Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has stated that the post-Nigerian civil war program of “Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation” initiated by former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon was timely.
Governor Alia, who stated this in a message of felicitation to General Gowon ((retd) on the occasion of his 91st birthday, also said that the former Head of State’s stance for one Nigeria, deserved commendations.
Governor Alia also described the elder statesman as a man of integrity, and noted that the post-civil war programmes initiated by the administration of Gowon were aimed at repairing the extensive damage done to the economy and infrastructure of the regions of the country during the Nigerian Civil War, especially the Eastern region.
The Governor further said that the program helped in healing the country and keeping it together as one, after years of the civil war.
A statement by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, stated that Fr. Alia also commended the nonagenarian for his efforts through the Yakubu Gowon Centre, an Organization which has been working tirelessly to ensure good governance, as well as for the control of infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, guinea worm, and malaria across the country.
Governor Alia prayed to God to continue to keep General Gowon (retd) in good health to enable current leaders and future generations to continue to tap from his wisdom and wealth of experience.
