Shehu Shagari was the first executive president of Nigeria, serving from 1979 to 1983. He was born on February 25, 1925 in Shagari, Sokoto State, Nigeria. Shagari received his education at Kaduna College and later went on to attend Ahmadu Bello University, where he studied economics and political science.
After completing his studies, Shagari became involved in politics and was elected to the Federal House of Representatives in 1954. He later served as a minister in the government of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa and was appointed as the Federal Commissioner for Economic Development, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction.
In 1979, Shagari was elected as the president of Nigeria in a landslide victory. During his presidency, he focused on improving the country’s infrastructure and developing its economy. He also worked to promote unity and stability within the country, which had previously been plagued by political and social unrest.
However, Shagari’s presidency was not without controversy. He faced criticism for his handling of the country’s economic issues and was accused of corruption. In 1983, the military, led by General Muhammadu Buhari, overthrew the government in a coup and Shagari was arrested and imprisoned.
Despite the challenges he faced, Shagari is remembered as a dedicated leader who worked to improve the lives of the Nigerian people. He died on December 28, 2018 at the age of 93.