Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has described the Nigerian Civil War as the most difficult period of his life, stating that the decisions he took during that time were driven by necessity and not hatred.

Gowon spoke on Saturday in Abuja while receiving the Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Diocese of the Anglican Church. He reflected on the challenges he faced as the country’s leader during the conflict between 1967 and 1970, and emphasised the importance of truth, forgiveness, and unity in national life.

“I always remember the Civil War. It was the most difficult period of my life. It was not my choice, but I had to be there and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together,” he said. “It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you.”

Gowon, who was Nigeria’s military head of state during the war, said his decisions then and since have always been guided by prayer and a desire to act with compassion and fairness.

“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers. I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people,” he said. “That is why, at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished.”

He also noted that Nigeria has made progress since the end of the war, and called on citizens to support efforts to build peace and uphold values that promote mutual respect.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by John-Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, chaired the event. In his remarks, Opara praised the award recipients for their commitment to integrity and service, saying, “These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation.”

Quoting Psalm 25:14, he added, “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” He encouraged Christian men to live with integrity and remain faithful in all circumstances.

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, who presided over the convention, commended the honourees and said the gathering's theme underscored the importance of truth, integrity, and courage in Christian life.

He urged Christian men to demonstrate these values at home, in the workplace, and within society, saying the nation needed people who were steadfast in faith and conviction.