Danjuma Donates ₦3bn as Gowon Unveils Autobiography “My Life of Duty and Allegiance”

Former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, on Tuesday donated ₦3 billion in support of the public presentation of former Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s autobiography titled “My Life of Duty and Allegiance.”

The event, held in Abuja on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, attracted top government officials, diplomats, senior military officers, and prominent business leaders from across the country.

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony and delivered remarks celebrating Gowon’s legacy and contributions to national unity.

In a moment that drew laughter from guests, Shettima recalled how Nigerians once admired the elegance of Gowon’s wife, the late Victoria Gowon, during state visits.

“When General Yakubu Gowon paid a state visit to the then North East, we all lined up not to see him but to see his elegant and beautiful First Lady, Victoria Gowon. Since her exit, that role became famous with the late Maryam Babangida,” Shettima said.

He also appealed for unity in Plateau State and across the country, describing Gowon as “the last man standing” among Nigeria’s former wartime leaders.

“I urge you, the people of Plateau, as a tribute to the last man standing, let us unite and face our challenges of poverty and insecurity,” he added.

Shettima further recounted an incident shortly after the inauguration of the Tinubu administration, revealing that some persons from Borno had expressed fears over President Tinubu’s frequent use of his traditional attire.

“Barely three months after we were sworn in, some of our people from Borno told President Tinubu, ‘Please stop wearing Shettima’s clothes, he must have charmed them and you are going to die, and he will become the president,’” the Vice President said humorously.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, donated ₦500 million towards the project, while Abdul Samad Rabiu, President of BUA Group, purchased copies of the book worth ₦25 million.

Beyond the financial donation, Danjuma also directed the purchase and distribution of 12 copies of the autobiography to the libraries of each of the 20 universities that awarded Gowon honorary doctorate degrees.

The 20-chapter memoir chronicles Gowon’s life, military career, leadership during the Nigerian Civil War, and his years of national service.

Meanwhile, the book was reviewed by Matthew Kukah, while Danjuma, who served as Chief Presenter, was represented by retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai.