Former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon (rtd) has said his newly released autobiography was written to explain the difficult decisions taken during his administration and provide deeper insight into one of the most turbulent periods in Nigeria’s history.

General Gowon spoke ahead of the public presentation of the much-anticipated autobiography scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The event is expected to draw prominent political leaders, military veterans, diplomats and dignitaries from across the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is billed as the special guest of honour, while former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, will officially unveil the book.

The 881-page autobiography, published by Havilah Group, chronicles Gowon’s life, leadership journey and reflections on key moments in Nigeria’s history, including the Nigerian Civil War fought between 1967 and 1970.

The memoir also captures his early life and his unexpected emergence as Nigeria’s leader during a critical phase in the nation’s political evolution.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Gowon explained that the book was not intended to revive painful memories of the past but to present his perspective on events that have often been interpreted by others.

“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,” he said.

The former Head of State added, “My story is one of conviction evaluated by circumstances at the crossroads of expectations and reality.”

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Havilah Group, Lanre Adesuyi, described the autobiography as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s historical records and national discourse.

“We consider this project a significant milestone in our journey, one that reflects our commitment to preserving history, promoting thought leadership, and contributing meaningfully to national discourse,” Adesuyi stated.

Born in 1934, General Gowon became Nigeria’s Head of State and Commander-in-Chief on August 1, 1966, following a period of political instability in the country.

He remained in office for nine years before leaving power in 1975.

After his exit from office, Gowon pursued further studies and obtained a PhD in Political Science from the University of Warwick in 1984.

The autobiography is expected to offer fresh perspectives on Gowon’s years in office and contribute to ongoing conversations about Nigeria’s political history, unity and national development. (Daily Trust)

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