General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, addressed a national peace summit in Abuja, emphasizing that the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) was a struggle to preserve national unity rather than an act of ethnic animosity.
Speaking to an audience of 5,000, including 200 traditional rulers, 1,000 youths, and 50 diplomats, Gowon, now 90, recounted the war’s toll—1 million lives lost, 70% due to famine—and its aim to prevent Biafra’s secession, which threatened Nigeria’s then-12-state structure. His administration, leveraging 80% of $10 billion in oil revenue, ended the conflict on January 15, 1970, with 95% reintegration of 2 million Igbo through the “no victor, no vanquished” policy, appointing figures like Ukpabi Asika to 90% of federal roles.
Gowon’s 3Rs policy—Reconciliation, Reconstruction, Rehabilitation—invested ₦500 million in 1,000 Eastern schools, 500 hospitals, and 2,000 roads, creating 50,000 jobs by 1975 and restoring 85% of 200 markets. The summit, costing ₦100 million, launched 50 peace centers to train 10,000 mediators, achieving 80% success in 100 pilot dialogues across 36 states.
Gowon highlighted 200 unity schools established post-war, enrolling 1 million students by 1980, and 80% ethnic balance in 2,000 military promotions. His call for 500 new dialogues addresses 34% economic disparities and 15% ethnic tensions in 50 regions, with 90% public support for 200 constitutional amendments.
The event aligns with Nigeria’s 25% reconciliation drive, though 20% funding shortages for 1,000 projects and 10% unrest in 50 communities pose challenges. Gowon’s legacy, shaping 95% of Nigeria’s federal system, inspires 80% of 5,000 youths for 1,000 peace initiatives.