Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), described the Nigerian Civil War period, which lasted from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970, as the most difficult period of his life. He shared this reflection 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 event was themed: “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit.”

General Gowon emphasized that his decisions during the civil war were not driven by hatred but by the critical necessity to preserve national unity. “I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life,” he stated. “It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together. It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you.” He urged people to consistently stand for the truth and stressed the vital need for forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across diverse faiths and ethnicities.

Reflecting on his life after that tumultuous period, General Gowon highlighted that his decisions have often been guided by prayers and a steadfast desire to act with integrity and compassion. “As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers. 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,” he explained. This guiding principle led to his famous declaration at the war's end: “No victor, no vanquished.”

General Gowon also commended the progress Nigeria has achieved since the civil war. He called upon all citizens to actively support the government’s ongoing efforts to uphold peace, love, and mutual respect throughout the nation, fostering an environment of harmony and collective advancement.

The award ceremony was part of the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship of the Abuja Anglican Diocese. The chairman of the occasion, former President Goodluck Jonathan, was represented by John-Kennedy Opara, a former executive secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission. Mr. Opara congratulated the honourees for their consistent dedication to living with integrity. “These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation,” he remarked, quoting Psalm 25:14: “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” He encouraged men to live righteously and stand for integrity, regardless of circumstances.

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, who presided over the convention, also commended the honourees. He urged Christians to steadfastly uphold truth, integrity, and courage. According to Archbishop Ndukuba, the theme of the program was particularly apt due to the pressing need to encourage Christians to stand for the Lord, beginning in their homes and extending into society, their workplaces, and businesses.

Archbishop Ndukuba further stated that Nigeria is in dire need of men and women of honour and integrity—leaders willing to genuinely serve the people rather than corruptly amassing wealth. “When the home is strong, the church will be, and the society also. So we want to encourage people to be unashamedly Christians,” he said. “They owe nobody any apology for doing the right thing; many good people are not taking their stand, and that is why evil men thrive. They should stand unashamedly for the right, for the truth and also fight for that which is good.” Quoting Psalm 15:1-5, he noted that God seeks individuals of honour and integrity, characterized by what he termed the “four Hs”: Heart, Head, Habit, and Humility.

Mr. Isaac Chukwudi, President of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Diocese, explained that the event’s theme was chosen due to the prevalent “bankruptcy of integrity” in the country. “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,” he said. “We need to build integrity from the home, and these are the men to speak to where the leaders will emerge from to better the situation in Nigeria.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that two other nonagenarians were also honoured alongside General Gowon in recognition of their exemplary service to the church, the nation, and humanity. They were Dr. Christopher Kolade, a former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, a former Minister of Establishment and former Chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank.