former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) has described the Nigerian Civil War (from 6 July 1967 to 15 January 1970) as the most challenging period of his life.
Gowon made this known on Saturday in Abuja after being honoured with a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese.
The theme of the award ceremony is “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit.”
Gowon explained that his decisions during the Civil War were never driven by hatred but by the difficult necessity of preserving national unity.
He urged people to always stand for the truth and stressed the need for forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across faiths and ethnicities.
“I always remember the Civil War. It was the most challenging period of my life.
“It was not my choice, but I had to be there and do what I did to keep this country together.
“It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you,” he stated.
Reflecting on life after that period, the former Head of State stressed that prayers had often guided his decisions and a desire to act with integrity and compassion.
“As far as this heart is concerned, everything I do is through prayer.
“I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people.
“That is why, in the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” he added.
Gowon also lauded the progress Nigeria has made since the Civil War.
He called on all citizens to support the government’s efforts to uphold peace, love, and mutual respect.
The Chairman of the occasion, former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by John-Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, congratulated the honourees on their consistency in living with integrity.
He said, “These men have touched lives, and God has used them differently to feel the nation.
“The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.”
Quoting Psalm 25:14, he called on men to live right and stand for integrity, regardless of the situation.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, who presided over the convention, commended the honourees and urged Christians to uphold truth, integrity, and courage.
According to him, the programme theme is apt because Christians must be encouraged to stand for the Lord right from their homes.
He also encouraged Christians to stand firm in society, their workplaces, and their businesses.
The Anglican Primate said that Nigeria needed men and women of honour and integrity, leaders willing to serve the people rather than corruptly accumulate wealth.
“This is because when the home is strong, the church and society will be. So, we want to encourage people to be unashamedly Christian.
“They owe nobody any apology for doing the right thing; many good people are not taking their stand, which is why evil men thrive.
“They should stand unashamedly for the right, for the truth, and also fight for that which is good. I believe the light will shine brighter and brighter with time,” he said.
Quoting Psalm 15:15, he stressed that God was still searching for men and women of honour and integrity, defined by what he described as the “four Hs.”
He listed the four attributes as Heart, Head, Habit, and Humility.
Mr Isaac Chukwudi, President of the Christian Men’s Fellowship in Abuja Diocese, said the prevalence of bankruptcy of integrity in the country informed the choice of the event’s theme.
“Integrity is so scarce, both at home and in government, and that was why we chose the theme to instill in men the spirit of living well.
“We need to build integrity from home, and these are the men to speak to where the leaders will emerge from to better the situation in Nigeria,” he said.
The two other nonagenarians were also honoured for their exemplary service to the church, the nation, and humanity.
They are Dr Christopher Kolade, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, former Minister of Establishment and Chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank.