Victoria Gowon
First Lady of Nigeria (1969–1975)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Victoria Hansatu Gowon (born 22 August 1946) is a Nigerian nurse and the third first lady of Nigeria. She is married to General Yakubu Gowon who was Nigerian Head of State from 1966 to 1975.[1][2]
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22 August 1946
Victoria Gowon | |
|---|---|
| |
| First Lady of Nigeria | |
| In role 19 April 1969 – 29 July 1975 | |
| Head of State | Yakubu Gowon |
| Preceded by | Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi |
| Succeeded by | Ajoke Muhammed |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Victoria Hansatu Zakari 22 August 1946 |
| Spouse | |
Biography
Victoria Hansatu Zakari was born on 22 August 1946 to Malam Walter Bala, a civil servant and Lydia Fati Zakari in Zaria.[3][4] She attended primary and secondary school in both Zaria and Kaduna. She completed her secondary education in 1964.[4] She attended school of Nursing at the University College Hospital, Ibadan and qualified as a registered nurse in July 1968.[5] She married Yakubu Gowon during the Nigerian Civil War on 19 April 1969 in a ceremony held at Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos.[3][6]
She made public appearances because Yakubu Gowon combined his executive and ceremonial duties.[1]
Her style as first lady was described as simple as she was often dressed in traditional attire.[2][7]