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Former President Muhammadu Buhari has paid his tributes to the former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, as he marks his birthday, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress.
In a message to General Gowon on his 90th birthday, President Buhari said the former military ruler’s far-sighted leadership and commitment to the nation’s unity and future development was praiseworthy.
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“We honor his invaluable contributions to our nation’s continued existence as one, and the progress that has come with that.
“Today we pay a humble tribute a distinguished statesman and a soldier, who had all the qualities of a successful army commander.”
Buhari said both old and the younger generation of Nigerians would continue to be proud of General Gowon and the officers and men he led for their courage and gallantry in preserving the unity and territorial integrity of the nation.
“I pay homage to all those who served and laid their lives for the country. Gowon and the team he led will continue to inspire the young generations and the country for a long time.”
He conveyed his strong appreciation for the resolute dedication of the former Head of State as he continues to offer service to the nation and its people, including “the admirable role he plays in leading his pet project ‘Nigeria Prays.’”
In other news, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has hailed former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on reaching the remarkable age of 90, saying that he deserves to be celebrated nationally.
Obasanjo said this while speaking at the 90th Birthday Lecture for former Gowon in Abuja on Friday.
Obasanjo said he is thanking God on behalf of the former Head of State whom he said got to the age of 90 by the grace of God.
“This is a national celebration and you are worthy to be nationally celebrated while you are still alive,” Obasanjo said.
“I look at the galaxy of distinguished men and women around, only very few of them can claim to be eyewitnesses to your time in government not to talk of your time in the army.
“And because by the grace of God who has given you the longevity of life and who has given me a little bit to be following you, I will just thank God on your behalf that God has made you to reach 90.”
