F%C3%A9lix Houphou%C3%ABt Boigny

Flix HouphoutBoigny , affectionately called Papa Houphout or Le Vieux , was the first President of Cte dIvoire , serving for more than three decades until his death. A tribal chief, he worked as a medical aide, union leader, and planter before being elected to the French Parliament. He served in several ministerial positions within the French government before leading Cte dIvoire following independence in 1960. Throughout his life, he played a significant role in politics and the decolonization of Africa.

According to his official biography, HouphoutBoigny was probably born onOctober 1905, in Yamoussoukro to a family of hereditary chiefs of the Baoul people. Unofficial accounts, however, place his birth date up to seven years earlier. Born into the animist Akous tribe, he was named Dia Houphout his first name Dia means prophet or magician. His father was NDoli Houphout. Dia Houphout was the greatnephew through his mother of Queen Yamousso and the village chief, Kouassi NGo. When NGo was murdered in 1910, Dia was named to succeed him as chief. Due to his young age, his stepfather Gbro Diby ruled as regent until Dia came of age Dias father had already died.

Source: Wikipedia