Celebration of Gowon at 90: We did not receive a dime from FG,—:Jerry Gana, *** calls on Nigerians to honour the nation’s ICON

By David Odama

Former minister of Information and National Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana Thursday denounced rumours making the rounds that the federal government was financing the 90th birth day of the former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon.

Professor Gana was quick to explain that the 90th birth day celebration of the former head of state was purely the arrangements of General Gowon’s family members, friends, and the general’s associate.

Addressing media to herald the activities earmarked to for the commencement of the celebration in Abuja Thursday, the former information minister said the planning only secured the state House banquet hall because of their inability to secure the International Conference Centre due to the renovation work currently going on at the ICC.

He said the Planning Committee acted within the specific instructions of General Gowon not seek financial of any aspects of the Birthday anniversary from the federal government.
Based his wish family members, friends, and mentees respected that wish. “The celebrant made it clear that his 90th birthday should be strictly a private affair.” Said Prof Gana

According to the Chairman of the National Planning Committee, “by the grace of God His Excellency, General, Dr Yakubu Gowon will turn 90 on Saturday, 19th October, 2024. To facilitate preparations for this historic celebration, a public lecture is to be delivered by Dr Akinwumi A Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, on October 18th, 2024.

The public lecture will be Chaired by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III. at the ECOWAS secretariat, Asokoro, Abuja from 4 pm on Friday 18 the October, 2024 and is expected to be magnificent,” Prof. Jerry Gana declared.

Prof. Gana explained further that a Thanksgiving service is slated for Saturday October 19th at the National Ecumenical Centre Abuja at 2pm and will be presided by over by the primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion and His Eminence, the president of CAN among 51 other clergy that indicates to attend including John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Bishop Enoch Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo among others.

According to Professor Jerry Gana who noted that General Gowon was a gift to Nigeria acknowledged the vital contributions of Dr Yakubu Gowon to nation building and National integration including by setting up of Federal Government Colleges, establishment of the NYSC amongst other institutions designed to unite the Nigerian people.

“General Dr. Yakubu Gowon has done a lot for this country. We need to celebrate him, honour him beyond his being the only surviving head of state celebrating 90 years”, prof. Gana state.

“We invite you gentlemen of the press to help us disseminate information on the activities lined up for the celebration of the Nations ICON General Dr Yakubu Gowon.” Other members of the planning committee that attended the press briefing include Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, who is Secretary to the Committee, Hon. Labaran Maku Former Minister of Information and Dr. Mike Omeri, Former Director General of the National Orientation Agency