“And because by the grace of God who has given you the longevity of life and who has given me a little bit to be following you, I will just thank God on your behalf that God has made you to reach 90.”
The chairman of the occasion, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, while also speaking at the event, hailed Gowon as a symbol of ‘unity, humility and accommodation’ in the country.
According to him, Gowon came into power at a time of necessity following the 1966 military coup.
The Sultan said Nigeria is lucky to have a statesman like Gowon live such long and healthy life.
“He laid the foundation for continuity and stability; we owe him immense gratitude for the perseverance and tenacity in keeping this country in one piece and at peace with itself.
“Nigeria is exceptionally lucky to have a statesmen of his age in full consciousness. Not many countries are really lucky to have such statement that lives this long and in relatively good health,” Sultan Abubakar said.
The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwunmi Adesina, also attended the event and presented a keynote speech.
During his speech, Adesina announced that the AfDB will establish a Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank for Nigeria which is part of its support for young people.
“I am delighted to announce here today that just three days ago, the African Development Bank’s board of directors approved $100m for the establishment of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank for Nigeria,” he said.
Adesina said the move underscores AfDB’s resolve to support youths who he believes are critical to the development of the country. (Channels TV)
