Shehu Shagari: Beckoned To Serve

Shehu Shagari was the first democratically elected Executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His autobiography shared his experience from early childhood through his period as president in 1979-1983, and beyond. Born the son of a village chief, he became a school teacher, political activist, and committed democrat and nationalist. His story is told within the context of the transition from colonial rule to independence and the struggle to build a stable country with democratic institutions and values. Detained by Babangida, all Shagari’s personal documents were destroyed, and this reconstruction has been aided by academics, and former ministers and advisers.