Former Minister of Defence, Retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, on Tuesday in Abuja, donated N3 billion at the public presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, Retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon.
The
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of the
Dangote Group, also supported the book launch with a donation of N500 million.
NAN
also reports the presentation of the 20-Chapter autobiography, titled “My Life
of Duty and Allegiance,” was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima who
represented President Bola Tinubu, top government officials, members of
Diplomatic Corps, and military top brass.
Danjuma,
who served as the Chief Presenter at the event, was represented by a former
Chief of Defence Staff, Retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai.
Apart
from the financial pledge, Danjuma directed that 12 copies of the book be
purchased and distributed to the libraries of each of the 20 universities that
had awarded honorary doctorate degrees to Gowon over the years.
In his
tribute, Danjuma described Gowon as Nigeria’s foremost living statesman, an
international icon, and a wartime commander whose leadership prevented Nigeria
from disintegration.
”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 noted that his friendship with Gowon
spanned over 70 years, dating back to their childhood days in the Wusasa area
of Zaria, adding that the memoir is a “treasure trove of history” and a gift to
the world.
Similarly, Mr Mansur Ahmed, the representative of
Dangote, announced the purchase of 25 copies of the book for N500 million to
honour the former Head of State.
Ahmed, a Senior Adviser to the richest man in Africa, stated
that his boss, Dangote, was only a 10-year-old primary school pupil when Gowon
was leading the nation through its most turbulent times.
He said
Gowon’s successful efforts to keep Nigeria unified created the stable
environment that allowed Dangote to grow up and build a pan-African business
empire.
NAN reports that other corporate leaders and dignitaries
also made substantial purchases of the book at the event, including Alhaji
Abdul-Samad Rabiu, the President of BUA Group, who procured copies of the book
for N25 million.
NAN
also reports that the book was reviewed by Bishop Mathew Kukah, a prominent
Catholic Cleric, author, and social commentator who has served as the Catholic
Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto since 2011.
(NAN)
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