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Tag: Yakubu Gowon

  • NYSC has achieved mandate, says Gowon

    NYSC has achieved mandate, says Gowon

    A former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, says he is proud of the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ) for achieving its mandate in its 44 years of existence.

    Gowon made the statement in Abuja on Friday when the NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Sulaiman Kazaure, and other top management staff of the organization paid him a courtesy visit at the Yakubu Gowon Centre on his 83rd birthday.

    He said that his administration fought to establish the NYSC in 1973 after the Nigerian civil war, to use it as a tool to promote national unity and integration of the country.

    Gowon said that the organization had achieved beyond its mandate, contrary to some opinions.

    According to him, some people have shown their determination to kill the NYSC.

    “They are saying it should be scrapped. They believe that the NYSC has out-lived its usefulness and so is no longer relevant to the society.

    “The scheme has done a lot to bring about national unity and integration.

    “There is no community you go to today where corps members are not serving and the support they bring to local communities is great.

    “The reason my government established the NYSC was to initiate reconciliation among Nigerians after the civil war.

    “We also sought to establish it for Nigerians to know each other more; promote national unity and encourage the NYSC to offer services to communities around them.

    “We fought to establish it and I am proud of the scheme and all it has achieved and continue to do for the youth and the country.

    “The NYSC should not be taken out of the constitution. Although some persons have said it should be scrapped.

    “If you listen to public opinion, you will find out that corps members are against the scrapping of the scheme.

    “This is because they understand and know its relevance and importance to their development and future,’’ Gowon said.

    He advised the scheme to operate an open-door policy where it can entertain suggestions from past and serving corps members on how to move the scheme forward.

    Earlier, Kazaure said the management of the scheme was on the visit to identify and celebrate with Gowon on his birthday.

    He lauded Gowon’s efforts in establishing the scheme, stating that corps members were in all parts of the country, carrying out their national service.

    The director-general said the corps members were bringing growth and development to communities and helping to foster unity and integration.

    “The NYSC says thank you for all you have done for the scheme; 44 years after, the scheme is still standing strong.

    “We will keep the scheme alive to continue to bring about unity and development for the youth and the nation.

    “On behalf of the NYSC, we wish you a happy birthday,’’ Kazaure said.

    The NYSC was established on May 22, 1973 during the Gowon administration.

    The company was established in a bid by the regime to bring foster rehabilitation, re-construction and reconciliation after the civil war.

    Gowon turned 83 years on Oct. 19.

    NAN

  • Gowon opens N3.3bn Bayelsa Govt. House

    Gowon opens N3.3bn Bayelsa Govt. House

    A former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon,  on Wednesday performed the official opening ceremony of the new Bayelsa Government House, Yenagoa,  built at the cost of N3.3 billion.

    On the occasion, Gowon commended Gov. Seriake Dickson for the development strides of his administration.

    “I must congratulate the governor on the structures that I have seen, especially on his new office complex.

    “I urge you to continue to do the good work; your commitment to development is for the well-being of the citizens.

    “To the people of the state, I must say that you have been supportive to the governor irrespective of the party you belong.

    “I urge you to always play the good role for the betterment of the state,” Gowon said.

    In his remark, Dickson expressed appreciation to Gowon and noted that infrastructure development were a priority for his administration.

    “We are not just building structures like roads, bridges but a solid and befitting infrastructure that will serve for a long period of time.

    “We embark on massive infrastructural development, especially on roads because we know its importance to mankind.

    “Finally, I thanked everyone, especially the former head of state and the entire people of Bayelsa for all the support,” the governor said.

    Gowon had earlier interacted with traditional rulers in the state at Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat in Yenagoa.

  • Nigerians must eschew violence – Gowon

    Nigerians must eschew violence – Gowon

    Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), on Sunday evening urged Nigerians to eschew violence and acts capable of dividing the country.

    Gowon made the call during a one-day National Prayer Rally at the Holy Family Cathedral, Sokoto.

    He said: “We should value the lives of our fellow human beings that God has created for a purpose. May we never take lives with impunity.

