Former President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday felicitated with former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, as he celebrated his 90th birthday.
News About Nigeria reports that Gowon will be 90 tomorrow (Saturday, October 19, 2024).
The former President’s tribute to the elder statesman was contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu.
In the statement, Buhari commended Gowon’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress.
He also noted that both the older and younger generations of Nigerians would continue to take pride in Gowon and the bravery of the officers he led during critical periods in the nation’s history.
He said, “We honour 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 to a distinguished statesman and a soldier who had all the qualities of a successful army commander. 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.”
Buhari further commended the elder statesman’s courage and unwavering passion for Nigeria’s growth, well-being, and overall development.
He also lauded him for the implementation of policies like the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which according to him is still a platform that is grooming Nigerian youths.
He, therefore, prayed that God would continue to attend to the former Head of State and that he would keep enjoying his old age in good health.
