Olusegun Obasanjo
Two-time Nigerian leader: military head of state (1976–1979) and democratically elected president (1999–2007). Led Nigeria's transition to democracy and debt relief.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 5 March 1937
- Birthplace
- Abeokuta, Ogun State
- Nationality
- Nigerian
- Military Rule
- 1976–1979
- Democratic Rule
- 1999–2007
Military Leadership
Olusegun Obasanjo became head of state on February 13, 1976, after the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. He notably handed power to a civilian government in 1979, a rare example of a military leader voluntarily returning power to civilians.
Presidential Legacy
Elected as a democratic president in 1999, Obasanjo served two terms. His administration tackled Nigeria's massive external debt, securing debt relief of over $18 billion from international creditors in 2005. He also introduced the NEEDS (National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy) programme and oversaw the mobile telephone revolution in Nigeria.
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