Former Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, on Tuesday donated ₦3 billion at the public presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, in Abuja.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, also supported the launch with a donation of ₦500 million.

The presentation of the 20-chapter autobiography, titled My Life of Duty and Allegiance, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and senior military officers.

Danjuma, who served as the chief presenter at the event, was represented by a former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai.

Apart from the financial donation, Danjuma directed that 12 copies of the book be purchased and distributed to the libraries of each of the 20 universities that had awarded honorary doctorate degrees to Gowon over the years.

In his tribute, Danjuma described Gowon as Nigeria’s foremost living statesman, an international icon, and a wartime commander whose leadership prevented the country from disintegrating.

“Gen. Gowon is not only a household name in Nigeria but also a globally acknowledged leader with an impeccable record in leadership, nation-building, and military strategy.

“His well-known slogan of ‘no victor, no vanquished’ after the civil war set the tone for an effective post-war policy of reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation,” Danjuma said.

The retired general noted that his friendship with Gowon spanned more than 70 years, dating back to their childhood in the Wusasa area of Zaria. He described the memoir as “a treasure trove of history” and “a gift to the world”.

Similarly, Mr. Mansur Ahmed, representing Dangote, announced the purchase of 25 copies of the book for ₦500 million in honour of the former Head of State.

Ahmed, a Senior Adviser to Dangote, stated that the business magnate had been a 10-year-old primary school pupil when Gowon led the nation through one of its most turbulent periods.

He said Gowon’s successful efforts to keep Nigeria united created the stable environment that enabled Dangote to grow up and build a pan-African business empire.

NAN reports that other corporate leaders and dignitaries also made substantial purchases of the book at the event, including Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, President of BUA Group, who procured copies valued at ₦25 million.

The agency further reports that the book was reviewed by Bishop Matthew Kukah, a prominent Catholic cleric, author, and social commentator who has served as Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto since 2011.