    ”We are offering fervent prayers that Nigerians will never raise their hands against one another and to love one another irrespective of religious, ideological, political and ethnic affinities.”

    The theme of the prayer rally is:” Enduring Mercies, Love and Understanding Among Us (Lamentation 3:19-66).”

    However, Gowon appealed to Nigerians to collectively pray for the speedy recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The former head of state who is also the National Convener of Nigeria Prays, also urged Nigerians to fervently pray for Acting President Yemi Osinbajo and leaders at all levels

    He solicited for sustained prayers for peace, unity and socio-economic prosperity of Nigeria.

    He added: ”Prayer can solve problems better and faster than soldiers, as well as physical weapons of war.

    ” I have no doubt in my heart that God will honour our collective prayer and intercession for our dear nation, as well as heal our nation of insecurity.

    ”May we experience abundance of God’s mercy and showers of blessings over our lives and our nation as we raise our voices in heartfelt travelling prayers today in Sokoto, Sokoto State.”

     

     

  • Gowon to Judiciary: Give Nigerians true justice

    Gowon to Judiciary: Give Nigerians true justice

    Former Military Head of state, Yakubu Gowon, Tuesday urged the judiciary to administer true justice and show mercy so that Nigerians would know that the God of justice lives in Nigeria too.

    He said this at the presentation of a book on the life of former attorney general of Benue state, Mamman Mike Osuman: “A life in legal practice.” The book was written by his wife, Dr. Grace Osuman and presented in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Gowon, who was represented by his younger brother, Dr. Daudu Gowon, noted that lawyers must understand that a corrupt witness mocks at justice and that mockery must not be tolerated.

    The former head of state said Nigeria had long waited for true justice, adding that Nigerians were “struck down but not destroyed.”

    He said: “Legal practitioners administer true justice, show mercy, so that Nigerians will always know and note that the God of justice lives in Nigeria too.

    “Those who uphold godly justice make people and Nigeria feels equal under the law because such prevent evil from triumphing over good.

    “For the good side of justice is that it brings joy added to that, it is by justice, a king gives country stability.

    “A stance against injustice ensures people’s confidence. It makes us know that wrong will not be countenanced, and we will sleep, knowing that Nigeria has a level playing ground when it comes to justice for all.

    “Nigerians carry these bruises, looking for healing to be found in God. Even so, the forces that threaten us shall not prevail. The bedrock of our society if justice and our lives should reflect the desired justice that Nigeria has long waited for.

    “The struggle continues. How is it going on? We must try not to pervert justice, and we must understand that a corrupt witness mocks at justice and that mockery would not be tolerated.”

    The author of the book, Dr. Osuman, in her remarks, said her motivation came from her husband’s (Mamman) devotion to the law practice.

     

  • Eyo Festival: Akiolu, Owoseni warn against violence

    Eyo Festival: Akiolu, Owoseni warn against violence

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni and the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu have warned Lagos Islanders against acts of violence during the Eyo festival on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the duo gave the warning on Thursday when Owoseni visited the Lagos monarch at Iga Iduganran.

    The visit was in preparation for the Lagos@50 Eyo Festival which will hold on Saturday at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    The police commissioner warned the Eyo masqueraders against violence, adding that any masquerader caught would face the wrath of the law.

    Owoseni also urged Lagos islanders to maintain law and order during the festival.

    He advised leaders of the masquerader groups to provide names of four persons from each group that would assist the police for proper identification.

    The police commissioner added that reflective jackets would be provided for those selected to assist security agents.

    Earlier, the monarch said that any masquerader that took law into his hands, causing unnecessary unrest would be handed over to the police.

    “Lagos@50 celebration is a thing of joy for us to thank Almighty Allah. I remembered the day the creation of Lagos State was announced, we were indeed very happy.

    “On the second day, a boat was brought here and we left for the Bar Beach with all the chiefs; every Lagosian should be grateful to almighty Allah for the celebration.

