Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has felicitated with former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), on his 88th birthday.

The Chairman, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, in a message, yesterday, described Gowon as one of the most refined and patriotic leaders Nigeria ever produced.

According to Lalong, apart from fighting to keep Nigeria one, the elder statesman has remained a father to the nation many years after leaving office and continues to support successive administrations through prayer, counsel and strategic engagement towards addressing the country’s challenges.

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Dr. Makut Macham, in a statement yesterday, quoted Lalong as saying that as an elder statesman, Gowon has devoted his time, energy and resources in mobilising help for the less-privileged in the society, mobilising funds from local and global partners to tackle diseases, illiteracy, poverty and hunger among others.