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Mobolaji Johnson was a Nigerian military officer who served as the first military governor of Lagos State from 1967 to 1975. He was born on February 9, 1936, in Lagos, Nigeria, and passed away on October 30, 2019, at the age of 83. Johnson was a highly respected and decorated military officer who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian military and the country as a whole.
Early Life and Education
Johnson was born into a family of six in Lagos, Nigeria. He attended St. Gregory’s College in Lagos and later joined the Nigerian Army in 1957 as a member of the Nigerian Military Training College. He was later sent to the United Kingdom for further military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Military Career
Johnson’s military career spanned over two decades, during which he held various positions of authority and responsibility. He was appointed the first military governor of Lagos State in 1967, a position he held until 1975. During his tenure, he oversaw the development of Lagos State and implemented various policies and programs that improved the lives of its residents.
Johnson was also instrumental in the Nigerian Civil War, serving as the commander of the Second Infantry Division of the Nigerian Army. He played a key role in the capture of the city of Onitsha, which was a major stronghold of the Biafran rebels. His military prowess and leadership skills earned him several accolades and awards, including the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and the National Service Order (NSO).
Personal Life
Johnson was married to Funmi Johnson, and they had four children together. He was known to be a private person who kept his personal life away from the public eye. However, he was known to be a lover of cars and had a collection of luxury cars. He also owned a beautiful mansion in Lagos.
Net Worth
Johnson’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million at the time of his death. In Nigerian Naira, his net worth was approximately ₦1.8 billion. In Canadian dollars, his net worth was around CAD 6.5 million, while in Ghanaian cedis, it was around GHS 28 million. In Kenyan shillings, his net worth was approximately KES 400 million, while in South African rand, it was around ZAR 70 million. In Ugandan shillings, his net worth was around UGX 18 billion, while in Indian rupees, it was around INR 370 million.
Johnson’s net worth was mainly derived from his military career and his investments in various businesses. He was known to be a shrewd businessman who invested wisely and made smart financial decisions.
Awards and Nominations
Throughout his military career, Johnson received numerous awards and nominations for his outstanding service to Nigeria. Some of the awards he received include:
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) | 1980 |
| National Service Order (NSO) | 1981 |
| Defence Service Medal (DSM) | 1969 |
| General Service Medal (GSM) | 1963 |
| United Nations Medal (UNM) | 1963 |
Johnson’s legacy as a military officer and a leader will forever be remembered in Nigeria. He was a man of integrity, discipline, and courage who served his country with distinction and honor.
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