# Olusegun Obasanjo

> nigerian president (1999-2007) and military leader (1976–79)

**Wikidata**: [Q202006](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q202006)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olusegun_Obasanjo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/olusegun-obasanjo

## Summary
Olusegun Obasanjo was a Nigerian president (1999–2007) and military leader (1976–1979), serving as the first democratically elected president of Nigeria after the country's return to civilian rule. He is known for his leadership during critical periods of political transition and economic reform in Nigeria.

## Biography
- Born: March 5, 1937, in Ogbomoso, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (1958) from the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham, UK
  - Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (1960) from the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham, UK
- Known for: Leading Nigeria through military rule and democratic transition, implementing economic reforms, and promoting regional stability in West Africa
- Employer(s): Nigerian military, Nigerian government
- Field(s): Political leadership, military service, engineering

## Contributions
Olusegun Obasanjo served as the 14th President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, overseeing the country's transition from military rule to democracy. He implemented economic reforms, including the establishment of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to address economic challenges. As a military leader from 1976 to 1979, he played a key role in Nigeria's political transition, ensuring a smooth handover to civilian rule. He also received numerous awards, including the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize and honorary doctorates from Peking University and the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.

## FAQs
* **What was Olusegun Obasanjo's role in Nigeria's political transition?**
  Olusegun Obasanjo served as the military leader of Nigeria from 1976 to 1979, overseeing the country's transition from military rule to democracy. He ensured a peaceful handover of power to civilian leaders, including himself as the first democratically elected president in 1999.

* **What economic reforms did Olusegun Obasanjo implement?**
  As president, Obasanjo established the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to address economic challenges and promote growth. He also focused on infrastructure development and regional economic integration.

* **What awards has Olusegun Obasanjo received?**
  Obasanjo received the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, honorary doctorates from Peking University and the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, and various national honors, including the Order of the Federal Republic and the Order of the Nigeria.

* **Where did Olusegun Obasanjo receive his education?**
  Obasanjo earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Royal Military College of Science in Shrivenham, UK, in 1958, and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the same institution in 1960.

## Why They Matter
Olusegun Obasanjo's leadership was pivotal in Nigeria's political transition from military rule to democracy. His presidency marked a significant shift in the country's governance, implementing economic reforms and promoting regional stability. His work influenced Nigeria's democratic development and set a precedent for peaceful political transitions in West Africa. His contributions to engineering and military service also shaped Nigeria's technological and defense capabilities.

## Notable For
* Serving as the first democratically elected president of Nigeria (1999–2007)
* Leading Nigeria through military rule (1976–1979) and ensuring a smooth transition to civilian rule
* Establishing the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to address economic challenges
* Receiving the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize and honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions
* Promoting regional stability and economic integration in West Africa

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Olusegun Obasanjo was born on March 5, 1937, in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. He attended Baptist Boys’ High School in Abeokuta before pursuing higher education. Obasanjo earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Royal Military College of Science in Shrivenham, UK, in 1958, and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the same institution in 1960. His educational background in engineering laid the foundation for his later career in the Nigerian military.

### Military Career
Obasanjo joined the Nigerian military and rose to the rank of Major General. He served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1975 to 1976 and as the Head of State from 1976 to 1979. During his tenure, he oversaw Nigeria's transition from military rule to democracy, ensuring a peaceful handover of power to civilian leaders. His military leadership was marked by a commitment to stability and political transition.

### Presidential Leadership
Obasanjo was elected as the first democratically elected president of Nigeria in 1999, serving until 2007. His presidency was characterized by economic reforms and infrastructure development. He established the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to address economic challenges and promote growth. Obasanjo also focused on regional economic integration and stability in West Africa.

### Awards and Recognition
Obasanjo received numerous awards and honors, including the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, honorary doctorates from Peking University and the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, and various national awards such as the Order of the Federal Republic and the Order of the Nigeria. His contributions to Nigeria and West Africa earned him widespread recognition and respect.

### Legacy and Influence
Olusegun Obasanjo's legacy is marked by his role in Nigeria's political transition and economic reforms. His leadership influenced the country's democratic development and set a precedent for peaceful political transitions in West Africa. His work in engineering and military service also shaped Nigeria's technological and defense capabilities. Obasanjo's contributions continue to be studied and admired for their impact on Nigeria and regional stability.

## References

1. Dictionary of African Biography
2. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa
3. BnF authorities
4. [Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China](http://www.moe.gov.cn/s78/A22/xwb_left/moe_829/tnull_44386.html)
5. [Source](https://www.aasciences.africa/fellow/he-chief-obasanjo-olusegun)
6. Peoples' Friendship University of Russia
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. CiNii Research
9. Integrated Authority File
10. SNAC
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. Davos 2004 List of Participants
16. BBC Things
17. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
18. LIBRIS. 2018
19. Dizionario di Storia