People

**Ahmadu Bello: The Sardauna of Sokoto (1910-1966)** **Early Life and Education** Sir Ahmadu Bello, KBE, PC, was born in Rabbah, Sokoto State, in 1910. He was a great-grandson of Uthman Dan Fodio, the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, and a direct descendant of Sultan Bello, the second Sultan of Sokoto. He was bestowed the title of Sardauna of Sokoto, a traditional office of leadership within the Sokoto Caliphate, which he held until his death. Bello received traditional Islamic education before attending the Sokoto Provincial School and later the Katsina Training College (now Barewa College). After his education, he became a teacher in the Gusau Middle School. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Bello’s career began in administration as a district head in Rabbah. In 1948, he received a scholarship to study Local Government Administration in England. Upon his return, he was elected to the Northern House of Assembly. He quickly rose in prominence, becoming the leader of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC). His most significant political achievement was leading the Northern Region of Nigeria into independence in 1960. Following Nigeria's independence, Bello chose to remain in the North as the Premier of Northern Nigeria, rather than taking the position of Prime Minister of Nigeria, which he ceded to his deputy and associate, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. As Premier, he oversaw the rapid modernization and economic development of the region, emphasizing the unification of the diverse ethnic and religious groups under the banner of Northern Nigeria. **Notable Works and Legacy** As Premier, Ahmadu Bello championed the establishment of critical institutions that form the bedrock of Northern Nigeria's development. His most notable legacy is the founding of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria in 1962, one of Nigeria's premier educational institutions named in his honor. He also championed the development of the Northern Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) to drive industrialization and investment across the region. He combined traditional leadership qualities with a deep understanding of modern Western governance. **Current Status** Ahmadu Bello was assassinated on January 15, 1966, during the first military coup in Nigeria, which toppled the post-independence government. Despite his death, he remains a key figure in Nigerian history, widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of modern Nigeria. His political and educational legacies endure, particularly across the northern states.

**Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde** (born December 25, 1967) is a Nigerian engineer, businessman, philanthropist, and politician who currently serves as the Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria. He is a prominent figure in the Nigerian political and business landscapes, known for his work in the oil and gas sector before entering public service.Early Life and Education Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, at the Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro. He hails from a middle-class family, born to the late Pa Olatubosun Makinde and Madam Abigail Makinde of Aigbofa Compound, Oja’ba Ibadan. Makinde began his formal education at St. Michael's Primary School, Yemetu, Ibadan. He later attended Bishop Phillips Academy, Monatan, Ibadan. He proceeded to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 1990. Makinde furthered his professional development by undergoing specialized training in safety and well-completion projects across various international institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States and the Lagos Business School (LBS).Career Progression and Business Ventures Makinde’s career began in the oil and gas industry. In 1990, he completed his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). Following his service, he worked as a Field Engineer for Rebold International Limited. In 1997, at the age of 29, Makinde founded **Makon Group**, a diversified conglomerate providing engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance services to the Nigerian oil and gas sector. He serves as the Group Managing Director. Makon Group quickly grew to become a significant player in the energy industry, establishing his reputation as a successful entrepreneur.Political Career and Major Achievements Makinde’s political ambition began with his intent to contest for the Oyo South Senatorial seat in 2007 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Though unsuccessful, his political career gained momentum when he contested for the governorship of Oyo State in 2015 under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In 2019, Makinde successfully ran for the Governorship of Oyo State under the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and was sworn in on May 29, 2019. His administration, which branded itself as the "Oyo State Roadmap for Accelerated Development (RAMP)," focused primarily on education, healthcare, security, and economic expansion through agriculture and infrastructure. Key policies and achievements during his tenure include the scrapping of school fees in public secondary schools, a significant increase in the education budget, and investments in infrastructure development.Current Status Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde was re-elected for a second term as Governor of Oyo State in the 2023 general election, a testament to his popularity and the reception of his policies in the state. He continues to serve as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, living in Ibadan. He is married with three children. Makinde is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts aimed at bridging socioeconomic gaps.

