Retired General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, has clarified that the 1967 Nigerian Civil War was not fueled by animosity but was instead a tough decision made to ensure the country’s continued unity.
Gowon made this known during the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship (CMF) of the Diocese of Abuja, which took place at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, on Saturday.
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He spoke passionately about the need for national healing and the virtues of forgiveness and reconciliation, stressing that Nigerians must continue to live in harmony despite ethnic or religious differences.
“I remember the most difficult period of my life. It was not my choice, but I had to be there—and had to do what I had to—to keep this country together,” Gowon said, after being honoured with a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award.
“It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you. Apart from that, there is love and respect between us.”
The 91-year-old former military ruler recalled the painful loss of a close friend, Major Arthur Unegbe—his best man—during the conflict, and described how personal tragedy further reinforced his path of faith and integrity.
“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers. I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with the love and respect from all the people.
“That is why, at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” he added.
During the same event, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), officially presented the award to Gowon.
The former leader also praised Nigeria’s strides since the war and appealed to citizens to contribute positively to nation-building and peaceful coexistence.
“This is my prayer, and I ask your prayers for Nigeria so that we can continue to unite and live together as one people, irrespective of our faith, whether Christian, Muslim, or unbelievers.”
Two other prominent Nigerians were also recognized at the event—Dr. Christopher Kolade, 93, a diplomat and media icon, and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, CON, 95, an iconic civil servant known for his reforms and integrity in the Nigerian public sector.
Archbishop Ndukuba, speaking at the gathering, called on Christian men to uphold timeless virtues, urging them to remain strong in truth and courage.
“The Lord is still in search of men of honour and integrity,” he said, encouraging men to embody the “four Hs”—heart, head, habit, and humility.
Mrs. Angela Ndukuba, head of the Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild, echoed this sentiment, commending the honourees as steadfast examples in a morally declining society.
“Despite their age, they have stood strong for the Lord and His Church,” she said.
In a tribute delivered on behalf of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Prof. John-Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, lauded the recipients for their unwavering character.
“These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation,” Opara noted.
“The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant,” he said, quoting Psalm 25:14.
Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, former Executive Secretary of TETFund, also paid tribute to Gowon, describing him as a man shaped by his Christian upbringing and moral fortitude.“
“He uncharacteristically left office without even building a personal house,” Bogoro pointed out.
The CMF convention attracted Christian men from across the Abuja Diocese, centered around the theme, “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit,” drawn from Psalm 15:1–5.
