Abia is a state nestled in the southeastern region of Nigeria, known as the “God’s Own State.” Abia is famous for its entrepreneurial spirit, thriving commerce, and innovative industries. The state plays host to some of the richest and most influential men in Nigeria, particularly in business, politics, and sports.
These billionaire businessmen have not only contributed to the economic growth and development of the state but have also made significant impacts on a national and global scale. In this article, we will explore the top 10 richest men in Abia State, along with their net worths.
Top 10 Richest Men In Abia State
1. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu – ($600 Million)
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is a Nigerian politician and businessman, considered the richest man in Abia State with an estimated net worth of $600 million. Orji Uzor Kalu is the chairman of SLOK Holding, a company involved in manufacturing, mass media, shipping, finance, and oil trading. He started SLOK Holding at the young age of 19 and grew it into a billion-dollar enterprise. Kalu also owns the Daily Sun and New Telegraph newspapers in Nigeria.
In addition to his business ventures, Kalu has had a successful political career. He served two terms as the governor of Abia State, from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure as governor, he focused on diversifying the state’s economy, expanding into industries like agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. Currently, he represents Abia North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate.
2. Dr. Alex Otti – ($500 Million)
Taking the second spot on our list of the richest men in Abia State is Alex Otti, with an estimated net worth of $500 million. He is a Nigerian economist, banker, investor, and politician. He served as the Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank PLC, a financial institution in Nigeria. During his time there, he made significant contributions to the bank’s growth and success.
In December 2015, he contested as the gubernatorial candidate for Abia State under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) party. Although initially declared the winner, a Supreme Court verdict overturned the decision, affirming his opponent’s victory. Despite this setback, Otti contested again in 2023, winning the gubernatorial election this time. Within a few months in office, he achieved a great feat.
Otti installed the Geometric Power Plant in Abia, with one out of four turbines switched on. As a result, residents of Aba allegedly became the first part of the country to enjoy 48 hours of uninterrupted power supply.
3. Chukwuemeka Ngozichineke Wogu – ($350 Million)
Third on our list with an estimated net worth of $350 million is Chukwuemeka Ngozichineke Wogu. He is a Nigerian politician known for his role as the Federal Minister of Labour & Productivity from April 6, 2010. During Chukwuemeka’s tenure as the Minister of Labour & Productivity, he had to address challenges such as strikes by federal civil servants in April 2010.
Before that, he served as the vice-chairman and later chairman of Aba South Local Government Area in Abia State from 1991 to 1993. In 1993, he became a member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing his constituency. He also worked as a political adviser to Orji Uzor Kalu, the former governor of Abia State.
4. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu – ($300 Million)
Okezie Victor Ikpeazu is a Nigerian politician, taking the fourth spot on our list with an estimated net worth of $300 million. Before entering politics, Ikpeazu worked in different capacities.
He managed several enterprises and investments across Abia State, contributing to his wealth. Later, he served as the Governor of Abia State from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023. During his time as governor, Ikpeazu focused on improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare in Abia State.
5. Theodore Orji – ($200 Million)
Theodore Ahamefule Orji is a former governor who served from 2007 to 2015. Before his governorship, Orji was a career civil servant and the chief of staff to the former governor, Orji Uzor Kalu. Orji entered politics in December 2006 when he won the gubernatorial primaries of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA).
A year later, he became the governor of Abia State on April 14, 2007, after winning the elections. During his tenure as governor, Orji focused on improving infrastructure, and education. After his tenure in 2015, Orji transitioned to the Nigerian Senate, representing the Abia Central senatorial district until 2023. Currently, Orji has an estimated net worth of $200 million.
6. Kalu Ndukwe Kalu – ($100 Million)
Taking the sixth spot on our list of the richest men in Abia State with an estimated net worth of $100 million is Kalu Ndukwe Kalu. He is a Nigerian-American political scientist known for his expertise in national security policy and institutional development. He holds positions as a Distinguished Research Professor at Auburn University Montgomery and a Docent Professor at the University of Tampere in Finland.
Kalu has made significant contributions to the field of political science, particularly in comparative institutional development. He has published numerous research papers and articles, shedding light on various aspects of political science and national security. His work has been instrumental in shaping discussions and policies in these areas, both in Nigeria and internationally. Kalu has an estimated net worth of $100 million.
7. Samuel Chukwueze – ($90 Million)
Samuel Chukwueze is a Nigerian footballer born in 1999 in Umuahia. He started playing football at a young age. Chukwueze joined Villarreal CF, a football club in Spain in 2017 and began his professional career. He made his debut for Villarreal’s senior team in 2018, and since then, he has become a key player for the club.
Chukwueze plays as a winger, known for his speed, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals. He has represented Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, and has participated in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations.
8. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah – ($85 Million)
Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah is a successful Nigerian entrepreneur and former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development. Ogah is the current president of Master Energy Group, a conglomerate with over 15 subsidiaries operating across various industries. The company is also a key player in the energy sector.
Ogah’s career highlights include receiving national honours like the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON). He was also appointed as Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development in August 2019 under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah has an estimated net worth of $85 million.
9. Nnamdi Kanu – ($65 Million)
Nnamdi Kanu is a British-Nigerian political activist born on September 25, 1967. He is known for advocating for the secession and independence of Biafra from Nigeria. Kanu founded the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2014.
The main goal of IPOB is to bring back the separate state of Biafra that existed during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. Kanu’s estimated net worth is $65 million, and he is considered one of the richest men in Abia State.
10. Rt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika – ($50 Million)
Rounding up our list of the top 10 richest men in Abia State is Rt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika with an estimated net worth of $50 million. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika is a retired Nigerian Army lieutenant general who served as the Chief of Army Staff.
During his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, which lasted for four years until his retirement in January 2014, Ihejirika oversaw key operations and initiatives within the Nigerian Army. Before he was appointed Chief of Army Staff, he was the Commander of the 41 Division Engineers and General Officer Commanding of both the 1 Division and 81 Division.
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Conclusion
Our list of the top 10 richest men in Abia State highlights the diverse achievements and contributions of these wealthy individuals.
From politics to business, and sports, these wealthy men have not only amassed significant fortunes but also serve as inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and tomorrow’s leaders.