Yakubu Gowon to Launch Autobiography on May 19, 2026

Yakubu Gowon, the former Head of State of Nigeria, is set to launch his autobiography on May 19, 2026, in Abuja. The event is expected to attract high-profile attendees, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who will serve as the special guest of honor, and General Theophilus Danjuma, the former Chief of Army Staff.

The autobiography, an 881-page book published by Havilah Group, offers a personal account of Gowon's life and leadership journey, reflecting on significant moments in Nigeria's history, including the 30-month Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. Gowon aims to provide clarity on decisions made during his administration rather than reopening painful memories of the past.

Lanre Adesuyi, the Chief Executive Officer of Havilah Group, emphasized the autobiography's importance as a contribution to Nigeria's historical documentation and national discourse. Gowon, born in 1934, served as Nigeria's Head of State from August 1, 1966, for nine years and later obtained a PhD in Political Science from the University of Warwick in 1984.