Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State yesterday congratulated former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), on his 86th birthday.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, the governor described Gowon as a symbol of national unity.

According to him, the ex-military ruler’s template of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction after the civil war of 1967 has remained the cornerstone of stability in the country.

Okowa lauded Gowon’s nation-building efforts, recalling that it was part of the process of fostering enduring unity in the country that he created the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).