Nigeria’s first executive president, Shehu Shagari, died late Friday after a brief illness. He was 93.
Shagari, who was the first executive president of Nigeria’s second republic, was born in 1925 in Shagari, a village founded by his grandfather. After finishing his education, he became a teacher before venturing into politics in 1951.
He held a number of political posts and was appointed by Gen. Yakubu Gowon as the federal commissioner for economic development in 1971 following the Nigerian Civil War.
Shagari’s death was confirmed by his grandson Bello Shagari, on his Twitter account,
I regret announcing the death of my grandfather, H.E Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who died right now after brief illness at the National hospital, Abuja.
— Bello Shagari (@Belshagy) December 28, 2018
Tributes from leaders across Nigeria and the world have been pouring since the announcement on Friday.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Nigeria, it is with immense sadness that I received the news of the passing away of the First Executive President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari,” President Muhammadu Buhari said in a statement.
I regret to Announce the death of former President Shehu Shagari who just passed away at National Hospital Abuja. May his Soul Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/D9GR8vpkbT
— Aminu W. Tambuwal (@AWTambuwal) December 28, 2018
Inalilahi wa inailehi Rajiun.
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 28, 2018
My family and I join the entire nation to mourn the passing of former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who led our nation during the Second Republic. pic.twitter.com/530J4kn9eS
As Nigeria mourns its first executive president, here are a few things the leader will be remembered for.
