Yakubu Gowon Turns 92: A Look Back at His Life, Leadership and Family

Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon turns 92 today. Born on October 19, 1934, in Pankshin, present-day Plateau State, he rose through the Nigerian Army after training in Ghana and the United Kingdom. Gowon became Nigeria’s military Head of State after the July 1966 counter-coup. He led the country through the civil war, created 12 states in 1967 and later played a role in the formation of ECOWAS. He was removed from office in 1975, pardoned in 1981 and had his military rank restored in 1987. He married Victoria Zakari in 1969 and they have children together. Gowon also publicly acknowledged Musa Jack Gowon as his son in 2016 after a DNA test resolved a long-running paternity dispute. In later years, Gowon earned a doctorate in political science and became widely regarded as an elder statesman in Nigeria.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.