Patience Jonathan
 |
Patience Jonathan | |
|---|---|
| First Lady of Nigeria | |
| Assumed office 5 May 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Turai Yar'Adua |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 1957 Port Harcourt, Nigeria |
| Spouse | Goodluck Jonathan |
| Alma mater | University of Port Harcourt |
Patience Faka Jonathan is the current (as of 2011) First Lady of Nigeria. She is married to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.[1]
Education
Born in Port Harcourt, she earned her school certificate in 1976, and passed the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 1980. In 1989, she obtained the National Certificate of Education (NCE) in Mathematics/Biology from the Rivers State College of Arts and Science, Port Harcourt. She then proceeded to the University of Port Harcourt and studied Biology and Psychology.[2]
Career
Jonathan started her career as a teacher at the Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt and Sports Institute Isake. She then moved to the banking sector in 1997, where she established the first community bank in Port Harcourt called the Akpo Community Bank. She served as Marketing Manager of Imiete Community Bank. She returned to the classroom briefly again as teacher. Eventually she was transferred to the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, where she served until 29 May 1999 when her husband became the Deputy Governor of the state. She and her husband have two children.
Philanthropic work
Mrs. Jonathan has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally for her philanthropic work and political pragmatism. She received the “Beyond The Tears” International Humanitarian Award New York, USA, in 2008[3], for her role in the global fight against HIV/AIDS; the African Goodwill Ambassador Award (Los Angeles, USA, 2008) and the recipient of the "Wind of Change" Award from the South/South Women’s Organization.
When Dr. Jonathan served as Governor between 2005 and 2007, Mrs. Jonathan served the state in the capacity of the first Lady of Bayelsa State. During this period, Mrs. Jonathan founded many philanthropic and women empowerment programs, among them are the A-Aruere Reachout Foundation (AARF),[4] which she set up to improve the status and earning capacity of Nigerian women and youths. The foundation already has its focus on supporting and assisting children with heart-related problems.
Controveries
In 2006, Jonathan came under investigation for money laundering. Anti-corruption officials alleged that she tried to launder some $13.5m (£8.5m).[5] Jonathan, then the First Lady of Bayelsa, was picked up at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.[6] She was not be convicted of any crime and officials insist that the case is an "old one".[5]
References
- ^ "Lady of a Nation", Nigeria Stepping Ahead, Toronto, June 2010
- ^ "Meet First Lady Patience Jonathan". Goodluck Sambo. 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "Profile: Patience Jonathan". Africa Confidential. 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "A.Aaruera Reachout Foundation". A.Aaruera Reachout Foundation. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ a b "Profile: Nigeria's Goodluck Jonathan". BBC. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
- ^ "Money Laundering: Group Sues EFCC Over First Lady Patience Jonathan's $13 Million Fraud". Nigeria2Day Online. 18 July 2011. Retrieved 24 April 2012.