pass
Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan GCFR GCON (born November 1957) is a prominent Nigerian politician and businessman from Bayelsa State. He rose to prominence as Vice President of Nigeria under Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He subsequently became president of the country in 2010, serving with grace and dignity until 2015.
Before assuming the presidency, Jonathan had already earned a reputation as a shrewd and visionary leader, serving as governor of Bayelsa State and later as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His outstanding performance as a public official has earned him widespread acclaim and a large following across the country.
Despite Jonathan’s many achievements, his presidency was fraught with challenges as he faced numerous issues including security, corruption and economic development. Despite this, he remains steadfast in his commitment to promoting the interests of the Nigerian people and promoting the progress and prosperity of the country.
In 2015, Goodluck Jonathan made history when he became the first sitting president in Nigeria’s history to voluntarily admit defeat after losing a presidential election to General Muhammadu Buhari. His impassioned concession speech won him even more admirers at home and abroad and cemented his place in Nigeria’s political history as a true statesman and patriot.
former president of nigeria
Goodluck Jonathan |
|
|---|---|
 Goodluck Jonathan: History‧ Profile‧ Photos |
|
| Wiki facts and figures | |
| Name: | Goodluck Eberle Azikiwe Jonathan |
| stage name: | Goodluck Jonathan |
| born: | November 20, 1957 (66 years old) |
| place of birth: | Otok, Bayelsa, Nigeria |
| country of origin: | bayelsa state |
| Country of Citizenship: | nigerian |
| high: | 1.65 meters |
| parents: | Eunice Jonathan, Lawrence Jonathan |
| Brothers and sisters: | Nancy Jonathan-Orey, Menie Jonathan |
| spouse: | Patience Jonathan (m. 1993) |
| educate: | University of Port Harcourt |
| Children: | Ariwera Jonathan, Aruabi Jonathan |
| Profession: | Politician•Businessman |
| net worth: | US$50 million |
Early life and education
Goodluck Jonathan was born in Ogbia, Bayelsa State, into a devoutly Christian Ijaw tribal family of skilled canoe builders. He grew up in a modest family, the eldest of four siblings, his sister named Nancy Jonathan-Ore and his brother named Meny Jonathan.
Despite facing early difficulties, Jonathan’s parents instilled in him the values of persistence, hard work and education. His mother, Eunice Jonathan, retired as a farmer, while his father, Lawrence Jonathan, made a living making canoes.
He began his early education St. Stephen’s Primary School In Otok. Later, he completed his secondary education at: matedei high school At Imirji, he was elected class president for his academic promise.
Goodluck Jonathan is admitted University of Port Harcourt Studied zoology in Rivers State, Nigeria in 1975. He received a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in 1981, followed by a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries Biology in 1985. Later, he studied for a PhD. in zoology University of Port Harcourtwhich he successfully completed in 1995.
His academic achievements laid a solid foundation for him in the natural sciences and laid the foundation for his future development in academia and politics. After completing his studies, he worked as a scientific inspector and lecturer at the school. rivers state college of educationjoined the Rivers State Civil Service.
Over time, Goodluck Jonathan’s passion for politics and public service grew. As he rose through the ranks, he became a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), one of Nigeria’s major political parties. He began his political career in 1999 when he was appointed Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State under the leadership of Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Profession
After completing his studies, Goodluck Jonathan began a fascinating career spanning education, science and politics. He initially worked as a scientific inspector and lecturer rivers state college After joining the Rivers State Civil Service, he used his knowledge and experience to inspire a generation of academics and contribute to the development of science education in Nigeria.
However, Jonathan’s passion for politics and public service soon led him to the grassroots, and he joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the late 1990s. He proved himself to be a political force, holding several state-level offices including Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. He stepped into the spotlight in 2005 when he took over as governor following the current governor’s impeachment, leaving a lasting legacy of progress and development in health care, education and infrastructure.
In 2007, Jonathan’s meteoric rise continued when he was selected as Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s vice presidential running mate. After the candidate’s victory, he was sworn in as Vice President of Nigeria. However, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s health deteriorated, leading him to take over as acting president. In a historic turning point, he became the country’s president following the death of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010, becoming the first person from the Niger Delta to hold the position.
As President, Goodluck Jonathan is on a mission with an unwavering commitment to reducing corruption, transforming socio-economic systems and strengthening governance. His government made notable advances, such as the creation of sovereign wealth fundintroducing numerous agricultural projects and transforming the power industry. However, his government faces significant challenges, such as economic hardship caused by the Boko Haram insurgency and plummeting oil prices.
Jonathan faces stiff competition from more than a dozen candidates in his re-election bid, but Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerges as his most formidable opponent. Buhari’s military background and reputation for dealing with insurgents made him an attractive candidate to many. He has been criticized for failing to effectively combat the Boko Haram threat, severely damaging his re-election chances. Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election was hotly contested, but after it became clear that Buhari would win, he eventually conceded.
Despite leaving power, Goodluck Jonathan remains influential in Nigerian politics. He was elected as Honorary Special Advisor to the Board in 2019 and was appointed to lead the newly formed International Peace Summit Council in June of the same year.
Additionally, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) appointed him as its special envoy in July 2020 to facilitate negotiations during the demonstrations in Mali. He is widely regarded by his former colleagues as a hero of Nigerian democracy, thanks to his selfless devotion to the people and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Awards and nominations
Goodluck Jonathan received the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award in 2012 from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). The honor recognizes his efforts to promote democracy, peace and sound government in Nigeria.
In 2013, African Leadership magazine awarded Jonathan the African Leadership Good Governance Award. He was awarded for his achievements in government, economic growth and transformational leadership in Nigeria.
He won the 2013 African Leadership Award from the African Sun Times. The honor recognizes his outstanding leadership, statesmanship and contribution to the progress of Nigeria.
Jonathan received the ECOWAS Peace Medal in 2014 from the Group of West African States. The medal was awarded in recognition of his significant contribution to promoting regional cooperation and peace in West Africa.
Goodluck Jonathan was awarded the ThisDay Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. His efforts for the advancement of Nigeria and his dedication to democracy and sound government are recognized with this distinguished award.
In 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017, Jonathan was awarded the CAF Platinum Award for his contribution to African football.
social media
Due to Goodluck Jonathan’s beneficial influence on politics, many people follow him on various social media platforms. Currently, he has over 3 million followers on Twitter and Instagram.
- Twitter: @GEJonathan
- Instagram: _goodluckjonathan
personal life
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is married to Patience Jonathan. The couple met while attending college and married in 1993. Patience Jonathan is a former teacher who served as Nigeria’s first lady during her husband’s term as president.
The couple has two children, a son named Ariwera Jonathan and a daughter named Aruabi Jonathan. Ariwera graduated from University of Calabarwhile Aluabi graduated from University of Port Harcourt.
Goodluck Jonathan is known to be a devoted family man who often speaks openly about the importance of family in his life. He credits his wife and children for providing him with the support and encouragement he needed to succeed in his political and personal life.
Apart from his immediate family, Goodluck Jonathan is also close to his siblings. His sister, Nancy Jonathan-Olei, is a former Commissioner for Education in Bayelsa State, and his brother, Meni Jonathan, is a former member of the House of Representatives in Bayelsa State.
net worth
Goodluck Jonathan has earned significant amounts of money from his accolades, speaking engagements, politics, and investments. Jonathan’s cumulative net worth is approximately $50 million.
