Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has revealed that his newly completed autobiography was written to explain some of the difficult decisions taken during his administration and provide his personal account of one of the most defining periods in Nigeria’s history.
The retired General made the disclosure ahead of the official public presentation of the book scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.The highly anticipated event is expected to attract prominent political figures, former military officers, diplomats, academics, and dignitaries from different parts of the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to attend as the special guest of honour, while former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, will formally unveil the autobiography.
The 881-page memoir, published by Havilah Group, documents Gowon’s personal journey, military career, years in leadership, and reflections on major national events, including the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970.The book also explores his childhood, military background, and the circumstances that led to his emergence as Nigeria’s leader during a politically unstable era.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Yakubu Gowon explained that the autobiography was not written to revisit painful national memories but to present his perspective on historical events that have largely been interpreted by others over the years.
“By choosing to write, I took a conscious decision not to reopen old wounds but to clarify my thinking on policies and plans at a period often narrated by others,” Gowon stated.
“My story is one of conviction evaluated by circumstances at the crossroads of expectations and reality,” he added.The Group Chief Executive Officer of Havilah Group, Lanre Adesuyi, described the autobiography as an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical documentation and national conversation.
According to him, the project reflects a broader commitment to preserving history, encouraging thought leadership, and contributing meaningfully to national discourse.Born in 1934, General Yakubu Gowon became Nigeria’s Head of State and Commander-in-Chief on August 1, 1966, following a period of political instability and military intervention in the country.
He remained in power for nine years before he was removed from office in 1975.Following his exit from government, Gowon pursued further education and later obtained a PhD in Political Science from University of Warwick in 1984.
Political observers believe the autobiography could provide fresh insight into key national events and reignite conversations around Nigeria’s political evolution, unity, leadership, and post-war reconciliation.
Discussion about this post