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Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (December 1912 – January 15, 1966) was a prominent Nigerian politician who served as the first Prime Minister of Nigeria from 1960 to 1966. He remains a pivotal figure in the nation's history, instrumental in guiding the country through its transition from British colonial rule to independence.Early Life and Education Born in December 1912 in Bauchi, Northern Nigeria, Tafawa Balewa was of Gere descent. His father, Yakubu Dan Zala, was a district head in the Bauchi Native Authority. Balewa began his education at a Qu’ranic school in Bauchi before attending the Katsina Higher College (now Barewa College) from 1928 to 1933, where he trained as a teacher. He returned to Bauchi to teach at the Bauchi Middle School. Recognizing his academic potential, he was selected for further studies abroad and attended the University of London’s Institute of Education from 1945 to 1946, specializing in English and history. This experience profoundly shaped his perspective, particularly regarding the need for African self-determination.Career Progression and Political Ascent Balewa’s career began in the teaching profession, where he eventually rose to the position of Headmaster of the Bauchi Middle School. His political career commenced in the 1940s when he was elected to the Northern House of Assembly. He was also one of the first northerners to be elected to the Legislative Council in 1947. A co-founder of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), which dominated the political landscape of Northern Nigeria, Balewa quickly became one of its most articulate and respected spokesmen. Following the constitutional conferences that restructured Nigeria’s government, Balewa was appointed Minister of Works in 1952 and later Minister of Transport. In 1957, he was appointed the first Prime Minister of Nigeria in the pre-independence interim government. When Nigeria gained full independence on October 1, 1960, Balewa officially became the country's first and only Prime Minister.Major Achievements and Notable Works Balewa’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant diplomatic and infrastructural achievements. * **Independence and Constitution:** He successfully led Nigeria to independence in 1960 and oversaw the early years of the nascent democracy, focusing on national unity among the ethnically diverse regions. * **Foreign Policy:** Balewa was a respected figure on the international stage. He played a crucial role in establishing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), precursor to the African Union, and advocated strongly for non-alignment during the Cold War. His foreign policy efforts gave Nigeria a strong voice in African affairs, earning him the nickname "The Golden Voice of Africa." * **Infrastructure and Economic Development:** His government initiated several major infrastructural projects, including the development of ports, railways, and the establishment of Nigeria's first national airline, Nigerian Airways. * **Literary Work:** Before his political prominence, Balewa was a noted writer. His novel, *Shaihu Umar*, is a significant work in Nigerian literature.Current Status Tafawa Balewa’s term as Prime Minister was tragically cut short. He was abducted and subsequently murdered in the nation's first military coup, often referred to as the "January 15 Coup" of 1966. Balewa’s legacy endures as a founding father of modern Nigeria and a symbol of national cohesion. He is formally recognized as a national hero. Numerous institutions, landmarks, and public spaces across Nigeria are named in his honor, including the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi. His contributions to the political and diplomatic foundation of Nigeria ensure his perpetual status as a legend in the country’s historical narrative.

Thomas-Wilson Ikubese (born date unknown) is a prominent Nigerian figure known for his work as a physician, entrepreneur, and politician, based in Ondo, Nigeria. He has established a diverse career spanning medicine, business, philanthropy, public speaking, and political activism, becoming a recognizable voice in Nigerian public discourse.Early Life and Education Ikubese attended primary school at Junior Chambers International (JCI) Cherubim and Seraphim Primary School, Ikorodu, Lagos State, from 1977 to 1983. He continued his secondary education at Majidun Community Grammar School, Ikorodu, Lagos State, from 1983 to 1988. He later pursued higher education at the University of Benin, Benin City, where he obtained a degree in medicine.Career Progression and Business Ventures Upon completing his medical studies, Ikubese served his housemanship at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, Ondo State, from 2001 to 2002. Following this, he transitioned into private practice and entrepreneurship. He is the Chairman of the Sckye Group and serves as the Chief Medical Director of Sckye Hospital and Diagnostics Limited. He is also the President of Heavenly Ministries. In addition to his primary professional roles, Ikubese is a recognized Public and Motivational Speaker, Columnist, Leadership Consultant, Radio and Television Presenter, Entrepreneur, and a Poet.Political Career and Notable Achievements Ikubese is actively involved in Nigerian politics, having been associated with parties such as the National Conscience Party (NCP) and the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN). His political career is focused on advocating for change and better governance in Nigeria. His background in medicine and public life often informs his political positions and public commentary.Current Status As of recent reporting, Thomas-Wilson Ikubese continues his work as a medical professional, entrepreneur, and public speaker, maintaining an active presence in political and social circles in Ondo State and across Nigeria.

