The Nigerian naira is the official currency of Nigeria, which was introduced in 1973 to replace the pound. The naira is the fourth currency to be used in Nigeria, and it is denoted with the symbol “₦.” The naira is divided into 100 kobo, and the highest denomination is the 1000 naira note. The twenty naira note is one of the lowest currency denominations in Nigeria, and it features the portrait of a famous Nigerian personality. In this article, we will explore who is on the twenty naira note and their contribution to Nigerian history.
Alhaji Aliyu Mai-Bornu
The twenty naira note features the portrait of Alhaji Aliyu Mai-Bornu, who was a prominent Nigerian politician and businessman. His full name was Alhaji Aliyu Mai-Bornu Sheriff, and he was born on January 1, 1909, in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. He was a member of the Northern People's Congress (NPC), which was the ruling political party in Northern Nigeria in the 1950s and 1960s.
Contribution to Nigerian History
Aliyu Mai-Bornu played a significant role in Nigerian history, particularly in the development of the northern region of Nigeria. He served in various political offices, including as a member of the House of Representatives and as the Minister for Mines and Power. He was also a successful businessman, owning several companies in the northern region of Nigeria.
One of his notable contributions to Nigerian history was his role in the establishment of the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. The university was named after Sir Ahmadu Bello, who was the first premier of the Northern Region and the Sardauna of Sokoto. Mai-Bornu was instrumental in securing the funds that were needed for the establishment of the university.
Legacy
Aliyu Mai-Bornu died on November 8, 1960, at the age of 51. However, his legacy still lives on, particularly in the northern region of Nigeria. The Ahmadu Bello University, which he helped to establish, is now one of the most prestigious universities in Nigeria and has produced several notable Nigerians.
In addition to the twenty naira note, Mai-Bornu has been honored in other ways. For example, there is a street named after him in the Maitama area of Abuja, which is the capital city of Nigeria. He is also remembered for his contributions to the development of the northern region of Nigeria.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the twenty naira note is one of the most commonly used currency denominations in Nigeria, and it features the portrait of Alhaji Aliyu Mai-Bornu. Mai-Bornu was a prominent Nigerian politician and businessman who played a significant role in the development of the northern region of Nigeria. His legacy still lives on, particularly in the establishment of the Ahmadu Bello University, which is now one of the most prestigious universities in Nigeria. The twenty naira note serves as a reminder of his contributions to Nigerian history and his lasting impact on Nigerian society.
