Umaru Dikko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Umaru Dikko
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| Minister for Transportation | |
| In office 1979–1983 |
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| President | Shehu Shagari |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 31 December 1936 Wamba, Kaduna, British Nigeria |
| Died | 1 July 2014 (aged 77) London, England |
| Political party | Solidarity Group of Nigeria (SGN) United Democratic Party |
| Education | University of London |
Umaru Abdulrahman Dikko (born December 31, 1936 – died July 1, 2014) was an important Nigerian politician. He worked as an adviser to President Shehu Shagari. He also served as the Minister for transportation from 1979 to 1983.
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Umaru Dikko's Early Life
Umaru Dikko was born in a small village called Wamba. This village is located near Zaria in northern Nigeria. He went to school in Zaria when he was young. Later, he earned a science degree from the University of London. Before he became a politician, he worked for the BBC's Hausa service. He became a well-known voice in northern Nigeria.
His Political Journey
Umaru Dikko began his role in Nigeria's government in 1967. He was chosen as a commissioner in the North Central State of Nigeria, which is now Kaduna State. He also helped unite people in the North after a major change in government in 1966.
In 1979, he became the campaign manager for Shehu Shagari. Shagari was running for president with the National Party of Nigeria. Umaru Dikko helped him win the election. During Nigeria's Second Republic (a period of democratic rule), he was a very important person. He served as the Minister for Transportation. He also led a special team focused on rice supply for the country.
Changes in Government
On December 31, 1983, the government of President Shagari was overthrown by the military. Umaru Dikko and some other ministers left Nigeria. They went to live in London. The new military government accused him of misusing public funds while he was in office.
The Dikko Affair
On July 5, 1984, Umaru Dikko was involved in a very unusual event. He was found inside a large wooden box at London Stansted Airport. This box was being sent to Lagos, Nigeria. It seemed like an attempt to secretly bring him back to Nigeria. This event became known as the "Dikko Affair."
Later Political Activities
Umaru Dikko later became the leader of a group called the Solidarity Group of Nigeria (SGN). This group joined with another party during the time of Sani Abacha's government. In the Fourth Republic (another period of democratic rule), he started his own party called the United Democratic Party (UDP). In 2013, he was chosen to lead a special committee for his political party.
Umaru Dikko passed away in London in 2014. He was 77 years old.
See also
In Spanish: Umaru Dikko para niños
