Gowon Unveils Memoir on Civil War, Reflects on Leadership

Yakubu Gowon, the former head of state of Nigeria, has unveiled his memoir, which reflects on his leadership during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. The autobiography, consisting of 881 pages, provides insights into his personal life and the significant events in Nigeria's history.

The book launch is scheduled for May 19, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. The event is expected to attract prominent political figures, military veterans, diplomats, and dignitaries across the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be the special guest of honor, while former Chief of Army Staff Theophilus Danjuma will officiate the unveiling. Gowon stated that the memoir was not intended to revive painful memories but to present a perspective on events that have been interpreted differently over the years.

Gowon served as Nigeria's head of state from August 1, 1966, until his overthrow in 1975 and later pursued further studies, obtaining a PhD in Political Science from the University of Warwick in 1984.