Former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma, and business mogul Aliko Dangote were among top figures who made major financial contributions at the public presentation of former Head of State Yakubu Gowon’s autobiography in Abuja.
At the event held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Danjuma donated ₦3 billion, while Dangote contributed ₦500 million. Abdul-Samad Rabiu, President of BUA Group, also acquired copies of the book worth ₦25 million.
Dangote’s donation was announced through his representative, who confirmed the purchase of multiple copies of the memoir. Danjuma also facilitated the distribution of copies of the book to universities that had previously awarded Gowon honorary doctorates.
The launch of the 20-chapter memoir, titled “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” attracted top government officials, diplomats, and senior military officers, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu.
The book was reviewed by Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, while Danjuma’s remarks were delivered by a former Chief of Defence Staff, Martin Luther Agwai.
In his reflections, Danjuma praised Gowon’s leadership during Nigeria’s civil war era, highlighting his reconciliation efforts under the “no victor, no vanquished” philosophy, which he said helped restore unity and national healing after the conflict.
He described Gowon as a leader whose commitment to national unity and stability played a key role in Nigeria’s post-war recovery and long-term cohesion.
