Bukola Saraki Biography is a fascinating account of his rise to power, his political career, and his contributions to Nigerian politics.
This biography delves into the life of Bukola Saraki, providing insights into his early years, his education, his family background, and his journey into politics.
Through this biography, you are expected to gain a deeper understanding of the man called leader, his accomplishments, challenges, and the impact he has had on Nigerian politics.
Whether you are a political enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the life of one of Nigeria’s most influential politicians, the biography of Bukola Saraki promises to be an enlightening and engaging read.
So without much ado, let’s dive in…
Bukola Saraki Biography 2024
Senator (Dr.) Abubakar Bukola Saraki is a prominent Nigerian politician and businessman who served as the President of the Senate of Nigeria from 2015 to 2019.
He has experienced great success in both the private sector and public service of Nigeria.
Early Life and Education
Bukola Saraki He was born on December 19, 1962, in Kwara State, Nigeria, into a political family.
His father, Olusola Saraki, was a renowned politician and businessman who served as a Senator in the Nigerian National Assembly.
Bukola Saraki attended King’s College, Lagos, and later studied medicine at the University of London but eventually switched to political science, earning a degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
He also holds a medical degree from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria.
A young Dr. Saraki decided to return to Nigeria in 1989 where he worked in the financial sector for nearly a decade until he rose to the position of Executive Director where he oversaw corporate development and expansion programs within the financial industry.
In recognition of his experience and professionalism, the Federal Government of Nigeria appointed him as Special Assistant to the President on Budget in 2000 where he was responsible for preparing the 2000/2001 National Budget.
Dr. Saraki equally initiated the Fiscal Responsibility Bill and served on the Economic Policy Co-ordination Committee, where he was responsible for the formulation and implementation of key economic policies for Nigeria.
Gubernatorial Career: Bukola Saraki Biography
With a vision to translate his experiences into progress and development for the people of his home state, Dr. Saraki was called upon by his people to contest for the position of Executive Governor of Kwara State.
He was elected and sworn into office in 2003.
Based on his performances and achievements witnessed by his people, and in demonstration of their overwhelming support for him, the people of Kwara State re-elected him in 2007 general election for second term in office.
As Governor, Dr. Saraki garnered national and international acclaim for his innovative approaches to agriculture, health, education, fiscal policy and environmental reforms.
His spirit of teamwork endeared him to his colleagues where he was appointed as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum.
In that capacity, he championed a peer review mechanism among the Governors of Nigerian states.
He also used the platform to create a harmonious working relationship between the executive and the legislative arm of government at the national level.
He was the first Nigerian Governor to be awarded the National Honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
As a man of the people coupled with his level of achievements in the political arena, he was conferred and turbaned as a nobleman of high rank with a traditional title of Turaki of Ilorin Emirate and later Waziri of Ilorin.
His transformational programs have been praised and emulated within and outside Nigeria, such as his community health insurance scheme, environmental ‘Clean and Green’ scheme, agricultural transformation by turning Kwara State from a net importer to a net exporter of food through the Zimbabwean farmer’s project.
Accolades: Bukola Saraki Biography
Senator Bukola Saraki has worked tirelessly to bring progress and greater opportunity to Kwara State and the nation as a whole.
Impressed with his good performance during his tenure as Executive Governor of Kwara State (May 2003 to May 2011), his achievements have been noticed and acknowledged both locally and internationally by private and public institutions across the globe which earned him a series of awards including:
- Governor of the Year’ by This Day Newspapers (2004)
- Best Governor of the Year in Agricultural Development 2004/05’ by City People, KSNG
- Leadership Award in appreciation of commitments and outstanding leadership qualities (2005)
- Harvard Business School Africa Club Award 2005
- Kenneth Kaunda Foundation Best Governor in Africa 2006
- Osun State Broadcast Corporation Man of the Year 2006
- African Governor of the Year in Agricultural Development by African Union Media Group in Pretoria, South Africa
- Nigeria Referee Association Grand Patron 2007
- This Day Newspaper Best Governor on Food Security 2008
- The Friend of Nigerian Youth
- Doctor of Science and Public Administration Award by University of Port Harcourt for his Administration’s focus on Agriculture
- Life Fellowship of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, (ANCOPSS) 2009
- Outstanding Governor on Energy 2009 by the Nigerian Compass
- Emerging Tiger of Nigeria (Leadership Award by This Day Newspaper) 2010
- Institute of Chartered Accountants Award of Excellence 2010
- Nigerian Bar Association Award of Excellence
- Award of Excellence in Development of Education and Health care delivery in Nigeria by the College of Medicine, University of Lagos 2012.
