8 memorable pictures of Yakubu Gowon to appreciate his 82nd birthday
General Yakubu Dan-Yumma Gowon is a Nigerian politician who was the head of the Federal Military Government in Nigeria from 1966 to 1975. He was born on 19 October 1934 and he is 82 years old today.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon
During his leaderships, he notably helped fight of the Biafran secession during the Nigerian Civil War thus preventing Nigeria from breaking up. He was one of the youngest head of states at the time, at 31 years of age.
Yakubu was eventually overthrown then went into exile in the United Kingdom and acquired a PhD in political science at University of Warwick. He returned to Nigeria in the 1983.
To celebrate our wartime leader’s birthday, here are eight memorable photos of him:
1. Yakubu Gowon and his wife at an event.
Yakubu Gowon and wife. Photo credit: Olukorede Yishua.
This photo was taken in 2016 at the 80th birthday thanksgiving service of Chief Ernest Shonekan, the former head of interim national government. Yakubu was seen helping his wife, Victoria, with her necklace.
READ ALSO: Controversy: Revealed! How Gowon led Nigerian into bondage – Ego-Alowes
2. Yakubu Gowan in Britain.
Yakubu Gowon on a state visit to Britain during his leadership
This photo is of Yakubu Gowon on one of his state visits to Britain in the 1960s. Here, he is addressing the crowd with his wife seated to his left.
3. Yakubu Gowan and President Buhari.
Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon and President Muhammadu Buhari
Current Nigerian President Buhari was sworn in to power in May, 2015 and this photo is of Yakubu Gowon and President Buhari exchanging pleasantries.
READ ALSO: Judges’ arrest: Former head of state Yakubu Gowon laments on its implication
4. Yakubu Gowon arriving in Britain.
This iconic photo is of Yakubu Gowon arriving in Britain in the 1960 for his state visit. His wife is beside him. Both of them were well received by Queen Elizabeth II.
5. Yakubu Gowon at a conference.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon
Yakubu is still active in politics and makes time to attend political functions and give interviews regarding his leadership or thoughts on Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Gowon: Buhari took over Aso Rock like a combatant (photos)
6. Yakubu Gowon awarding the youngest PhD holder in Nigeria.
Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon – Abubakar and UNILAG’s Pro-Chancellor Prof Jerry Gana in 2014
Yakubu famously said: “The worth of a child born and bred in Nigeria cannot be compared to that in the United States.” This photo was taken of him awarding, Olaoluwa Hallowed Oluwadara who got a PhD in Mathematics at 24 years from UNILAG and was the youngest in Nigeria.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Obasanjo, Gowon join President Buhari at his book launch (PHOTOS)
7. Yakubu Gowon during his leadership.
Yakubu Gowon during his leadership
Yakubu once said: “Honestly, it was not my intention to be a Head of State. It was by providence. I never planned to be Head of State. If there was anything I planned to be, it was to rise to be General Officer Commanding the Nigerian Army but not becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian armed forces.”
READ ALSO: Nigeria: 56 years of independence from British colonialism
8. Yakubu Gowon at his wedding in 1969.
Yakubu Gowon at his wedding
On April 19, 1969, Yakubu Gowon married Victoria Zakari, in Lagos. The wedding happened while the civil war was ongoing. The couple have been married for 47 years.
The post 8 memorable pictures of Yakubu Gowon to appreciate his 82nd birthday appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read Naij.com 24/7.