Former Nigerian leader Gowon calls Civil War hardest time, urges national unity and forgiveness.

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, called the Nigerian Civil War the hardest period of his life, emphasizing his decisions were driven by the need to preserve national unity, not hatred. Speaking at a convention in Abuja, Gowon received a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award and urged Nigerians to embrace forgiveness and unity across ethnicities and faiths. He also praised Nigeria's progress since the war and encouraged support for the government's efforts to maintain peace and mutual respect.