Photos: In 1969, General Yakubu Gowon Got Married in the Middle of the Biafran War

On April 19, 1969, Nigeria’s Head of State at the time, Major-General Yakubu Gowon, married Miss Victoria Zakari at the Christ Church Cathedral in Lagos in what became one of the most talked-about weddings in the country’s history.

Despite the fact that Nigeria was still in the middle of the Civil War, the occasion brought a rare moment of joy and celebration to many Nigerians. Below are some beautiful photographs from the memorable state wedding.

Thanks for reading, OldNaija.com.

References:

1. Omipidan, T. (2025, December 24). The Nigerian Civil War: why and how it happened (1967-1970) – OldNaija. OldNaija. https://oldnaija.com/2024/07/26/the-nigerian-civil-war/
2. Abraham, J., & Abraham, J. (2020, March 21). Gowon would’ve been happier on his wedding day if Biafran war had ended – Dimka, Ex-Head of State’s sister. Punch Newspapers. https://punchng.com/gowon-wouldve-been-happier-on-his-wedding-day-if-biafran-war-had-ended-dimka-ex-head-of-states-sister/