General Yakubu Gowon has explained why he wrote his autobiography. He said the book aims to shed light on tough choices made during his time as Nigeria's leader.
The retired military chief will present the memoir publicly on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The event takes place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
President Tinubu will attend as special guest of honour. General Theophilus Danjuma, the former Chief of Army Staff, will formally launch the 881-page book.
Havilah Group published the autobiography. It covers Gowon's early years, his rise to power, and critical moments in Nigeria's past.
The memoir pays particular attention to the Nigerian Civil War. That conflict raged from 1967 to 1970 and reshaped the nation.
Gowon told reporters he wasn't seeking to reopen old wounds. Rather, he wanted to explain his reasoning on policies that others had previously interpreted.
"By choosing to write, I took a conscious decision not to reopen old wounds but to clarify my thinking on policies and plans at a period often narrated by others," Gowon noted.
He added: "My story is one of conviction evaluated by circumstances at the crossroads of expectations and reality."
Lanre Adesuyi, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Havilah Group, called the project historic. According to him, it preserves Nigeria's past and promotes serious national dialogue.
"We consider this project a significant milestone in our journey, one that reflects our commitment to preserving history, promoting thought leadership, and contributing meaningfully to national discourse," Adesuyi stated.
Gowon was born in 1934. He became Head of State on August 1, 1966, during a period of political turbulence.
He ruled Nigeria for nine years. In 1975, he stepped down from power.
After leaving office, Gowon continued his education. He earned a PhD in Political Science from the University of Warwick in 1984.
The autobiography is expected to offer new insights into his years leading the country. Scholars and citizens alike anticipate fresh perspectives on Nigeria's political journey, national unity, and development.
