Personal aide to former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon has refuted the rumoured death of his principal.
The aide, Adeyeye Ajayi on Monday was reacting to some social media users who claimed that Gowon had passed away.
But Ajayi, in a statement sent to NTA, said the former military leader is alive.
“I am still around and well. I am not in a hurry,” the statement quoted the former military leader as saying.
Meanwhile, according to Gist News report, the former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has praised the establishment of Federal Government Colleges, commonly known as Unity Schools, as a triumph in fostering friendship among young people across Nigeria. Gowon expressed his sentiments in the foreword of a new book called Coral Beads, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) in Benin City.
The initiative to establish 12 additional Unity Schools in 1973 was inspired by Gowon’s visit to one of the first three Federal Government Colleges in Sokoto. This visit took place in 1970, shortly after the end of the Nigerian civil war. At that time, only three Unity Schools existed, but Gowon considered his visit to be a pivotal and transformative moment in his life.
In his writing, Gowon fondly reminisced on the sense of unity and camaraderie he observed among the students during his visit. Regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds, the students interacted joyfully and cordially with one another as though the trauma of the civil war had not occurred. This experience taught Gowon a valuable lesson in reconciliation. Inspired by what he witnessed, Gowon took the initiative to establish more Unity Schools in the remaining 12 states of the federation.
The Coral Beads book, spanning 400 pages, is a compilation of various stories encompassing first-hand experiences, academic achievements, arts and culture, memorable times, and significant milestones of FGGC Benin. The book shares the same title as the school’s magazine, which was first published in the 1975/1976 session. Enuma Chigbo, on behalf of the publishers, FGGC Benin Old Girls’ Association, stated that the book serves as a platform to showcase and celebrate the contributions of the school in shaping the lives of its students.
“Our goal is simply to showcase the impact of this remarkable institution in our lives,” said Chigbo, highlighting the profound influence the school has had on its alumni.
General Yakubu Gowon’s acknowledgment of the success of Federal Government Colleges, known as Unity Schools, emphasizes their significant role in fostering friendships among young people in Nigeria.
The publication of Coral Beads, a collection of stories highlighting the history and achievements of FGGC Benin, serves as a testament to the lasting impact of these educational institutions.
