9 fascinating facts about former president Goodluck Jonathan

Former Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan is a figure who has captured the attention of people around the world.

Today, November 20, 2023, is his birthday. MyNigeria highlights him and presents to you 8 amazing facts about the man who oversaw the most populous nation in Africa from 2010 to 2015.

9 facts about Goodluck Jonathan

1. Personal life

Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan is a Nigerian politician born on November 20, 1957 in Ogbia to a Christian Ijaw family of canoe makers, in Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

His father, Lawrence Ebele Jonathan, was a canoe maker and his mother, Eunice Ayi Ebele Jonathan, was a retired farmer.

He has been married to his wife Dame Patience Jonathan since 1993 and they are blessed with two children, Ariwera and Aruabai Jonathan.

2. Education

Mr. Goodluck holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, a Master of Science degree in Hydrobiology and Fisheries biology, and a Doctorate in Zoology from the University of Port Harcourt.

3. Rise to Power

Goodluck Jonathan rose to power in 2010 after the death of President Umaru Yar'Adua. He was the first Nigerian president to ascend to the position without contesting in a presidential election.

4. Political Career

Before becoming president, Jonathan served as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Governor of Bayelsa State, Vice President of Nigeria, and later President of Nigeria.

5. Transformation Agenda

During his presidency, Mr. Goodluck launched the Transformation Agenda, a plan aimed at transforming Nigeria into one of the top 20 economies in the world by 2020.

6. Peaceful Transfer of Power

Jonathan made history as the first Nigerian president to peacefully hand over power to his successor, Muhammadu Buhari, after losing the 2015 presidential election.

7. Anti-Corruption Efforts

Jonathan's administration made efforts to combat corruption, including the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and the Whistleblower Protection Policy.

8. International Recognition

Jonathan received several international awards and recognition during his presidency, including the African Union's 2012 Award for Political Leadership and the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award.

9. Post-Presidential Activities

Since leaving office, JGoodluck Jonathan has been involved in various international peace efforts, including mediation in the political crises in Mali, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Goodluck Jonathan's tenure as president was marked by both achievements and challenges, and his impact on Nigeria and the African continent continues to be felt today.

GA