Gowon is Nigeria’s Winston Churchill – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described former Head of State Yakubu Gowon as a celebrated leader and likened him to the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Obasanjo, speaking at the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI), conference in Abuja on Monday, extolled Gowon’s exceptional leadership, noting that few leaders receive recognition during their lifetime.

While lamenting the decline in global leadership standards, Obasanjo warned against state actors meddling in crucial matters without a deep understanding of their implications. He called for visionary and ethical leadership in Africa, stating: “Only a few leaders are appreciated in their lifetime. General Gowon, I envy you because you are appreciated while still alive. That, too, is the grace of God in your life. You are like Winston Churchill.

“Winston Churchill fought tirelessly for the British Empire, yet he was unappreciated, called a warmonger, and even voted out of Parliament. Still, before he died, he was named ‘Man of the Century’.”

Obasanjo further reflected on how many great leaders, including religious figures like Jesus Christ, were not celebrated during their lifetimes.