President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, described the autobiography of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, as a vital national document that offers enduring lessons on leadership, reconciliation, regional cooperation and the preservation of Nigeria’s unity.

Lauding Gowon, former President Goodluck Jonathan said many of the policies introduced during his administration remain highly relevant to Nigeria’s development.

Other leaders joined in eulogising Gowon, citing his famous ‘No Victor No Vanquished’ declaration that ended Nigeria’s 30-month civil war in 1970.

Tinubu also called for the memoir to be widely circulated across the country, describing it as part of Nigeria’s civic inheritance that should guide future generations.

Speaking at the public presentation of the book, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the reflections of leaders who witnessed defining moments in the country’s history remain crucial to strengthening democratic stability and national cohesion.

He warned that nations that fail to preserve their historical memory risk repeating past mistakes and drifting into uncertainty and division.

“A nation that misplaces its memory soon begins to quarrel with its own reflection. A society without memory becomes an orphan in time,” the President said.

He particularly praised Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation policy, especially the declaration of “No victor, no vanquished,” describing it as one of the defining principles that helped preserve Nigeria’s unity after the civil war.

Citing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as one of the enduring legacies of Gowon’s administration, Tinubu noted that the scheme helped bridge ethnic, cultural and religious divides across generations.

Earlier, Gowon had said he wrote the memoir to tell his side of history rather than sit in judgment over events or individuals.

He said his personal story became inseparable from Nigeria’s history, making it necessary to document his experiences and stewardship.

Jonathan, who chaired the occasion, described the memoir as a significant contribution to preserving Nigeria’s institutional memory and deepening public understanding of critical moments in the nation’s history.

He commended Gowon for his vision of a united and prosperous Nigeria, saying many of the former leader’s legacies continue to shape national development.

Reviewing the book, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, described it as a vivid account of Nigeria’s turbulent history, the civil war and Gowon’s personal journey through periods of national crisis.

He noted that while autobiographies reflect personal perspectives, the memoir offered valuable insights into events during Gowon’s administration and remains important as Nigeria navigates similar challenges.

Kukah also prayed for Nigeria’s continued unity and progress, expressing optimism about the country’s future.

In his welcome address, Chief Executive Officer of Havilah Group, Lanre Adesuyi, described the publication of biographies as a civic responsibility essential for preserving history and promoting thought leadership.

He said Gowon’s autobiography represented an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical documentation and should be widely read by students and scholars interested in the country’s political evolution.

Former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, launched the 20-chapter memoir with N3 billion.

The event, which attracted top government officials, diplomats and senior military officers, also witnessed a N500 million donation from businessman Aliko Dangote in support of the book launch.

Nigerian businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu purchased copies for N25 million.

In addition to the N3 billion donation, Danjuma directed that 12 copies of the autobiography be purchased and distributed to the libraries of each of the 20 universities that awarded Gowon honorary doctorate degrees.