Former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and his wife, Victoria, on Sunday celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with thanksgiving at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja.
The couple exchanged vows on April 19, 1969, at the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, during Gowon’s tenure as Nigeria’s Head of State.
The wedding took place during the civil war, thereby creating controversy as to why the young military head of state will chose the period to marry his heartthrob.
Gowon will be 90 in October and Victoria is 77.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that family members, friends and well-wishers gathered to join the celebrators in commemorating the event.
The couple presented the Holy Communion at the altar, during the service, which also marked the third Sunday after Easter in the Anglican Church’s liturgical calendar.
During the service, Mrs Gowon read the Old Testament lesson from 1 Kings 17:17-24.
Venerable Tiwatope Elias-Fatile, Vicar of the parish, congratulated them on their milestone anniversary, commending them for their dedicated service to the nation and the church.
Elias-Fatile, who extolled their exemplary role as a couple within the Christian community, invoked blessings of physical and spiritual strength in all aspects of their lives.
“I pray that the good Lord gives you physical and spiritual strength in every aspect of your lives.
“In your position, you have become an adviser, mentor, counsellor to many families and I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to inspire and use you to continue your good work for our country and many homes.”
NAN recalls that Gowon was Nigeria’s Military Head of State from Aug. 1, 1966 to July 29, 1975.