Yakubu Gowon is a Nigerian statesman and retired general who, at the age of 32, became the country’s youngest Head of State, leading Nigeria through its most turbulent period—the 1967-1970 Civil War. Known for his calm demeanor and dedication to national unity, Gowon successfully preserved Nigeria’s territorial integrity during the war and promoted post-war reconciliation with his famous “No victor, no vanquished” policy. His administration introduced significant reforms, including the creation of new states and the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Despite his overthrow in 1975 and subsequent exile, Gowon remains a revered figure in Nigerian history for his humility, deep religious faith, and lasting contributions to peace and nation-building.
1. Birth: Yakubu Gowon was born on October 19, 1934, in Lur, Plateau State, Nigeria.
2. Military Career: He joined the Nigerian Army in 1954 and received training in the United Kingdom, including at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
3. Youngest Head of State: At 32, Gowon became Nigeria’s Head of State in 1966, making him the youngest person ever to hold the position.
4. Civil War Leadership: Gowon led Nigeria through the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), also known as the Biafran War, which lasted 30 months.
5. “No Victor, No Vanquished”: After the civil war, Gowon promoted national reconciliation with his famous phrase, “No victor, no vanquished,” aiming to heal the divisions caused by the war.
6. Creation of States: During his leadership, Gowon increased the number of states in Nigeria from 4 to 12 in 1967, a move aimed at decentralizing power and reducing ethnic tensions.
7. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC): He established the NYSC in 1973 to foster unity among Nigerian youth from different regions.
8. Economic Boom: Gowon presided over Nigeria during the oil boom of the 1970s, a period of rapid economic growth.
9. Udoji Awards: His government implemented the Udoji Public Service Review Commission, resulting in large salary increases for civil servants.
10. OAU Chairmanship: Gowon served as the chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) from 1973 to 1974, playing a significant role in Africa’s diplomatic and political landscape.
11. Overthrow: He was overthrown in a bloodless coup in 1975 while attending an OAU summit in Uganda, leading to his exile.
12. Exile: Gowon lived in exile in the United Kingdom after his overthrow, where he pursued further education, earning a PhD in political science from the University of Warwick.
13. Return to Nigeria: He returned to Nigeria in 1983 after being pardoned by President Shehu Shagari.
14. Religious Commitment: Gowon is deeply religious and later in life became known for his role in peace advocacy, founding Nigeria Prays, an organization dedicated to praying for the country’s unity and peace.
15. Longevity: As of 2024, Gowon is one of Nigeria’s longest-living former heads of state, maintaining both his physical and mental health into his 90s.