Senatorial Career: Bukola Saraki Biography
In furtherance of his passion to serve the people of Kwara State and in particular, Kwara Central Senatorial District where he hails from, Dr. Bukola Saraki was elected as a Senator in 2011 with overwhelming electoral votes.
On his assumption as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he was appointed as the Chairman, the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology.
His legislative interest also includes the area of Health, Agriculture, Education, National economy and Environmental Policy.
Senator Saraki is also a member of the Senate Committees on Capital Markets and Finance.
Out of his vision to ensure good governance, Senator Saraki sponsored a motion on the floor of the Senate on the need to end the fuel subsidy regime in Nigeria which has been a source of conduit pipe and wastages of national resources.
Amongst other motions and private member bills, he has sponsored includes:
- The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency Amendment Bill 2012 which is aimed at putting a halt to oil spills in the Niger Delta
- The Gas Flaring Prohibition Bill 2012, and a strong supporter of the Climate Change Commission Bill 2013.
As the Senate Committee Chairman on Environment and Ecology, Dr. Bukola Saraki has championed some environmental issues that need urgent attention in Nigeria which poses a threat to the environment, human health and livelihoods.
Notable amongst them are his intervention in the Lead Poisoning incident in Zamfara state, Nigeria where over 1500 children’s lives are in danger of survival.
He also supports the mission and vision of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves in ensuring safe and healthy methods of cooking for millions of Nigerians while conserving the environment through reduced deforestation.
Personal Life: Bukola Saraki Biography
Dr. Saraki is married to Toyin Ojora-Saraki, a lawyer and Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBF-Africa) and they have four children.
FAQs About Bukola Saraki Biography
Who is Bukola Saraki?
Bukola Saraki is a Nigerian politician and former Senate President of Nigeria. He was born on December 19, 1962, in Kwara State, Nigeria.
What political party does Bukola Saraki belong to?
Bukola Saraki was a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) until 2018, when he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In 2020, he left the APC and joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) again.
What positions has Bukola Saraki held in politics?
Bukola Saraki has held several political positions, including Governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011, and Senate President of Nigeria from 2015 to 2019.
What are Bukola Saraki’s achievements as a politician?
As the governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki is credited with implementing various development projects in the state, including the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals.
He also initiated several youth empowerment and poverty alleviation programs.
As a senator, he played a prominent role in the passage of several bills and the oversight of government agencies.
He was elected as the Senate President in 2015 and held the position until 2019.
What controversies has Bukola Saraki been involved in?
Bukola Saraki has been involved in several controversies during his political career.
In 2015, he was charged with false declaration of assets by the Code of Conduct Bureau, which led to a lengthy legal battle.
He has also been accused of corruption and mismanagement of public funds, although he denies these allegations.
What is Bukola Saraki doing now?
Bukola Saraki is currently involved in various philanthropic activities through his foundation, the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation.
He is also an advocate for good governance and democracy in Nigeria.
Conclusion of Bukola Saraki Biography
In conclusion, the biography of Bukola Saraki highlights his impressive political career and his contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
From serving as the Governor of Kwara State to becoming the President of the Nigerian Senate, Saraki has demonstrated leadership qualities that have earned him both admiration and criticism.
His story shows the complexities and challenges of Nigerian politics and the need for visionary leaders who can navigate the system while prioritizing the interests of the people.
Overall, the biography of Bukola Saraki is a valuable insight into one of Nigeria’s most influential politicians and provides readers with a better understanding of the country’s political landscape.
SOURCE: Newkwara Media
