Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), on Saturday in Abuja said the Nigerian Civil War was never driven by hatred, but by a difficult necessity to preserve national unity.
Speaking at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship (CMF) of the Diocese of Abuja, held at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja, Gowon emphasized the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across faiths and ethnicities.
The former military leader, now 91, recalled personal losses during the war, including the death of his friend, Major Arthur Unegbe, for whom he served as best man.
Reflecting on life after that era, he stressed that his decisions have been guided by prayer and a desire to act with integrity and compassion.