Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has described the Nigerian Civil War (July 6, 1967 – January 15, 1970) as the most challenging period of his life, emphasizing that his wartime decisions were borne out of necessity and not hatred.
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Gowon made the remarks on Saturday in Abuja after receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship of the Abuja Anglican Diocese.
The event, themed “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit,” was attended by several dignitaries, including representatives of former President Goodluck Jonathan and leaders of the Anglican Church.
“I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life,” Gowon said. “It was not my choice, but I had to be there and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together. It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you.”
He urged Nigerians to uphold truth, unity, and forgiveness, adding that all his decisions—both in office and after—have been guided by prayer and a sincere desire to do right by all Nigerians.
“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 love and respect for all the people,” he added.
Quoting the famous post-war slogan “No victor, no vanquished,” Gowon lauded Nigeria’s progress since that turbulent time and called on citizens to continue supporting national peace and reconciliation efforts.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by John-Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, commended the honourees for their moral consistency.
“These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation,” he said, quoting Psalm 25:14, and urging all men to stand firm in integrity, regardless of prevailing societal pressures.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, presiding over the convention, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for Christians to be bold in standing for truth, justice, and upright leadership.
“The nation needs men and women of honour and integrity,” Ndukuba said. “When the home is strong, the church will be strong, and society will be strong. Many good people are silent, and that is why evil men thrive.”
He identified four key attributes that define a person of honour—heart, head, habit, and humility—citing Psalm 15:1–5 as the biblical foundation for such values.
In his remarks, Isaac Chukwudi, President of the Christian Men’s Fellowship in Abuja Diocese, said the theme was chosen in response to the erosion of integrity in Nigeria’s public and private spheres.
“Integrity is so scarce, both at home and in government,” Chukwudi said. “We need to build integrity from the home, where future leaders will emerge.”
Also honoured at the event were two distinguished nonagenarians: Dr. Christopher Kolade, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, a former Minister of Establishment and Chairman of Guarantee Trust Bank, for their lifetime contributions to the church, nation, and humanity.
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