Yakubu Gowon Biography, Education, Career, Controversies, And Net Worth

Maria Olanrewaju | October 10, 2023 | Find It | No Comments

Yakubu Dan-Yumma “Jack” Gowon is a retired Nigerian army general who played a pivotal role in the nation’s history. Born on 19th October 1934, Gowon served as the head of state of Nigeria. During his tenure, he presided over the Nigerian Civil War and delivered the iconic “no victor, no vanquished” speech aimed at promoting healing and reconciliation. Despite his intentions, the Nigerian Civil War remains one of the deadliest in modern history, and Gowon has faced accusations of crimes against humanity and genocide. He has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that his leadership was instrumental in saving the country from further turmoil.

Yakubu Gowon Profile

Name	General Yakubu Gowon
Real Name	Yakubu Dan-Yumma “Jack” Gowon
Date of Birth	19 October 1934
Age	89 years
State of Origin	Plateau State
Tribe	Berom
Nationality	Nigerian
Occupation	Retired Nigerian army general and former head of state of Nigeria
Religion	Islam
Marital Status	Married
Net Worth	$6 Million
Copied from	contents101.com

Educational Background

Yakubu Gowon’s journey to leadership began with his educational pursuits. He is an alumnus of prestigious institutions: Barewa College: This provided the foundation for his education. Royal Military Academy Sandhurst: He received training here, a significant step in his military career. Staff College, Camberley, UK: Further military education, enhancing his skills. Joint Staff College, Latimer: This contributed to his military expertise. In addition to his military training, he continued his education, earning a doctorate from the University of Warwick.

Career

Yakubu Gowon’s career was marked by his prominent role in the Nigerian military and his leadership as head of state. Here’s a detailed overview of his career:

Gowon joined the Nigerian Army in 1954. He received his commission as a second lieutenant on his 21st birthday in 1955. He underwent training at prestigious institutions, including the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK (1955–56), Staff College in Camberley, UK (1962), and the Joint Staff College in Latimer (1965).

He participated in peacekeeping missions as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force during the Congo Crisis in 1960–61 and 1963. Yakubu Gowon’s ascent to power came in the wake of the July 1966 counter-coup in Nigeria. He was sworn in as the head of state of Nigeria on 1 August 1966, following a period of political instability in the country. His leadership marked the consolidation of military rule in Nigeria.

Yakubu Gowon served as the head of state of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the country’s history. His time in office included significant political and social challenges, including the Nigerian Civil War. One of the most prominent aspects of Gowon’s career was his leadership during the Nigerian Civil War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970.

He presided over a controversial period marked by war, human suffering, and loss of life. His administration declared the end of the war with the famous “no victor, no vanquished” speech, aimed at promoting reconciliation and healing in the country.

Yakubu Gowon’s rule came to an end with his overthrow in a coup d’état on 29 July 1975 by Brigadier Murtala Mohammed. His ouster marked a significant shift in Nigerian politics and leadership. After leaving office, Gowon pursued further education and obtained a doctorate at the University of Warwick.

He became a professor of political science at the University of Jos in the mid-1980s. In 1992, he founded the Yakubu Gowon Centre, an organization that focuses on issues such as good governance and healthcare initiatives in Nigeria.

Controversies

While Yakubu Gowon is recognized for his efforts to unite Nigeria after a tumultuous period, the shadow of controversy looms over his legacy. The Nigerian Civil War, with its tragic toll on human lives, remains a subject of debate. Accusations of crimes against humanity and genocide have been leveled against him. These controversies have persisted, shaping the discourse surrounding his leadership.

In recent times, a statement by MP Tom Tugendhat in November 2020 added to the controversies. Tugendhat accused Gowon of looting “half of the Central Bank of Nigeria” after his overthrow in the 1975 coup d’état. This marked the first attempt to link Gowon with corruption, sparking backlash within Nigeria and even international diplomatic repercussions. The Foreign Office distanced itself from the comment, emphasizing that it did not reflect the views of the British government.

Yakubu Gowon, recently refuted false claims of his demise. In a telephone conversation with Vanguard, the retired Army general asserted his vitality and expressed bewilderment regarding the baseless origin of such rumors.

Yakubu Gowon Social Media Handles

Yakubu Gowon did not maintain active personal social media profiles. However, you may find official pages or references to his work and initiatives through online sources.

Personal Life

Gowon’s background and personal life add depth to his character. He hails from the Ngas (Angas) community and was born in Kanke, British Nigeria (now Kanke, Nigeria). He was the fifth of eleven children, and his parents were dedicated CMS missionaries.

Gowon’s life has been enriched by his family. He married Miss Victoria Zakari, a trained nurse, in 1969. Their union took place at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos. This personal aspect of his life reflects his commitment to family and community.