Editor DorisBauchi is a state in the northeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria, home to numerous businesses ranging from agriculture and commerce to politics and industry.
These businesses and corporations are owned by some of the state’s richest men who have made significant contributions to the economic and social development of Bauchi. Here, we will be looking at the top ten richest men in Bauchi State, along with their achievements, careers, and impact in their state.
Top 10 richest men in Bauchi state
1. Sadique Abubakar
Sadique Abubakar, born on April 8, 1960, in Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria, is a retired air marshal of the Nigerian Air Force and is considered the richest man in Bauchi State. He began his military career in 1979 when he joined the Nigerian Air Force as a cadet. Throughout his career, he held various positions including Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Chief of Defence Communications, and Air Officer Commanding.
In 2015, he was appointed Chief of the Air Staff of Nigeria, the highest-ranking officer in the Air Force. During his tenure, he focused on improving the capabilities and effectiveness of the Air Force in combating insurgency and other security challenges in Nigeria. Despite his extensive military career, he ventured into politics and contested for the governorship of Bauchi State in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but lost to the incumbent governor.
2. Adamu Adamu
Adamu Adamu is a Nigerian accountant, journalist, and politician, born on May 25, 1954, who sits in the second spot on our list of the richest men in Bauchi. Adamu started his career as an accountant in Bauchi State before moving into journalism. In 1984, he joined the New Nigerian Newspapers as a Special Correspondent. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, becoming the Deputy Editor of the newspaper and Chairman of the Group Editorial Board.
Adamu’s writing talent led him to contribute to various news outlets, including Media Trust’s publications and Crescent International in Canada. Before his ministerial appointment, Adamu worked as a Special Assistant to General Muhammadu Buhari, who was then the chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund. Additionally, he was a secretary and member of Muhammadu Buhari’s APC Presidential Transition Committee. In 2015, Adamu was appointed as the Minister of Education by President Muhammadu Buhari. He served in this position until 2023.
3. Yayale Ahmed
Yayale Ahmed, born in 1952, is a Nigerian civil servant and politician who, despite being in the civil service, has amassed a lot of wealth during his career, making him one of the richest men in Bauchi State.
He began his career in 1977 in the Bauchi State Civil Service. Over the years, he held several major positions, including deputy secretary to the Ministry of Animal Health and Forestry Resources in 1982, and acting permanent secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives in 1983.
In 1986, he transitioned to the federal government’s civil service, serving in roles within the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Education. Notably, he was appointed Head of Civil Service of the Federation in 2000 by President Olusegun Obasanjo. Despite lacking military experience, Ahmed was appointed Defence Minister by President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2007, a move which sparked controversy.
4. Musa Babayo
Musa Babayo, born on March 21, 1957, is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. He started his career as a banker and later ventured into politics, becoming a key member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015. Babayo served as the National Secretary of the PDP National Working Committee from 2012 to 2015.
During this time, he also chaired the Education Trust Fund and the Board of Trustees of TETFund. His tenure saw significant contributions to educational development in Nigeria. Additionally, Babayo was involved in various capacities within the PDP, including serving on the Board of Trustees.
5. Yakubu Dogara
Yakubu Dogara is a Nigerian politician and lawyer. He began his political career by serving as a special assistant to the Minister of State for Transport. In 2007, Dogara successfully contested to represent the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa-Balewa constituency at the Federal House of Representatives.
Dogara served as the 13th Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria from 2015 to 2019. During his tenure as Speaker, Dogara focused on legislative reforms and advocated for the empowerment of the legislature to promote good governance and accountability.
6. Lawal Yahaya Gumau
Lawal Yahaya Gumau is a Nigerian politician, born on August 26, 1968. Gumau started his career as a teacher in 1988 and later worked as a special assistant to the Minister of State for Transport until 2005.
He then ventured into politics, winning a seat in the House of Representatives in 2007, where he served for two terms. In 2018, he won the by-election to become a senator of Bauchi South District following the death of Senator Malam Wakili.
7. Jika Dauda Halliru
Taking the seventh spot on our list of the richest men in Bauchi is Jika Dauda Halliru. Dauda is a prominent businessman and politician. He began his political journey as a member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, where he quickly rose to become the Speaker.
Later, he represented Darazo and Ganjuwa Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives for two terms, from 2007 to 2015. In the 2019 general election, he successfully contested for the position of Senator for Bauchi Central under the All Progressives Congress (APC) party.
8. Bala Mohammed
Bala Mohammed, born on October 5, 1958, is a wealthy Nigerian politician who has held significant positions in both government and civil service. He began his career as an administrative officer in the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs and later moved to the Presidency as the Principal Administration Officer.
From 1995 to 2005, he climbed the ranks in various ministries, serving in roles such as Chief Supplies Officer, Assistant Director, Deputy Director, and Director. He also served as a Senator for Bauchi South from 2007 to 2010. In 2010, he became the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, overseeing the development of Abuja until 2015.
After retiring from civil service, he ventured into politics and was elected as the Governor of Bauchi State in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party. He won the election after defeating the incumbent governor by a close margin, and his victory was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2020. His robust career made him amass a lot of wealth, making him the eighth richest man in Bauchi.
9. Salisu Matori
Salisu Ibrahim Musa Matori is a Nigerian politician who served as a senator for the Bauchi South constituency in Bauchi State. He was elected in 1999 under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and took office the same year. Matori held various positions within the Senate, including chairman of committees on Transport, Women’s Affairs, Agriculture, Finance & Appropriation, Education, and Tourism & Culture.
In August 2000, he faced allegations of overcharging for insurance coverage of National Assembly vehicles but was later cleared of any wrongdoing after a thorough investigation. He later defected to the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) in February 2003. In 2010, Matori played a significant role in the Planning and Strategy Committee formed by Northern leaders to ensure the election of a northerner in the 2011 elections.
10. Isa Hassan Jama’are
Last on our list of the richest men in Bauchi is Isa Hassan Jama’are. Isa Hassan Jama’are is a Nigerian politician from Bauchi State. He serves as a member of the House of Representatives representing the Jama’are/Itas-Gadau federal constituency.
He was first elected to this position in 1999 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. He was re-elected for a third term on 28 March 2015.
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Conclusion
As we can see, the list of the top 10 richest men in Bauchi State contains individuals with a diverse range of professions.
Through their hard work, dedication, and contributions, they have not only achieved personal success but have also played pivotal roles in driving growth and development within the state and Nigeria as a whole.