Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has described the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) as the most challenging phase of his life.
He stated that his decisions during the conflict were guided by a sense of duty, not hatred.
Gowon made this remark in Abuja on Saturday while receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship of the Abuja Anglican Diocese.
Speaking at the event themed “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit,” the former military leader reflected on his time in power, noting that preserving national unity during the war came at a personal and moral cost.
“I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life,” Gowon said.
“It was not my choice, but I had to be there and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together. It was never out of hatred against any people, I can assure you,” he added.
He stressed the importance of truth, reconciliation, and forgiveness in Nigeria’s nation-building process and encouraged citizens to embrace unity across religious and ethnic divides.
Gowon, 90, further revealed that his leadership has always been rooted in prayer and a deep desire to act with integrity and compassion. Nigeria: Nigerian fashion
“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do is through prayers,” he said.
“I ask God to help me do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people. That is why, in the end, we said: ‘no victor, no vanquished.’”
He commended Nigeria’s progress since the civil war and urged Nigerians to support government efforts to promote peace and mutual respect.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who served as Chairman of the occasion, was represented by former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, John-Kennedy Opara. Nigeria: Nigerian fashion
He congratulated the awardees for their exemplary lives and enduring integrity.
“These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to bless the nation,” Opara said, citing Psalm 25:14: “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant.”
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, who presided over the convention, praised the honourees and challenged Christian men to be steadfast in truth and courage.
“The home is the foundation. When it is strong, the church and the society will also be strong,” he said. “We must encourage believers to stand unashamedly for righteousness, even in the face of evil.”
Citing Psalm 15:1–5, the Primate outlined the “four Hs” – Heart, Head, Habit, and Humility – as defining attributes of people of honour and integrity whom God seeks to use in today’s society.