Beautiful First Lady Mrs. Victoria Gowon, the spouse of Nigeria’s Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, is shown in an alluring 1973 photo relaxing while shopping in London. The picture is of Mrs. Gowon at the famous C&A Store near Marble Arch, carefully going through a variety of vibrant shirts. This vignette offers a peek into the First Lady’s private life. The First Lady was renowned for her grace and elegance.
General Gowon oversaw major political shifts and the nation’s post-civil war rehabilitation while leading Nigeria during this time. The Gowons’ trip to London highlights the close cultural and economic ties that exist between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, a former colonial power.
Since General and Mrs. Gowon had to return to Nigeria later that day, their excursion was short. In addition to showcasing their close relationship with the city, their presence in London served as a reminder of the continued international relations and the early 1970s efforts to modernize Nigeria. This picture is still a sweet remembrance of a time when Nigeria’s leaders were openly interacting with the outside world and fusing personal and professional life. Gowon and Victoria were wed in 1969 and are still going strong. On August 22nd, Victoria will turn 78 years old.
