A former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), has said that he was scared when he became the nation’s leader on Lammas , 1966 at the relatively young age of 31.
The retired military general became the third Nigerian Head of State and therefore the youngest ever in August 1966.
At the time, he served the longest tenure in Nigerian history as military head of state between 1966–1975.
On July 29, 1975, while Gowon was attending an Organisation of African Union summit in Kampala, Uganda, a gaggle of military officers led by Colonel Joe Nanven Garba announced his overthrow.
Brigadier Murtala Muhammad was named by the coup plotters as the new Head of State, with Brigadier Olusegun Obasanjo as his deputy.
Speaking on Friday at Nigeria’s first computer game history competition organised by ANISZA Foundation and Gallery to commemorate its second annual anniversary, Gowon said he never planned to become Head of State.
The programme was a part of activities marking the nation’s 60th independence anniversary.
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At the virtual event, which was moderated by Founder and Curator of ANISZA Foundation and Gallery, Novo Isioro, Gowon added that his ambition then was just to be be an honest soldier.
“The former Head of State hung out with many Nigerian youth who participated within the virtual event which was also the debut of the ‘Heart of the Matter with Novo Isioro,’ a web chat show where the host will raise problems with peace and unity among Nigerians and globally.
“The octogenarian who relived a number of his life experiences and counselled young Nigerians on the proper attitudes and values further engaged the participants at the virtual event on National issues, particularly the role played by young people, can play in national growth.
“Among the participants were also select school children who are members of the ANISZA School Club, a number of whom sat around Isioro during the conversation with the previous Head of State.
“General Gowon also interacted with the participants on issues starting from their identities, views on ‘one Nigeria’ and their personal commitments to make sure the state remains united.
“The Plateau State-hailed general also reiterated his faith within the Nigerian youth and therefore the country’s potential for greatness, noting that ‘we are often ready to sleep in peace and unity regardless of religion and tribe.
“With tons of wits and humour, he also admonished children , traditional and non secular institutions to require up the responsibility of securing the national identity, saying everyone has major roles to play in harnessing national values which will spur growth and development across all sectors of the Nigerian life,” a press release by Isioro read.
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