General Yakubu Gowon @90: “To Keep Nigeria One Is a Task That Must Be Done” -Dare Adelekan 

As General Yakubu Gowon celebrates his 90th birthday, it is essential to reflect on his enduring legacy and the historical significance of his famous statement, “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.” These words, spoken during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent periods, continue to resonate profoundly in the country’s political landscape and its national consciousness.

1. Leadership During Crisis: The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970)

Gowon became the Head of State in 1966, at the young age of 31, following a series of political crises and coups that threatened to tear Nigeria apart. His ascension to power coincided with rising ethnic tensions, culminating in the secession of the Eastern Region, which declared itself the independent state of Biafra in 1967.

The ensuing Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, was one of the darkest chapters in Nigeria’s history. It was a brutal conflict, marked by immense human suffering, widespread famine, and significant loss of life. Throughout the war, Gowon’s leadership was defined by his unwavering belief in Nigeria’s unity. His administration’s commitment to preserving the territorial integrity of the country was reflected in his rallying cry, “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.”

This statement became more than a slogan; it was a call to action that guided the federal government’s strategy throughout the war. The belief that Nigeria’s unity was non-negotiable shaped Gowon’s policies, including the eventual military victory over Biafra and the reintegration of the secessionist region into the Nigerian state in 1970. The end of the civil war was marked by Gowon’s declaration of “No victor, no vanquished,” signaling his intent to promote reconciliation and national healing.

2. The Burden of National Unity

For Gowon, preserving Nigeria’s unity was not just a political goal but a moral imperative. He recognized the diversity of Nigeria’s ethnic, religious, and regional composition and understood that the country’s strength lay in its ability to maintain unity amid such complexity.

The post-war period was dedicated to reconstruction, rebuilding infrastructure, and fostering a sense of national identity. Gowon’s government initiated the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1973, a program aimed at promoting national integration by encouraging Nigerian youth to serve in regions other than their own. This initiative remains one of his most enduring legacies, as it continues to foster cross-cultural understanding and unity among Nigeria’s youth today.

3. Challenges and Achievements

Gowon’s tenure as Head of State saw both successes and challenges. On the economic front, the oil boom of the 1970s provided Nigeria with unprecedented revenues, which his administration used to fund ambitious infrastructure projects. His government implemented the Second National Development Plan (1970-1974), focusing on rehabilitating war-torn areas, expanding education, and modernizing Nigeria’s economy.

However, his leadership also faced criticism for corruption, economic mismanagement, and delayed transitions to civilian rule. Despite his earlier promise to return power to civilians in 1976, Gowon postponed the transition, leading to growing discontent within the military and among the populace. In 1975, he was overthrown in a bloodless coup while attending the Organization of African Unity (OAU) summit in Uganda.

4. Statesmanship in Retirement

Despite the sudden end to his regime, Gowon has remained a respected elder statesman. Over the years, he has dedicated his life to peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts, becoming an ambassador for national unity. His work with the Yakubu Gowon Centre for National Unity and International Cooperation, established in 1992, reflects his lifelong commitment to the cause of peace, unity, and reconciliation.

At 90, Gowon continues to be a symbol of Nigeria’s enduring quest for unity. His belief in a united Nigeria, expressed through his leadership during the civil war and his post-retirement efforts, has inspired subsequent generations of leaders to prioritize the country’s unity in the face of challenges.

5. Gowon’s Legacy: A Reflection on Nigeria’s Present and Future

Gowon’s famous mantra, “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done,” remains as relevant today as it was during the civil war. Nigeria, with its complex ethnic, religious, and regional divides, continues to grapple with issues of national unity. Ethnic tensions, insurgencies, and separatist movements, like those in the Northeast and Southeast, challenge the fabric of Nigeria’s nationhood.

As Nigeria navigates its modern political challenges, the legacy of Gowon’s leadership provides critical lessons. His focus on dialogue, reconciliation, and nation-building remains a guiding principle for addressing the country’s current divisions. His belief in unity, despite diversity, speaks to the ongoing task of fostering inclusion, justice, and equity across all of Nigeria’s regions.

6. Conclusion: A Legacy of National Unity

At 90, General Yakubu Gowon stands as a living testament to the power of leadership in times of national crisis. His unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity during the civil war and his post-leadership efforts in peacebuilding solidify his place in history as one of Nigeria’s most significant leaders.

As Nigeria looks to the future, the task of keeping the nation united continues to rest on the shoulders of its leaders and citizens alike. Gowon’s legacy challenges Nigerians to uphold the principle that “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done”, recognizing that national unity is not merely a goal but an ongoing responsibilities

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