He described Mr Gowon as a living legend, an epitome of unity and oneness of Nigeria, adding that it would require a complete book to summarize Mr Gowon’s contributions to the development of the country.

According to him, he piloted the affairs of the nation during her most difficult moment of the Civil War, which he ended with humility by declaring a ‘No Victor, No Vanquish.

“He followed it up with massive infrastructural development such as roads, railways, airports, hospitals, schools and the expansion of the Ports facilities to clear the Cement Armada required for the massive infrastructural investment of the time via his Triple ‘R’ (Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation).”

He recalled that Mr Gowon introduced the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to foster national unity and cohesion and promulgated the Indigenisation and Nationalisation Decree to empower Nigerians to benefit from the newly found black gold (crude oil).

Mr Tukur, who said that everything about Mr Gowon was about unity, described him as a “true Nigerian whose name is an acronym for unity, ‘Go-On-With-One-Nigeria’, GOWON.”

He applauded the effort of the current administration to bring to total closure on the Nigerian Civil War, just as the United State of America did, by paying the pensions and gratuities of the defunct Biafran soldiers.

“With this national healing, the painful episode of our history as a nation will be totally closed, for us to open a new page that will usher in a new way of life for a stronger, united and economically vibrant Nigeria for this generation and the next generation premised on a solid foundation built by the likes of Gowon.

“General Gowon’s monumental services will remain a reference point in our political, military and governmental history,” Tukur said.

The Guest Speaker, Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state, said Mr Gowon was one of the few public figures he cherished and admired, adding that Gowon had mentored many people across faith.

Speaking on the theme, “Leadership in Troubled Times,” Mr Fayemi described Gowon as a very honest and humble person who dedicated himself to the service of the country at the early stage of his life.

“Gen. Gowon is very special to Ekiti State. Where there are good elders children will not go astray and I recommend him to young Nigerians as a mentor and role model for the younger generation within the political space.

“Gowon has become to Nigeria what Abraham Lincoln is to the US. He doesn’t criticised current president rather advise him in secret. He commands the respect of Nigerians across faiths.

Similarly, Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau State described the former head of state as a rare gift to the state, Nigeria, and the world.

In a birthday message by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Makut Macham, on Saturday, Mr Lalong said Mr Gowon’s lifestyle and enormous sacrifices toward nation-building and global peace were exemplary.

“Gen. Gowon is a distinguished statesman, gentleman, prayer warrior and bridge builder.

“Continue to provide inspiration and hope for the nation as it wades through its challenges.

“While wishing you good health, God’s grace and divine strength, I urge you not to relent in deploying your wealth of experience and knowledge in the pursuit of unity and national integration,” he said.

The governor also said that Mr Gowon’s sense of duty and responsibility throughout his military career and other national and international assignments remained a shining example for generations to come.

(NAN)