The first President of Nauru was Hammer DeRoburt, who served from January 31, 1968, to December 22, 1976, and again from September 17, 1978, to September 17, 1986.
Hammer DeRoburt was born on September 25, 1922, in Aiwo, Nauru. He was the son of a Nauruan mother and a German father. DeRoburt received his education in Nauru and Australia. He worked as a teacher and a clerk before entering politics in 1951. He was a member of the Nauruan Legislative Council from 1951 to 1968 and served as its president from 1966 to 1968.
- In 1968, DeRoburt led Nauru to independence from Australia. He became the country’s first President and served until 1976.
- During his first term, DeRoburt oversaw the development of Nauru’s phosphate industry, which brought great wealth to the country.
- He also established diplomatic relations with many countries and became a member of the United Nations.
- In 1976, DeRoburt was defeated in a general election by Bernard Dowiyogo. However, he returned to power in 1978 after Dowiyogo was assassinated.
- During his second term, DeRoburt continued to promote Nauru’s economic development and its international standing.
- He also established the Nauru Phosphate Royalties Trust, which was designed to manage the country’s phosphate wealth for the benefit of future generations.
- DeRoburt stepped down as President in 1986 and was succeeded by Kennan Adeang.
- He died on July 15, 1992, at the age of 69.
DeRoburt is remembered as a wise and capable leader who made a significant contribution to the development of Nauru. He is also known for his commitment to democracy and human rights.
Emblem of Nauru
To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Namibia, Myanmar and Mozambique. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.
The official residence and symbol of the Nauru President
10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Nauru’s History
Nauru is a small island country in Micronesia, located in the Central Pacific. Since gaining independence from Australia in 1968, Nauru has had several presidents who have played crucial roles in shaping the nation. Here are 10 of the most popular presidents from Nauru:
- Hammer DeRoburt: DeRoburt was the first president of Nauru, serving from 1968 to 1976. He played a pivotal role in negotiating the country’s independence from Australia and establishing its sovereignty.
- Bernard Dowiyogo: Dowiyogo served as the president of Nauru on multiple occasions, with a total of six terms between 1976 and 2003. He implemented economic reforms and focused on the sustainable development of Nauru’s resources.
- Ruben Kun: Kun served as the president of Nauru from 2003 to 2007. During his tenure, he worked towards improving Nauru’s financial situation and strengthening relationships with other nations.
- Marc Wilson: Wilson served as the president of Nauru from 2007 to 2010. He focused on addressing socio-economic challenges and worked towards creating a more inclusive society.
- Sprent Dabwido: Dabwido served as the president of Nauru from 2011 to 2013. Under his leadership, Nauru faced various environmental and economic challenges, which he worked to overcome.
- Baron Waqa: Waqa served as the president of Nauru from 2013 to 2019. He was known for his efforts in implementing economic reforms, improving public services, and strengthening the country’s infrastructure.
- Lionel Aingimea: Aingimea assumed office as the president of Nauru in 2019. He has since focused on addressing environmental issues, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing Nauru’s international relations.
- Martin Hunt: Hunt served as the president of Nauru from 1989 to 1995. He played a significant role in advocating for Nauru’s interests on the global stage, particularly regarding the country’s phosphate industry.
- Ludwig Scotty: Scotty served as the president of Nauru from 2004 to 2007 and again from 2008 to 2010. He focused on economic reforms, improving healthcare and education, and addressing climate change challenges.
- Derog Gioura: Gioura served as the president of Nauru from 1989 to 1995. He was instrumental in implementing legal reforms, promoting socio-economic development, and advocating for Nauru’s environmental concerns.
