Former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, on Tuesday, donated N3 billion at a public presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), in Abuja.
Similarly, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of the Dangote Group, also launched the book with a donation of N500 million.
The public 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.
Also, in attendance were 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 (CDS), Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (
Aside making 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 former leader 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.
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.
The book reviewer was Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto.
