Who Is Yakubu Gowon? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on October 19, 1934, Yakubu Gowon is a prominent figure in Nigerian history, having served as a military head of state from 1966 to 1975. As of 2025, Gowon is 90 years old. His leadership during the Nigerian Civil War and his subsequent roles in government have made him a significant part of Nigeria's political landscape.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 19, 1934 |
| Age | 90 Years |
| Birth Place | Kanke, Northern Region, British Nigeria (now Kanke, Plateau, Nigeria) |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Nigeria |
Popularity
Yakubu Gowon's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As an aging statesman, specific physical statistics may be less frequently reported; however, Yakubu Gowon is known to have maintained an average height and build for his era. His resilience and commitment to his country have often overshadowed physical metrics.
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Weight: Estimated around 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Measurements: While specific body measurements are not readily available, Gowon has maintained a dignified presence throughout his public appearances.
Another decision made by Gowon at the height of the oil boom was to have what some considered negative repercussions for the Nigerian economy in later years, although its immediate effects were scarcely noticeable – his indigenization decree of 1972, which declared many sectors of the Nigerian economy off-limits to all foreign investment, while r
uling out more than minority participation by foreigners in several other areas.
This decree provided windfall gains to several well-connected Nigerians but proved highly detrimental to non-oil investment in the Nigerian economy.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Yakubu Gowon was married to Victoria Gowon, who passed away in 2021. Together, they had four children. Following Victoria's passing, there has been no official update regarding his relationship status; however, he has continued to be an influential figure in his children's lives and remains dedicated to his family legacy.
Gowon is an Ngas (Angas) from Lur, a small village in the present Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State. His parents, Nde Yohanna and Matwok Kurnyang, left for Wusasa, Zaria, as Church Missionary Society (CMS) missionaries in the early days of Gowon's life.
His father took pride in the fact that he married on 26 April 1923, the same day as the wedding of Prince Albert and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother). Gowon was the fifth of eleven children. He grew up in Zaria and had his early life and education there.
At school, Gowon proved to be a remarkable athlete: he was the school football goalkeeper, pole vaulter, and long-distance runner. He broke the school mile record in his first year. He was also the boxing captain.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Yakubu Gowon's estimated net worth is believed to be in the range of $1 million to $5 million. His financial standing stems from his military service, political career, and various investments made throughout his life. Though not actively involved in politics, Gowon continues to engage with initiatives that bolster Nigeria's development.
The war lasted thirty months and ended in January 1970. In accepting Biafra's unconditional cease-fire, Gowon declared that there would be no victor and no vanquished. In this spirit, the years afterward were declared to be a period of rehabilitation, reconstruction, and reconciliation.
The oil-price boom, which began as a result of the high price of crude oil (the country's major revenue earner) in the world market in 1973, increased the federal government's ability to undertake these tasks.
Career, Business and Investments
Gowon’s career is marked by his tenure as a military leader during a critical time for Nigeria. After stepping down in 1975, he transitioned into various roles, including serving on international bodies and promoting peace initiatives. He has been involved with several organizations and institutions aiming to improve the political and social fabrics of Nigeria. Additionally, Gowon has made investments that reflect his commitment to Nigerian development, particularly in areas like education and healthcare.
Gowon joined the Nigerian Army in 1954 and received his commission as a second lieutenant on 19 October 1955, his 21st birthday. He was trained in the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, UK (1955–56), Staff College, Camberley, UK (1962) as well as the Joint Staff College, Latimer, 1965.
He saw action in the Congo as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, both in 1960–61 and in 1963. He advanced to battalion commander position by 1966, at which time he was still a lieutenant colonel.
Social Network
While Gowon is not as active on social media platforms as many modern celebrities, he maintains a presence in public discourse through interviews and appearances. His advocacy for peace and development in Nigeria is often highlighted through various media outlets and organizations. His legacy continues to resonate, especially amongst those who worked with him during his time in office.
Minority ethnicities of the Eastern Region were rather not sanguine about the prospect of secession, as it would mean living in what they felt would be an Igbo-dominated nation.
Some non-Igbos living in the Eastern Region either refrained from offering active support to the Biafran struggle, or actively aided the federal side by enlisting in the Nigerian army and feeding it intelligence about Biafran military activities. However, some did play active roles in the Biafran government, with N.U.
Akpan serving as Secretary to the Government, Lt. Col (later Major-General) Philip Effiong, serving as Biafra's Chief of Defence Staff and others like Chiefs Bassey and Graham-Douglas serving in other significant roles.
Education
Yakubu Gowon completed his early education at the primary and secondary levels in Nigeria before furthering his studies at the University of London, where he earned a degree in Political Science. His education has played a significant role in shaping his views and approaches during his military and political career.
In January 1966, he became Nigeria's youngest military chief of staff at the age of 31, because a military coup d'état by a group of junior officers under Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu led to the overthrow of Nigeria's civilian government.
In the course of this coup, mostly northern and western leaders were killed, including Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria's Prime Minister; Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the Northern Region; and Samuel Akintola, Premier of the Western Region, Lt Col Arthur Unegbe and so many more.
The then Lieutenant Colonel Gowon returned from his course at the Joint Staff College, Latimer UK two days before the coup – a late arrival that possibly exempted him from the plotters' hit list.
The subsequent failure by Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (who was the head of state following the January 1966 coup-with Gowon his Chief of Staff) to meet Northern demands for the prosecution of the coup plotters further inflamed Northern anger.
There was significant support for the coup plotters from both the Eastern Region as well as the mostly left-wing "Lagos-Ibadan" press.
