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Nigeria’s Unity, Not Negotiable- Gowon

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Gowon Sends Message To Nigerians Ahead Of 2023 Elections

A former Nigerian Head of State, Retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon has reassured that he will continue to work for the unity and oneness of Nigeria.

Gowon made this known in Ibadan during an exhibition in honour of Emeritus Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe, a renowned physicians, to celebrate is 80th birthday.

In his speech, at the event held at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Gowon stated that the unity of the country cannot be negotiated.

According to NAN, he advocated more tolerance and understanding among Nigerians to put an end to the spate of killings in the country.

“You are all aware of my strong desire and commitment for the peace and unity of our nation.

“I want to further add my voice to the call for peace and national unity.

“I want to reiterate in the strongest term that the peace and unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable.

“I will continue to work at achieving the much desired peace and unity that we crave daily for our country.

“I am strongly of the belief that for the future of our nation to be assured, we must strive to build legacies of peace and unity,” Gowon said.

The former leader admonished Nigeria not to get involved in the killing of their fellow country men.

He then described prayers as a formidable weapon that could solve the nation’s many challenges faster.

Gowon, while extolling the virtues of Akinkugbe, said that the professor ranked first in role modelling and was worthy of recognition in the health sector.

“As a university and hospital administrator, his works will continue to speak for him in all the institutions, countries and continents where he has served.

“His membership and fellowship of international professional organisations and societies attest to the quality of his expertise,” he said.

Also, the UCH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Temitope Alonge, in his remarks, said that there was no gainsaying the fact that the country was blessed with talents and icons in various endeavours of daily lives.

For 50 years, the elegant figure of this gentle giant has straddled the length and breadth of Nigeria in many capacities including terrains that were exclusively for the arts and social sciences.

“Today, the medical world stands in admiration as it recounts the contributions and selfless services provided by the Prince of Ondo Kingdom and a man with chieftaincy titles from within and outside the shores of his native land.

“Emeritus Prof. Akinkugbe has rubbed shoulders with the high and mighty in his generation, not minding his humble beginning; he has made his mark in medical practice to the admiration of all to see.

“He has taken so much pleasure in transnational medicine and has mentored grandfathers and fathers of various medical specialties in our country,” he said.