Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), was honoured with a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship under the Abuja Anglican Diocese. The prestigious recognition came at a ceremony held in the Federal Capital Territory, with the event themed: “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event brought together Christian leaders and dignitaries to celebrate men who have consistently demonstrated integrity, truth, and faith-based leadership.
In his address, Gowon reflected on the Nigerian Civil War, describing it as the most challenging period of his life. He emphasized that his actions during the war were not borne out of hatred, but were driven by the difficult task of preserving Nigeria’s unity.
> “I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life,” he said. “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 further stressed that his leadership decisions were guided by prayer, integrity, and compassion, noting that he consistently sought divine direction in making the right choices.
> “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 said.
He echoed the famous post-war philosophy of “No victor, no vanquished” and called for continued efforts toward forgiveness, reconciliation, and national unity across ethnic and religious divides. Gowon also lauded Nigeria’s progress since the war and encouraged citizens to support the government in fostering peace, love, and mutual respect.
Representing former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. John-Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, congratulated the honourees for their consistent example of living with integrity. Quoting Psalm 25:14, he noted that men who fear God are entrusted with His covenant and must continue to live uprightly regardless of societal pressures.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, presided over the event and underscored the critical need for Christians to be steadfast in truth, integrity, and courage. He emphasized that the theme of the convention was timely and necessary, especially as the country faces a moral crisis.
> “This is because when the home is strong, the church will be, and the society also,” the Archbishop said. “We want to encourage people to be unashamedly Christians. They owe nobody any apology for doing the right thing.”
He urged Christians to stand firm in their faith not only at home but also in the workplace and society at large. Quoting Psalm 15:1-5, Archbishop Ndukuba noted that God is still searching for men and women of honour and highlighted the “Four Hs” that define such individuals: heart, head, habit, and humility.
The President of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Diocese, Mr. Isaac Chukwudi, explained that the theme was carefully chosen in response to the moral decay and widespread lack of integrity across various sectors in Nigeria.
> “Integrity is so scarce, both at home and in government,” 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.”
Also honoured at the event were two other distinguished nonagenarians:
Dr. Christopher Kolade, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and
Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, former Minister of Establishment and one-time Chairman of Guarantee Trust Bank.
The honourees were celebrated for their exemplary service to the church, the nation, and humanity at large.
The convention ended on a note of deep reflection and challenge, urging all Nigerian men to rise to the occasion and lead with honour, integrity, and a commitment to truth in a nation in dire need of moral renewal.