    “Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Mobolaji Johnson, previous governors and all those who contributed to the creation of the state, particularly Teslim Elias, were there,’’ Akiolu recalled.

    He noted that about 262 years before the arrival of the British, Lagos was administered by the traditional rulers.

    The traditional leader said that he had directed the head of the Eyo Masqueraders, otherwise known as “Adimu Orisa’’, to perform their usual display at the TBS square.

    “We love peace in Lagos and we embrace everybody for it. I have directed the head of the Eyo to restrict the celebration to the TBS because it is spacious,’’ he said.

  • Ikpeazu bankrolls exam fees for SSSCE candidates in Umuda Isingwu community

    Ikpeazu bankrolls exam fees for SSSCE candidates in Umuda Isingwu community

    Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has donated N400,000 to offset the registration fees for Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE) candidates in Umuda Isingwu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia.

    Ikpeazu announced the donation on Sunday at St. James Methodist Church Nigeria, Ohuhu Circuit 111, Umuda Isingwu, during a thanksgiving service in honour of the State Coordinator of Nigeria Prays, Rev. Chuku Alozie.

    The governor said that the gesture became necessary in order to remove the burden from parents.

    He said it would also help to ensure that no eligible SSCE candidate in the community failed to enroll for the examination because of lack of money to purchase the forms.

    “I want to be sure that every eligible candidate in Umuda Isingwu registered for the examination so that nobody would say that he could not register because there was no money,” he said.

    The governor also donated N500,000 to the widows in the church.

    He said that the two gestures were designed to leave an enduring impression among the people of the community as a memorial for Alozie’s thanksgiving service.

    In his sermon, the Archbishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Umuahia, the Most Rev. Raphael Opoko, urged Christians to emulate Jesus Christ by being humble at all times, in spite of their positions in society.

    Opoko further advised Nigerians to get close to God by being prayerful in order to attract divine protection and guidance.

    “God has taken over this nation, in spite of the deadly activities of Boko Haram insurgents and other elements that have continued to threaten the peace and unity of Nigeria’’.

    Former Head of State and National Chairman, Nigeria Prays, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, in a remark, thanked the Methodist Church Nigeria for being supportive to the group in mobilising Nigerians to pray for the country.

    Gowon said that he was in Umuahia for the 56th annual diocesan synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria and a rally by Nigeria Prays, which coincided with the thanksgiving.

    Alozie said that he organised the event to mark the 25th anniversary since he embraced Christ and began to work in His vineyard.

  • Nigerians must pray for unity in the land – Gowon

    Nigerians must pray for unity in the land – Gowon

    Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), has urged Nigerians to continue to work and pray for the unity of the country.

    He lamented that the country has been facing crises in some parts of the country, pointing out that unity and progress of the country rest on every citizen.

    Gowon, who is the patron of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), spoke with journalists in Akure, the Ondo State, shortly after visiting the state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in his office.

    He expressed optimism that the country situation would change for better.

    The ex- head of state said, “It is unfortunate that the country is facing many crises nowadays, killings in the North, militancy in the South and many crises everywhere. But I believe with prayers, it shall be well with the country.

    “I read in one of the newspapers that the name of Nigeria is no more on the list of countries in economic recession, that shows that things are getting better. So we should not stop praying for the country.”

    The National President of the BSN, Dr. Aron Nuhu, solicited the support of the state government for the association.

    According to him, the association had translated the bible to 24 Nigerian languages and was still making efforts to translate it to more Nigerian languages.

     

     

  • Buhari, Gowon meet in Aso Rock

    Buhari, Gowon meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Gowon said that he was in the Villa to welcome the President back from his leave.

    He said “Let me tell you the honest truth, my coming here today is to thank and welcome Mr. President back from his health issues and problems and to thank God for what He has done for him to have his health back, for him to be able to return back to work.

    “The other thing also is to thank him very much indeed for ringing me from London when he was in London to commiserate with me on the death my sister.

    “This was really very gracious of him; I should have rang to speak to him but of course since I know that he was in hospital I could not do that. But when he rang to condole with me on my sister’s death I was very touched and that also help Nigerians to rejoice especially those who were sending all those very unfortunate message about him and about whatever it is.

