By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – A former National President, Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (YOWICAN), and Co-Chairman of the Interfaith Coalition Conference, Engr. Daniel Kadzai, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for renaming University of Abuja after the former Head of State, Gen.Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), saying it is a Christmas gift to Nigerians and Gowon.
Kadzai said the honor did not only describe the former Head of State as a true Nigerian who fought to keep the country together, but also as a hero who after the Civil War, did all within his powers to compensate those who lost valuables.
Recall that at the last 2024, Federal Executive Council’s meeting, held at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu gave his stamp of approval for the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, to honor the former Military Head of State.
Responding to the honor on Christmas Eve, Kadzai said: “This is our Christmas gift, because for God to keep a man alive this long shows that he has found grace even in the sight of the Almighty.
“He is among the great men whose struggles led to the emancipation of Nigeria as he ensured peace and unity of the country, during the country’s trying period.
“Gowon piloted the affairs of the country during the most challenging period in Nigeria’s history. As a 32-year-old military officer, fate and history placed on his shoulders the critical role of leading Nigeria as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces”, he said.
Our correspondent reports that Gowon’s emergence as Head of State followed the military coup d’états of 1966 which sparked the 30 months-civil war, six years after Nigeria gained independence from Britain.
That period tested Gowon’s leadership qualities, political will and can-do spirit. The prosecution of the war and the policies formulated by Gowon’s regime reflected his love for mankind and the patriotic spirit, especially his declaration of “no victor, no vanquished” after the Civil War.
