Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), has revealed that he was not prepared to lead the country when he assumed power at the age of 31.
Gowon, who governed Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, made the revelation during a recent interview with Arise Television. Reflecting on his unexpected rise to power, he admitted that although he had a strong moral foundation, he lacked formal preparation for national leadership.
“It was 31 going to 32, and I had a good upbringing from home, school, and military training,” he said. “I was brought up in a very strict religious environment, so I feel back [insecure] because I was not prepared to rule Nigeria. But I was loyal to my country and Head of State.”
Gowon took the reins of leadership following the assassination of then Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a counter-coup in July 1966. His tenure was marked by one of the most challenging periods in Nigeria’s history — the Biafran civil war (1967–1970).
Despite his initial lack of readiness, Gowon noted that his upbringing and the support of key figures around him helped him navigate the complexities of leadership.
“I was not trained to rule, but my upbringing helped me to learn how to deal with situations the best way you can,” he said. “But of course, you can’t do it alone. You have other people around you.”
Gowon was eventually overthrown in a bloodless coup on July 29, 1975, while attending an Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit in Kampala, Uganda. He was succeeded by General Murtala Mohammed.
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