Former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, on Tuesday donated N3 billion during the public unveiling of the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, held in Abuja.
Also supporting the launch was Aliko Dangote, who contributed N500 million toward the event through the purchase of copies of the book.
The autobiography, titled “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” contains 20 chapters and attracted several dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, and top military officers.
Danjuma, who served as the Chief Presenter, was represented by former Chief of Defence Staff, Martin Luther Agwai.
Beyond the donation, Danjuma directed that 12 copies of the memoir should be bought and distributed to libraries in each of the 20 universities that had previously awarded honorary doctorate degrees to Gowon.
In his tribute, Danjuma described Gowon as “Nigeria’s foremost living statesman,” praising his contributions to leadership, nation-building, and military strategy.
”Gen. Gowon is not only a household name in Nigeria but also a globally acknowledged leader with an impeccable record in leadership, nation-building and military strategy.
”His well-recorded slogan of ‘no victor, no vanquished’ after the civil war set the tone for an effective post-war policy of reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation,” Danjuma said.
The retired general also reflected on his more than 70-year friendship with Gowon, which began during their childhood in the Wusasa area of Zaria, describing the autobiography as a “treasure trove of history” and “a gift to the world.”
Representing Dangote at the occasion, Mr. Mansur Ahmed announced that the businessman purchased 25 copies of the book for N500 million in honour of Gowon.
Ahmed, a senior adviser to Dangote, noted that the industrialist was just 10 years old when Gowon was leading Nigeria through one of its most difficult periods.
According to him, Gowon’s role in preserving Nigeria’s unity helped create the stable environment that enabled Dangote to later establish a pan-African business empire.
Other prominent personalities and corporate leaders also supported the launch. Abdul Samad Rabiu bought copies worth N25 million.
The book review was delivered by Matthew Kukah, a respected Catholic cleric, author, and social commentator who has served as Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto since 2011.
