Yakubu Gowon is a Nigerian general and statesman who was military head of state of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, the longest continuous period for any Nigerian head of state. Born on 19 October 1934 into the minority Ngas people of northern Nigeria, he was raised in Zaria by missionary parents, joined the army in 1954 and trained at Sandhurst. He served with the United Nations force in the Congo and became chief of staff after the January 1966 coup. He rose to power after the counter-coup of July 1966 and led the federal side in the Nigerian Civil War, ending it with his speech of no victor, no vanquished. He was overthrown in a coup in 1975 led by Murtala Mohammed.
Facts
Role
Role (category) Role (category) RoleNigerian general and military head of state 1 Connections
In Era
Source Yakubu Gowon (Wikipedia)
Ruled
Source Yakubu Gowon (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Yakubu Gowon (Wikipedia)
Lead, role description
is a Nigerian general and statesman who served as the military head of state of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975
Lead, statesman
is a Nigerian general and statesman who served as the military head of state of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975
Early life
He grew up in Zaria and had his early life and education there.
Lead, birth date
born 19 October 1934
In Era: The African Independence Era, Lead, rule of Nigeria
served as the military head of state of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975
Ruled: Nigeria, Lead, head of state
served as the military head of state of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975
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