By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
Benue State governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has extended warm felicitations to former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, as the elder statesman marks his 91st birthday.
Alia in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, issued Sunday in Makurdi, described General Gowon as “a man of integrity” whose steadfast belief in “One Nigeria” has remained a guiding light for the nation.
Governor Alia in the statement highlighted Gowon’s post‑civil‑war program of Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation,noting that the initiative was pivotal in repairing the extensive damage to the economy and infrastructure—particularly in the Eastern region—and in healing the wounds of the war to keep Nigeria united.
The Governor also commended the nonagenarian for his continued impact through the Yakubu Gowon Centre, an organization dedicated to promoting good governance and combating infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, guinea worm, and malaria across the country.
He prayed that God grant General Gowon good health and long life, so that current and future leaders may continue to draw from his wisdom and wealth of experience.
