Biography

Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan GCFR GCON (born November 1957), is a distinguished Nigerian politician and businessman from Bayelsa State. He rose to national prominence as the Vice President of Nigeria under the administration of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He subsequently assumed the country’s presidency in 2010, serving with grace and dignity until 2015.

Prior to his presidency, Jonathan had already earned a reputation as a shrewd and visionary leader, having served as the governor of Bayelsa State and later as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His sterling performance as a public official won him widespread acclaim and a legion of followers across the length and breadth of the country.

Despite his many achievements, Jonathan‘s tenure as president was challenging, as he faced numerous issues such as security, corruption, and economic development. Nevertheless, he remained steadfast and resolute in his commitment to advancing the interests of the Nigerian people and promoting the country’s progress and prosperity.

In 2015, Goodluck Jonathan made history by becoming the first incumbent president in Nigerian history to willingly concede defeat after losing the presidential election to General Muhammadu Buhari. His gracious 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.

Goodluck Jonathan
Goodluck Jonathan: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photo
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan
Stage Name:	Goodluck Jonathan
Born:	20 November 1957 (age 66 years old)
Place of Birth:	Otuoke, Bayelsa, Nigeria
State Of Origin:	Bayelsa State
Nationality:	Nigerian
Height:	1.65 m
Parents:	Eunice Jonathan, Lawrence Jonathan
Siblings:	Nancy Jonathan-Olei, Meni Jonathan
Spouse:	Patience Jonathan (m. 1993)
Education:	University of Port Harcourt
Children:	Ariwera Jonathan, Aruabi Jonathan
Occupation:	Politician • Businessman
Net Worth:	$50 million

Early Life & Education

Goodluck Jonathan, born into a devout Christian Ijaw tribe family of skilled canoe builders, came into the world on November 20, 1957, in Ogbia, Bayelsa State. He grew up in a modest household as the oldest of four siblings, with a sister named Nancy Jonathan-Olei and a brother named Meni Jonathan.

Despite facing hardships early in life, Jonathan‘s parents instilled in him the values of perseverance, hard work, and education. His mother, Eunice Jonathan, retired as a farmer, while his father, Lawrence Jonathan, made a living crafting canoes.

He began his early education at St. Stephen’s Primary School in Otuoke. Later, he completed his secondary studies at Mater Dei High School in Imiringi, where he was selected as the class prefect for his academic promise.

Goodluck Jonathan was admitted to the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria, in 1975 to study zoology. He earned his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in 1981, followed by his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in hydrobiology and fisheries biology in 1985. Later, he pursued a Ph.D. in zoology at the University of Port Harcourt, which he successfully completed in 1995.

His academic achievements gave him a strong foundation in the natural sciences, equipping him for a future in academia and politics. After completing his education, he worked as a science inspector and lecturer at the Rivers State College of Education, joining the Rivers State Civil Service.

Over time, Goodluck Jonathan‘s passion for politics and public service continued to grow. As he rose through the ranks, he became a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), one of Nigeria’s major political parties. In 1999, he was appointed as the deputy governor of Bayelsa State under Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha‘s leadership, marking the beginning of his political career.

Career

After completing his academic pursuit, Goodluck Jonathan launched into a fascinating career across education, science, and politics. He began as a science inspector and lecturer at the Rivers State College of Schooling after joining the Rivers State Civil Service, where he deployed his knowledge and experience to inspire a generation of scholars and contribute to developing science education in Nigeria.

However, Jonathan‘s passion for politics and public service quickly steered him towards the grassroots, where he joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the late 1990s. He proved himself a political force, holding several state-level positions, including Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. He was thrust into the limelight in 2005 when he took over as governor after the incumbent’s impeachment, and he left a lasting legacy of progress and development in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Jonathan‘s meteoric rise continued when he was selected as Umaru Musa Yar’Adua‘s vice presidential running mate in 2007. After the slate won, he was sworn in as Nigeria’s vice president. However, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua‘s health declined, leading to him taking over as acting president. In a historic turn of events, he became the nation’s president when Umaru Musa Yar’Adua passed away in 2010, becoming the first person from the Niger Delta to occupy the position.

As president, Goodluck Jonathan was a man on a mission with an unwavering commitment to reducing corruption, transforming the socioeconomic system, and enhancing governance. His administration made notable strides, such as creating the Sovereign Wealth Fund, introducing numerous agricultural programs, and transforming the electricity industry. However, his administration faced significant challenges, such as the Boko Haram insurgency and economic hardships resulting from plummeting oil prices.

Jonathan faced tough competition from more than a dozen candidates during his reelection bid, but Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged as his most formidable opponent. Buhari’s military background and reputation for dealing with insurgents made him an attractive candidate to many. He was criticized for failing to combat the Boko Haram menace effectively, significantly impacting his reelection chances. The 2015 presidential election in Nigeria was hotly contested, but he eventually conceded after it became clear that Buhari had won.

Despite leaving power, Goodluck Jonathan has remained influential in Nigerian politics. He was selected in 2019 to serve as an honorary special advisor to the board and was appointed to lead the newly established International Summit Council for Peace in June of that same year. 

Additionally, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) designated him as a special envoy in July 2020 to facilitate negotiations during the Malian demonstrations. His former associates widely regard him as the hero of Nigerian democracy, thanks to his selfless dedication to his people and his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s development.

Awards & nominations

Goodluck Jonathan received the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award in 2012 from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). This honor recognized his efforts to advance democracy, peace, and sound government in Nigeria.

In 2013, the African Leadership Magazine presented Jonathan with the African Leadership Award for Good Governance. His accomplishments in the Nigerian government, economic growth, and transformational leadership were honored with the prize.

He received the 2013 African Leadership Personality Award from the African Sun Times. This honor recognizes his outstanding leadership, statesmanship, and contributions to Nigeria’s advancement.

Jonathan received the ECOWAS Peace Medal from the group of West African nations in 2014. The medal was given to him in appreciation for his considerable contribution to fostering Western Africa regional cooperation and peace.

Goodluck Jonathan was presented with the ThisDay Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. His efforts for the advancement of Nigeria and his dedication to democracy and sound government were recognized by this distinguished award.

In 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017, Jonathan got CAF platinum awards for his contributions to African football.

Social Media

Many people follow Goodluck Jonathan on various social media platforms thanks to his beneficial influence on politics. Currently, he has over 3 million followers on Twitter and Instagram.

• Twitter: @GEJonathan
• Instagram: _goodluckjonathan

Personal Life

Goodluck Jonathan, the former President of Nigeria, is married to Patience Jonathan. The couple met while attending university, and they got married in 1993. Patience Jonathan is a former schoolteacher who served as Nigeria’s first lady during her husband’s presidency.

The couple has two children together, a son named Ariwera Jonathan and a daughter named Aruabi Jonathan. Ariwera is a graduate of the University of Calabar, while Aruabi is a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt.

Goodluck Jonathan is known to be a devoted family man, and he has often spoken publicly about the importance of family in his life. He has credited his wife and children with providing him with the support and encouragement he needed to succeed in both his political and personal life.

In addition to his immediate family, Goodluck Jonathan is also close to his siblings. His younger sister, Nancy Jonathan-Olei, is a former commissioner of education in Bayelsa State, and his younger brother, Meni Jonathan, is a former Bayelsa State House of Assembly member.

Net Worth

Goodluck Jonathan gathered lots of money from his honors, lecturing job, politics, and investments. Jonathan‘s accumulated net worth is approximately $50 million.

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