Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has declared that Nigeria must never be allowed to collapse, insisting that his commitment to the unity and long-term survival of the country remains unwavering.

This came as President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan and other national leaders paid glowing tributes to Gowon at the public presentation of his autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, in Abuja on Tuesday.

The event attracted an array of dignitaries, including former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar; former military president Ibrahim Babangida, who was represented by his daughter, Aisha; Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; diplomats, traditional rulers, military officers, scholars and business leaders.