon patriotism and had continually rendered service to the common man.
He prayed God to grant Gowon excellent health, courage and many more years of selfless service to God and the country.