November 25 is the day when the one and only Atiku Abubakar was born, and we want to dedicate this article to him. As we celebrate this great man’s 72nd birthday, let’s remind you of his journey and achievements over the years.
Photo: todaynewsafrica.com
Early years of Atiku Abubakar: education and family
On November 25, 1954, Atiku Abubakar history began. He was born in a family of Garba Abubakar, a Fulani farmer and trader and Aisha Kande, Abubakar. Atiku grew up as an only child in the village of Jada, Adamawa State. When he was 11 years old, his father died and his mother married another man.
It is interesting to note that Atiku Abubakar went to school later than other children did. That was because his father. was against his son studying in a Western-style school. However, when he was forced to pay a fine and stay in jail for several days, he sent Atiku to Jada Primary School.
The boy then went on to Adamawa Provincial Secondary School, Yola, which he graduated from in 1965. In 1967, Atiku received a diploma from the School of Hygiene, Kano, and two years later, he graduated from Ahmadu Bello University with a Law Diploma. After that, he went on to work for the Nigeria Customs Service, started a few businesses and the rest is history.
Atiku Abubakar profile and achievements
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By now, you probably know every detail of Atiku Abubakar biography (particularly his career), so instead of telling you the same things over and over again, we want to highlight some of the most important achievements from his life.
- For instance, during his tenure as Vice-President of Nigeria, he was one of the key figures in privatization of the telecommunications industry. He also stood behind banking consolidation, job creation (particularly in his home state of Adamawa).
- It is a known fact that Atiku is a successful businessman. Some of his most recognizable enterprises are the oil servicing business named Intels and a beverage company called Adama Beverages Limited.
- Abubakar is the founder of American University of Nigeria, which is the first university of its kind in the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa. The university is recognised as one of the best universities in the country.
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- Atiku is known for being a philanthropist. Apart from donating significant amount to other charitable organisations, he has established his own. Atiku Abubakar foundation is known as Atiku Care Foundation, and it focuses on improving education, agriculture, healthcare and poverty.
- Atiku Abubakar was awarded the titles of the Turaki and Waziri of Adamawa by Alhaji Aliyu Mustafa, traditional ruler of Adamawa. He received his first title back in 1982, when he was 28 years old. He received the second title in 2017, after his son Aliyu received the title of Turaki.
- In 2011, Abubakar received the Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award from the National Peace Corps Association for his outstanding contribution to the development of higher education in Africa.
- Atiku is a loving husband and father (and grandfather, too!). He currently has 4 wives and 28 children (with several grandchildren). He is a devoted family man.
We want to wish Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the happiest birthday. May he have many more years filled with triumphs and achievements.
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Source: Legit.ng
