Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was a Nigerian military officer, politician, and businessman who played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape. He was born on March 5, 1943, in Katsina State, Nigeria, and died on December 8, 1997, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Early Life and Education
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was born into a prominent family in northern Nigeria. His father, Musa Yar’Adua, was a former Minister for Lagos Affairs and a member of the Northern Regional House of Assembly. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua attended Katsina Provincial Secondary School and later proceeded to the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna.
Military Career
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua started his military career in 1962 when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army. He rose through the ranks and became a Major in 1967 during the Nigerian Civil War. He was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the 1st Infantry Division of the Nigerian Army in 1975 and was later promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua’s military career was marked by several achievements and accolades. He was a member of the Supreme Military Council, the highest decision-making body in Nigeria during the military regime. He was also the founder and first Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Personal Life
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was married to Hajia Binta Yar’Adua and had four children. He was a devout Muslim and was known for his philanthropic activities.
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was a man of means, and he owned several properties, including a mansion in Victoria Island, Lagos, and a fleet of cars.
Net Worth
| Currency | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| US Dollar | $10 million |
| Nigerian Naira | ₦3.8 billion |
| Canadian Dollar | CAD 12.8 million |
| Ghana Cedi | GHS 57.6 million |
| Kenya Shilling | KES 1.1 billion |
| South Africa Rand | ZAR 144 million |
| Uganda Shilling | UGX 36 billion |
| India Rupee | INR 736 crore |
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million at the time of his death. His net worth in Nigerian Naira was ₦3.8 billion, making him one of the wealthiest Nigerians of his time.
Awards and Nominations
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was a recipient of several awards and honours, including the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) and the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
In conclusion, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was a military legend, a politician, and a businessman who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development. He will always be remembered for his selfless service to his country and his unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people.
For more information on Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, please visit his Wikipedia page.