Yakubu Gowon: Biography, Family, Education, Career, and Net Worth

## Introduction

Yakubu Gowon is a Nigerian military and political leader who served as the Head of State of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975. He was born on October 19, 1934, in Pankshin, Plateau State, Nigeria. Gowon is a member of the Ngas ethnic group.

## Family

Gowon is married to Victoria Zakari Gowon, and they have six children together.

## Education

Gowon attended St. Bartholomew’s Primary School, Pankshin, and St. Michael's School, Vom. He then proceeded to Government College, Keffi, where he obtained his secondary education. Gowon later attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1955.

## Career

Gowon began his military career in the Nigerian Army in 1955. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the Head of State of Nigeria in 1966 at the age of 31. Gowon’s tenure as Head of State was marked by the Nigerian Civil War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970. Gowon led the Nigerian government to victory in the war, and he played a key role in the reconstruction of Nigeria after the war.

In 1975, Gowon was overthrown in a coup d’état led by General Murtala Mohammed. Gowon fled to the United Kingdom, where he lived for over 30 years. He returned to Nigeria in 1987 and has been active in business and philanthropy since then.

## Net Worth

Gowon’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. He is one of the wealthiest politicians in Nigeria. His wealth comes from his military career, his business ventures, and his investments.

## Conclusion

Yakubu Gowon is a distinguished Nigerian military and political leader. He served as the Head of State of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975 and led the Nigerian government to victory in the Nigerian Civil War. Gowon is an inspiration to many young Nigerians and shows that it is possible to achieve your dreams, no matter where you come from.