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**Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar** (née Titilayo Albert; born June 6, 1951, in Ilesha, Osun State, Nigeria) is a prominent Nigerian politician, advocate, and philanthropist. She is best known for her role as the Second Lady of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, during which time her husband, Atiku Abubakar, served as Vice President. She is highly recognized for her foundational work in combating human trafficking and child labor in Nigeria.Early Life and Education Born Titilayo Albert on June 6, 1951, in Ilesha, in the former Southern Region of British Nigeria (now Osun State), Titi Abubakar completed her secondary education at St. Mary's Iwo, Osun State, in 1969. In 1971, she married Atiku Abubakar, who was then a customs officer. She later pursued her higher education at Kaduna Polytechnic. Apart from English, she is fluent in both Yoruba and Hausa languages. She converted from Christianity to Islam later in life.Career Progression and Advocacy Prior to her husband’s tenure as Vice President, Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar worked as a lecturer at Kaduna State Polytechnic. A pivotal moment in her career came in 1986 and 1987 while she was in Rome to further her education. She observed numerous young Nigerian women engaged in prostitution, often exploited and unpaid by their handlers. This exposure to the reality of human trafficking inspired her lifelong commitment to advocacy. Upon her husband becoming Vice President in 1999, she leveraged her platform to tackle this societal issue, moving from personal awareness to national action.Major Achievements and Notable Works Titi Abubakar’s most significant contribution is the founding of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF). This non-governmental organization was established to raise awareness, rescue victims, and advocate for stringent laws against human trafficking and child labor in Nigeria. She is widely credited as the initiator of the private bill that successfully led to the establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in 2003. NAPTIP is the foremost federal law enforcement agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases of human trafficking in the country. This achievement cemented her legacy as a key figure in modern Nigerian social reform. She is also the author of several publications focusing on social issues, including: * *Educating the Nigerian Child* * *Empower Law to Fight Child Slavery* * *Let Us Celebrate Humanity: A collected speeches on women's right and human trafficking*Current Status As of her most recent public activities, Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar remains an active advocate for social justice, human rights, and political engagement in Nigeria. She continues to support the humanitarian goals of WOTCLEF and the political career of her husband, Atiku Abubakar.

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**Tope Fasua** (born Tope Kolade Fasua on September 11, 1971, in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria) is a Nigerian entrepreneur, economist, writer, and political reformer. He is recognized for his contributions to economic discourse in Nigeria and his involvement in political advocacy. **Early Life and Education** Fasua was born and raised in Lagos. He attended Army Comprehensive High School in Akure for his secondary school education. He went on to study economics at Ondo State University (now Ekiti State University), graduating in 1991. He distinguished himself academically, earning an award for the best overall result in his department, faculty, and the entire school. **Career Progression and Political Reform** Professionally, Fasua has built a career as a businessman, economist, and writer. His career as a political reformer began with the establishment of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP). On December 16, 2016, he led a group of Nigerians to form the party, which was formally approved as a registered political party on December 14, 2017. Under his leadership, the ANRP grew its membership significantly. In February 2018, Fasua was elected to serve as the party's national chairman. **Presidential Campaign and Current Status** In 2018, Fasua announced his intention to contest the 2019 general elections and subsequently ran as the Nigeria presidential candidate for the ANRP. Following his political engagements, Fasua has remained an influential voice on Nigerian economic and political matters. His current status includes serving as the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on economic affairs, a position he was appointed to. **Notable Works** As a writer, Fasua is an author of numerous newspaper columns and 11 books. Some of his published works include: * Crushed\! (2011) * Change Is Going To Come (2015)

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Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah (born December 22, 1969) is a Nigerian politician, businessman, and philanthropist who has held prominent roles in both the private and public sectors. He is the founder and President of the Masters Energy Group, a dynamic conglomerate primarily focused on the oil and gas industry in West Africa. Early Life and Education Uche Ogah was born in Onuaku Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, to Chief Wilson and Ezinne Pauline Ogah. He is a native of Abia State. Ogah is highly educated, holding degrees and certifications from several institutions. He graduated from Ishiagu High School and later worked at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) from 1986 to 1989. His higher education includes studies at the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Enugu, Ogun State University, the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and the University of Lagos. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria. Career Progression Ogah began his career in the banking sector, starting his National Youth Service at NAL Bank PLC. He subsequently joined All States Trust Bank, spending about two years there before moving to Zenith Bank in 1997. He rose quickly through the ranks at Zenith Bank, reaching the position of Assistant General Manager (AGM) before his resignation in 2007. Following his successful career in finance, Ogah transitioned into entrepreneurship. He founded the Masters Energy Group, which has grown into one of Africa's conglomerates with significant presence in the oil and gas industry. Major Achievements and Public Service Ogah’s influence extends beyond business into public service and politics. In 2019, he was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari for a ministerial position. He was confirmed by the Senate on July 30, 2019, and subsequently sworn in as the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development on August 21, 2019. In this role, he implemented policies focused on national growth and sustainability within the strategic mining sector. Notable Works and Philanthropy As a philanthropist, Ogah leads the Uche Ogah Foundation. His philanthropic efforts are extensive, notably including full village electrification projects in Abia State, sustained support for widows and the less privileged, and the construction of a 5,000-seat auditorium at Abia State University, where he also instituted a chair. Current Status Uche Ogah continues to be an influential figure in Nigerian business and politics. He resides in Lagos, Nigeria, and is married to Ngozi Ogah. He remains the President of the Masters Energy Group and is recognized for his leadership, business acumen, and commitment to Christian values.