    “So I think it was a good thing that was done and Nigerians knew he is still well for him to be able to ring. This is really the purpose of what brought me here.

    “And then also to encourage him ‎to continue to do his work to the best of his ability dealing with all the problems. Day in day out you read in the press of all sorts of things happening, God will give him continued strength and energy to be able to deal with the problems of the country for the good of Nigerians.

    “I’m delighted to be here, to welcome him back and to see him in reasonable good health and able to do whatever he is able to do,” he stated.

     

  • Yakubu Gowon, Diete-Spiff, Emeka Anyaoku give kudos to Oloibiri

    Yakubu Gowon, Diete-Spiff, Emeka Anyaoku give kudos to Oloibiri

    Oloibiri, a movie produced in commemoration of 60 years of commercial oil exploration in Nigeria, was premiered before government officials, industry players and society’s bigwigs last Thursday at MUSON Centre, Lagos.

    Addressing guests at the event, former head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) said that the place of Oloibiri community in the economic history of Nigeria cannot be simply wished away. Oloibiri, he said, occupies a significant position in our national development but only from the 70s.

    “However, it is a fact that it represents the very essence of our first economic lead that laid the foundation for subsequent progression as an oil producing country. And since 1956, the seed that was planted in Oloibiri has spread to other parts of the country.

    “Watching the movie, one cannot but feel the plight of Oloibiri and all other oil producing communities and the people in the land. I quite agree that the movie, Oloibiri mirrors a clear manifestation of the collective negligence and failure of leadership in successive governments of our country,” he said.

    The movie, he added, will help the nation look back at her past and awaken to people’s conscience to take into serious consideration the need for urgent steps to rectify the degradation of the Niger Delta by the oil companies as well as the militants.

    Also speaking at the premiere, former Military Governor and the chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alfred Diete-Spiff, stated that the premiere is coming at no better time than when we are faced with real problems that might seem like minor oversights.

    “There are real omissions which I would like to use this opportunity to mention. Nigeria has 36 states. Every state, by the constitution should have at least 10 Local Governments. Bayelsa Stare has eight.

    “It’s been overlooked. It has just been treated as though it is not important. Oloibiri is now dry. How long would it take before the others get dry? That is the fear that has been agitating the minds of the youths in Niger Delta. Oloibiri can be made to come back to life in these days of creation of states,” he said.

    Chaired by the former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, the premiere was witnessed by casts of the movie, including Nollywood veterans Olu Jacobs, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Richard Mofe-Damijo.

  • Obasanjo, Gowon, Shonekan, Tinubu storm Ikenne for HID Awolowo

    Obasanjo, Gowon, Shonekan, Tinubu storm Ikenne for HID Awolowo

    Dignitaries from all walks of life on Wednesday stormed the  Ikenne, Ogun State, home of the late ex- Premier of the old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, for the burial of his wife,  Hannah Idowu Dideolu ( HID)  Awolowo, who died in September 19.

    The inter-denominational service held at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Kehinde Sofola Way, Ikenne, was graced by former heads of state, past and current governors, politicians, captains of industry, religious leaders and others.  Even the common man on the street was not left out of the carnival-like funeral ceremony in the church and other places in the city.

    Those that attended the interdenominational service were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon,  ex- Head of the Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan,  ex-Chief of General Staff, Oladipo Diya, and the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi.

    Also in attendance were former governors of Ogun State,  Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Otunba Subomi Balogun, ex- Lagos governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and his Ondo State counterpart, Niyi Adebayo.

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, some senators, Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Olusegun Mimiko  (Ondo) Ben Ayade  ( Cross Rivers) , Jubrilla Bindiow (Adamawa), Rauf Aregbesola ( Osun), Abiola Ajimobi  (Oyo), Minister of Health, Prof. Wole Adeosun, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu and business mogul, Aliko Dangote, were also in Ikenne to pay their last respect to the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty.