As torrents of accolades and best wishes from different quarters both on the shores of the country and beyond rained on a former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon GCFR, as he clocks 90 years old, former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye has added his voice in eulogizing the elder statesman.
Sen. Dariye praised Gowon saying he is a true and committed Nationalist who has served the country meritoriously leaving behind indelible footprints on the sands of time that have been shining examples for present leaders in the Country to follow.
According to him, Gowon has done his best in keeping the country one when he inherited a problem caused by a group of army officers who staged the January 15, 1966, coup and the mutiny that followed six months which threatened the corporate existence of the country when he was made Head of State.
He hinted that while in power, Gowon has set policies that set the country on the path of progress and prosperity by splitting it into 12 states for rapid development.
The former Senator who represented Plateau Central Senatorial District in the National from 2011-2018, added that the nonagenarian while holding sway as Commander in Chief, introduced the NYSC programme for national integration, unity and cohesion, and made Nigerians masters in their country by indigenizing the economy. Other achievements mentioned by the former legislator were the introduction of universal primary education for the rapid growth of education at the grassroots, creation of Federal Advanced Teachers College turned Federal College of Education Pankshin which now is converted to Federal University of Education, and so many infrastructures in all the states of the federation which are still pillars holding the nation.
Dariye also praised him for fighting and ending guinea worm in Africa through his NGO, and the introduction of a prayer group, Nigeria Prays, which encourages citizens to pray for those in authority for good governance to thrive.
The former governor said Gowon contributed immensely to the restoration of democracy in Plateau state when it came under attack by the infamous State of Emergency in 2004 declared by then Federal Government where he asked for the lifting as his 70th birthday gift from then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
Dariye further said Gowon cannot be excluded from the achievements of J.D. Gomwalk the first administrator of Benue-Plateau State, because he appointed him as the administrator.
He stated that Gowon was corrupt free as Head of State and did not amass illicit wealth to the detriment of the country; and identified him as a father, mentor, leader per excellent, elder statesman, nationalist and a genuine pan Plateau, Nigeria and Africa.
The former governor added that Gowon as an illustrious Son of Plateau, has projected the state in good light and indeed the state is really proud of him; and finally wishes Gowon more years ahead in divine strength, health, knowledge and wisdom to keep guiding leaders in the right direction.
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