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**Umaru Dikko: Biography** Umaru Dikko (31 December 1936 – 1 July 2014) was a prominent Nigerian politician and key figure in the country's Second Republic. Born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Dikko received his early schooling in his hometown before furthering his education. Dikko was educated in Zaria and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of London. Before his political career, he worked for the BBC's Hausa service, where he established himself as one of the influential voices in northern Nigeria. His political career reached its peak during the Second Republic (1979–1983), where he served as the Minister of Transport under the administration of President Shehu Shagari. He was also a close adviser to the President. Dikko was a prominent and controversial figure known for his influence within the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) government. Following the military coup on December 31, 1983, which overthrew the Shagari government, Dikko fled the country. He became a high-profile target of the new military regime due to allegations of corruption and embezzlement. He is most infamously known for the "Dikko Affair" in 1984, an attempt by agents of the Nigerian government to secretly kidnap him in London and transport him back to Nigeria in a crate, which was thwarted by British authorities. After years in exile, Dikko eventually returned to Nigeria. In the years leading up to his death, he remained involved in politics, serving in various capacities within the democratic dispensation. Umaru Dikko died on 1 July 2014.

Yemi Osinbajo: Biography, Career, and Achievements **Early Life and Education** Professor Oluyemi "Yemi" Oluleke Osinbajo was born on March 8, 1957, in Lagos, Nigeria. He is a prominent Nigerian academic, lawyer, and politician. Osinbajo attended Corona Primary School in Lagos and Igbobi College in Yaba, where he was noted for his academic excellence. He proceeded to the University of Lagos, where he studied Law, graduating in 1978 with an LL.B. Second Class Upper Division. He was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1979. He later obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1980. **Academic and Legal Career** Osinbajo’s career began as a Legal Officer with the Nigerian Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Bendel State. He started his academic journey in 1981 as a Lecturer at the University of Lagos. By 1983, he became a Senior Lecturer, and at the age of 33, he was appointed a Professor of Law in 1990. His academic focus included the Law of Evidence and Public Law. From 1997 to 1999, he served as Head of the Department of Public Law at the University of Lagos. He is also a Senior Partner at the reputable law firm, SimmonsCooper Partners. **Career Progression and Political Involvement** Professor Osinbajo served as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, during the administration of Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu. During this period, he implemented significant reforms in the Lagos State judiciary and legal system, which included establishing the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Following his tenure, he returned to academia and legal practice. In December 2014, he was selected as the running mate to General Muhammadu Buhari for the 2015 presidential election. **Vice Presidency and Major Achievements** Yemi Osinbajo was inaugurated as the 14th Vice President of Nigeria on May 29, 2015. He was re-elected for a second term in 2019. As Vice President, Osinbajo was instrumental in overseeing the National Economic Council and was deeply involved in the administration’s economic and social investment programs. Key achievements include his leadership role in: * **The National Social Investment Programme (NSIP):** Initiating and driving massive social intervention programs, including the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), N-Power (a job creation program for youth), and the Home Grown School Feeding Program (HGSFP), which became one of the largest in Africa. * **Ease of Doing Business Reforms:** Chairing the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), which implemented numerous reforms that significantly improved Nigeria’s ranking on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index. * **Economic Stabilization:** Playing a critical role in steering the country through economic challenges, particularly during the recession of 2016. He often served as Acting President when President Buhari was abroad, during which he took several notable policy decisions.**Notable Works and Current Status** Osinbajo is a prolific writer and author of several law books, articles, and papers, including *The Judicial Perspective on Electoral Disputes* and *The Unification of Commercial Laws in Africa*. He is also an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Following the conclusion of his second term as Vice President on May 29, 2023, Professor Yemi Osinbajo remains a respected statesman, legal expert, and influential figure in Nigerian public life. He is currently involved in international engagements, focusing on sustainable development, economic empowerment, and justice reform.

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**Zainab Usman** is a Nigerian public policy expert, author, and academic, widely recognized for her extensive work in governance, natural resource management, and economic development in Africa. Her career spans influential roles in major international development institutions and think tanks. **Early Life and Education** Zainab Usman was born in Nigeria. She completed her higher education with a focus on development economics and public policy. She holds a Doctorate (DPhil) from the University of Oxford. Prior to her doctoral studies, she also worked at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Usman has built a distinguished career combining academic research with practical policy advice. She previously served as a consultant for the UK's Department of International Development (DFID). Her expertise is often sought in the areas of institutional change, natural resource management, and industrial policy in Nigeria and other African nations. **Notable Works and Current Status** Zainab Usman is currently a Senior Fellow and Director of the Carnegie Africa Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where her research focuses on governance and economic development issues in Africa. She is the author of *Economic Diversification in Nigeria: The Politics of Building a Post-Oil Economy* (2022), a seminal work on Nigeria's economic challenges and pathways to sustainable growth. She also holds the role of a Fellow at the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), where she works on issues concerning extractives and resource governance.

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