By Chioma Vivian James
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, are set to headline the public presentation of the long-awaited autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Abuja.
The high-profile event, scheduled to hold at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, is expected to attract an array of distinguished guests, including top government functionaries, military veterans, diplomats, traditional rulers, members of the political class, and other prominent Nigerians.
President Tinubu will attend as Special Guest of Honour, while Gen. Danjuma, a former Chief of Army Staff and one-time Minister of Defence, is billed to officially unveil the autobiography, which many observers describe as a major contribution to Nigeria’s historical and political literature.
The 881-page publication, produced by Havilah Group, offers a deeply personal and reflective account of Gowon’s life, military career, leadership journey, and some of the most defining moments in Nigeria’s post-independence history. Central to the memoir are his recollections of the 30-month Nigerian Civil War fought between 1967 and 1970, alongside insights into the difficult decisions and national challenges that shaped his administration.
The autobiography also traces Gowon’s humble beginnings, his formative years in the military, and his emergence as Nigeria’s Head of State at one of the country’s most turbulent periods.
Born in 1934, Gowon assumed office as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief on August 1, 1966, becoming one of Nigeria’s youngest leaders. He remained in office for nine years, overseeing critical phases of national reconstruction, reconciliation, and post-war recovery.
Beyond public office,
Gowon distinguished himself in scholarship and humanitarian service. Following his exit from power, he obtained a PhD in Political Science from the University of Warwick in 1984 and has since devoted much of his life to peacebuilding, national unity, and spiritual advocacy.
Through initiatives such as the Nigeria Prays movement and the Yakubu Gowon Centre, the former Nigerian leader has championed campaigns against Guinea worm, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other public health concerns, while also promoting conflict resolution and good governance.
Gowon currently serves as Nigeria’s National Goodwill Ambassador for the control of viral hepatitis, further cementing his legacy as a statesman committed to national and global humanitarian causes.
The autobiography launch is expected to provide rare historical perspectives on Nigeria’s political evolution while celebrating the life and legacy of one of the country’s most consequential leaders.
