Nigeria mourns the loss of former leader Muhammadu Buhari after he passed away at age 82 while getting medical care at a London facility. The Tinubu Media Centre broke the devastating news on Sunday, July 13, through an official announcement. Current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu immediately commanded all national flags across the country to fly at half-mast as a mark of respect. Officials called his death a massive blow to the West African nation during these difficult times. The late president had answered his country's call when citizens desperately needed strong leadership.
Buhari was born in December 1942 in the northern town of Daura, Katsina State. His father passed away when the future president was just four years old, leaving his Kanuri mother to raise him alone. The youngster grew up knowing he was one of 23 children from his father's side and number 13 among his mother's offspring. Local schools in Daura provided his early education before he moved to a boarding school in nearby Katsina city. The strict military-style discipline at these institutions shaped his tough character, which would define his later political career.
Military service became Buhari's chosen path after he enrolled at Nigeria's training college for officers. British instructors taught him advanced combat techniques during his overseas stint from 1962 through 1963. His rapid promotions led to governor roles and eventually to the position of petroleum commissioner under General Obasanjo's regime. A 1983 coup brought him to power as a military ruler, but he was ousted by his rivals two years later. Democratic politics beckoned decades later when he finally captured the presidency in 2015.
Buhari was born in December 1942 in the northern town of Daura, Katsina State. His father passed away when the future president was just four years old, leaving his Kanuri mother to raise him alone. The youngster grew up knowing he was one of 23 children from his father's side and number 13 among his mother's offspring. Local schools in Daura provided his early education before he moved to a boarding school in nearby Katsina city. The strict military-style discipline at these institutions shaped his tough character, which would define his later political career.
Military service became Buhari's chosen path after he enrolled at Nigeria's training college for officers. British instructors taught him advanced combat techniques during his overseas stint from 1962 through 1963. His rapid promotions led to governor roles and eventually to the position of petroleum commissioner under General Obasanjo's regime. A 1983 coup brought him to power as a military ruler, but he was ousted by his rivals two years later. Democratic politics beckoned decades later when he finally captured the presidency in 2015.
