Yakubu Gowon was once the leader of the nation of Nigeria. In 1966, he lead a coup against the civilian government. Gowon commited genocide against a million people during the war against Biafra near the Niger Delta, where the area was blockaded as he was in war against their leader. In 1975, he was ousted by the civilians. Despite the latter, he later was involved in HIV eradication programs and Guinea Worm prevention.