The Historical Society of Nigeria and the 6th Congress of the Association of African Historians, as part of a remarkable event to celebrate its 70 years of existence, presented and launched a book titled “Military Factor in Nigerian History, 1960-2018”, which contributes to a necessary conversation about the role of the military in shaping modern Nigeria.
The Chairman of the occasion, a Former Head of State, General Dr Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), pointed out that the book "The Military Factor in Nigerian History" invites stakeholders not just to recount events, but to reflect on the complex forces- political, economic, and social- that have defined their path.
He said the book is a story of unity preserved in the face of grave danger, of difficult decisions made under the weight of responsibility, and of lessons learned through both triumph and regret.
"Today, as we gather to celebrate this important work, I am reminded that the military's role in Nigeria is not just a matter of history, but a living legacy-one that continues to challenge us to seek balance between order and freedom, strength and compassion, unity and diversity.
He said history is not merely a sequence of events; it is shaped by powerful forces- economic, cultural, political, and indeed, military.
"When we speak of the 'military factor' in Nigerian history, we acknowledge the profound influence the armed forces have had on our nation's trajectory.
General Gowon noted that the book contributes to a necessary conversation about the role of the military in shaping modern Nigeria.
"It challenges us to think critically about how much of Nigeria's current state is a product of military intervention and what lessons we can draw for future democratic consolidation," he said
He gave five the roles the military must play in Nigeria's continued development, looking ahead to the next fifty years,
"First, the era of military governance is and must remain behind us. Democracy, despite its imperfections, provides the best framework for national development and popular participation. The armed forces must fully embrace their constitutional role as defenders of the nation's territorial integrity, not as administrators or political actors:
"Second. Nigeria's security challenges today fundamentally differ from those we confronted in my time. Terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and transnational criminal networks demand a military that is technologically sophisticated and intelligence-driven. I am heartened to hear that the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, is prioritising investment in modern technology and specialised training to confront these evolving threats.
"Third, our armed forces must become more integrated with civilian institutions and society. The military should not stand apart from the people but should be seen as an essential component of our national fabric, working in tandem with civilian authorities.
"Fourth, the Nigerian military must continue to play a vital role in regional security while strengthening our nation's defence capabilities. Our experiences in peacekeeping operations have enhanced our international standing and contributed to stability across West Africa.
"Finally, the military must continue to evolve as a professional institution committed to the highest standards of discipline, competence, and patriotism. The future security architecture of Nigeria will demand armed forces that are lean, agile, technologically advanced, and deeply committed to their constitutional role."
He applauded the Historical Society of Nigeria for midwifing the important publication. "As we celebrate the book and the 70th anniversary of the Society, let us remember that understanding our past is essential to forging a better future," he noted
The Keynote Speaker, Retired General LEO Irabor, stated that context is essential. As such, it is important to differentiate the military as an institution and military regimes in the political governance of the country. The military as an institution in Nigeria remains an agent of the state in the prosecution of policies and programmes of government.
General Irabor urged them to deepen the discussion on what lessons we can draw for future democratic consolidation as they launch the book.
"Historians are pivotal in providing the factual bases of analysis. As a soldier and Engineer, I am well aware of the critical role of Historians in the factual documentation of occurrences and their analyses. There is no nation that can develop as desired without a strong, professional, and apolitical military. This is a task that must be done. It is in our national interest so to do.
"As we celebrate, therefore, let us keep in mind that our past is an essential component of our future. Our correct analyses of historical occurrences are what will help to forge a better future. To that end, may this book inspire dialogue, healthy debate, and deeper inquiry into the forces that shaped and continue to shape our beloved country," he stressed
Providing insights, the Acting President of the Society, Professor Zarah Kwaghe, revealed in her remarks that the was founded in 1955 at a time when African historiography was largely influenced by the growing nationalist movement and the recognition of the need to correct misconceptions about Africa's past, a process commonly referred to as the Colonising History.
"Chapters in the book address military leadership, their role in nation-building, civil-military relations and many others," she said
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman HSN at 70 NCC, HE. Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (Rtd) said today that the Historical Society of Nigeria stands as a beacon of scholarship, a guardian of our heritage from pre-colonial times.
He said the HSN has ensured that Nigeria's history remains accessible to our future. The society has preserved our collective memory through academic conferences, publications and advocacy.
"Reflecting on this legacy, we must ask, why does History matter. It matters because history is identity. It is the compass that guides a nation's journey, without it, we are adrift, on mud from our ancestors.
While introducing the Chairman of the occasion, Lt Gen Buratai defined retired General Gowon as "Go On With One Nigeria".
The book Reviewer, Professor Patrick Ukase revealed that the book “Military Factor in Nigerian History, 1960-2018” has 598 pages which focuses on military leadership since independence.