The man, whose image is in the 20 naira note was a Nigerian Military Head of State by name General Murtala Ramat Mohammed. He was born on 8 November, 1938. He was one of the leaders of the July 1966 coup that assassinated Major General J.T U Aguiyi Ironsi.
He seized power by overthrowing General Yakubu Gowon in a palace coup. 6 months later, he was killed in an abortive coup attempt led by LT Col Buka Suka Dimka. His 6 months reign impacted on the lives of many Nigerians as a result of his people friendly policies like the “Udogu” award which was paid to civil servants in Nigeria. He was the most loved Nigerian Military Head of State but on February 1976, he was killed in an Abortive Coup led by LT Col Buka Suka Dimka.
He was married to Ajoke and he left behind 6 children, Aisha, Zakari (Late), Fatima, Abba, Zeliha and Jummai.
Throwback Pictures of Murtala Muhammed and his children
Ajoke Mohammed, wife of Murtala Mohammed achieved a lot after the death of her husband. She is the founder and chief executive of the Murtala Mohammed Memorial Botanical gardens, a worthy monument set up to immortalize her husband, Murtala Mohammed.
She also coordinates the green belt Movement of Nigeria which is currently involved in tree planting and other poverty alleviation programmes in parts of Lagos state. She is also the Vice Chairman of the Murtala Mohammed Foundation, a non profit organization founded on the ideals of General Murtala Mohammed. Ajoke is a powerful businesswoman in Nigeria.
Aisha Mohammed
Aisha, first daughter of Murtala Mohammed also achieved a lot after the death of her father. She is a human rights activist and development Specialist. She is the CEO of the Murtala Mohammed Foundation. This successful woman is a trained lawyer and an advisor on social impact and corporate social responsibility. She is happily married to Gbenga Oyebode.
Abba Risque
Abba Risque is the only surviving son of Murtala Muhammed. He is a Nigerian politician and also a prominent figure in Nigeria. He is a businessman with interest in the oil sector. He is one of the members of board at the Murtala Mohammed Foundation.
Not much is known about the three remaining daughters of Murtala Mohammed but according to reports, they are all happily married.