Top 10 Richest Men In Benue State (2024)

Benue is a state in North Central Nigeria. Known as the ‘Food Basket’ of the nation due to its fertile land and abundant agricultural resources, it contributes significantly to the country’s food production. Apart from being a land for agriculture and natural resources, Benue State is also home to several industrious men who have had significant success in various sectors.

Many people from Benue State have risen to prominence and achieved remarkable success in areas such as agriculture, politics, business, and entrepreneurship. Here, we will take a look at the top 10 richest men in Benue State, exploring their backgrounds and the impact they have had on the development and prosperity of the state.

Top 10 Richest Men In Benue State

1. Dr. Paul Enenche

Dr. Paul Enenche, born on June 4, 1968, is a writer, medical doctor, founder, and senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, which boasts the largest single church auditorium in Africa. In May 1996, he and his wife, who is also a medical doctor, confirmed their decision to enter the ministry.

They gave up their medical practice and other benefits to start Dunamis International Gospel Centre. On November 10, 1996, they held their first church service in Abuja and later established branches across Nigeria and abroad. Dr. Enenche is considered the richest man in Benue State with an estimated net worth of several million dollars.

2. Msugh Moses Kembe

Taking the second spot on our list of the richest men in Benue State is Msugh Moses Kembe, an academic administrator. He attended Bristow Secondary School in Gboko in 1974 and completed his WASSCE in 1979. Kembe earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Jos in 1984, followed by a master’s degree in statistics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1992. In 2009, he obtained his PhD in statistics from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

Kembe began his career as a lecturer in mathematics and computer science in 1993 and later became a professor of statistics in 2012 at Benue State University. He also served as the Head of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the university and was a member of the university senate. In 2015, Kembe was appointed as the fifth vice-chancellor of Benue State University by the state governor. He assumed office on November 3, 2015, and has since played a significant role in academic leadership and administration at the university.

3. Mike Mku

Mike Mku is a Nigerian politician, businessman, and philanthropist from Gboko, Benue State. He ventured into politics in 1979 under the guidance of his mentor, Apollos Aper Aku, the first Governor of Benue State. Initially, Mku served as a member of the Benue State House of Assembly under the National People’s Party (NPN) until political activities were suspended by the military in 1983.

Despite setbacks, Mku continued his political journey and contested the position of Governor of Benue State during the transition period of General Abdulsalami Abubakar in 1998, and again in the 2003 General Elections under the United Nigeria People’s Party (UNPP). He also vied for the senate ticket in 2007 and 2011.

Mku also served as the Senior Special Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Human Trafficking and Child Labor. Later, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Benue Investment and Property Company Limited from 2019 to June 2023.

4. Michael Aondoakaa

Michael Aondoakaa is a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General who served from July 2007 to February 2010. During his tenure, he was involved in significant legal matters and controversies.

He played a role in reviewing the report of the Justice Mohammed Uwais committee on electoral reform. Aondoakaa’s stance on certain issues, such as his opposition to the removal of Maurice Iwu as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was one of his major controversies.

5. Chief Steven Lawani

Taking the fifth spot on our list of the richest men in Benue State is Chief Steven Lawani, a notable figure in Nigerian politics and governance. He served as the Deputy Governor of Benue State from 2007 to 2015. Lawani began his journey in politics in the early 1990s, holding various positions within political parties. He was a key member of the National Republican Convention and later served as a Senator under the United Nigeria Congress Party during the transition program led by Sani Abacha.

Throughout his career, he balanced roles in both the private and public sectors, gaining recognition for his contributions. In 2004, he was honoured with the national title of Officer of the Federal Republic by President Olusegun Obasanjo.

6. Joseph Akaagerger

Joseph Akaagerger is a retired Colonel who served as the Military Administrator of Katsina State, Nigeria, from August 1998 to May 1999. He was also a Directing Staff at the Command and Staff College, Zaria. After Nigeria transitioned to democracy, he ventured into politics. In April 2007, he was elected to the Senate, representing Benue North East.

During his time in the Senate, he focused on healthcare, implementing a free medical scheme in partnership with the Grassroots Doctors Society. However, his tenure faced challenges, including a nullified election in January 2008, which he appealed. Despite his efforts, he lost the PDP candidacy for the Senate in Benue North East to Barnabas Gemade in January 2011.

7. Audu Innocent Ogbeh

Audu Innocent Ogbeh is a farmer, playwright, and politician who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019. He ventured into politics in 1979 when he became the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly. Later, in 1982, he was appointed as the Federal Minister of Communications and then as the Minister of Steel Development. However, his tenure ended in 1983 due to a military coup.

In 2001, Ogbeh became the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and remained in this role until 2005. During his time as chairman, he faced challenges and eventually resigned from the party. Subsequently, he focused on farming and became the chairman and managing director of Efugo Farms, Makurdi. He continued to engage in politics and served as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under President Goodluck Jonathan from 2015 to 2019.

His ventures in different sectors like agriculture and politics made him amass a lot of wealth, making him one of the richest men in Benue State.

8. Samuel Ortom

Samuel Ortom is a politician, businessman, and philanthropist. He served as Minister of State for Trade and Investments during Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency. Ortom is a prominent figure in Benue State politics, holding various positions in different parties. He became governor of Benue State in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but later switched to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Ortom was re-elected as governor in 2019. Ortom’s tenure as governor focused on agricultural development, education, and healthcare in Benue State. He faced challenges such as internal party crises and legal battles but remained committed to serving his constituents.

9. David Mark

David Mark is a retired Nigerian Army brigadier general and politician who served as the 12th president of the Nigerian Senate from 2007 to 2015. Before his time in the Senate, Mark was a military Governor of Niger State from 1984 to 1986. He also held the position of Minister of Communication at one point.

In 1999, he was elected as the Senator for Benue South senatorial district, a position he held until 2019. Mark’s influence extended beyond the Senate as he was actively involved in electoral politics. He ran for re-election to the Senate in 2011 and successfully secured a fourth term.

10. Benson Abounu

Occupying the last spot on our list of the richest men in Benue State is Benson Abounu. He started his career in the business world working for companies like John Holt Group and Nigeria Breweries in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Abounu then ventured into management consultancy and engineering, founding his firm, Abounu Benson and Company, in the late 1980s. Abounu’s political journey began in the early 1990s when he became involved in governance in Benue State, Nigeria.

He served as a special adviser and later as commissioner for water resources and environment. Over the years, he held key roles in government, including being a director at the Nigerian Television Authority and serving as a deputy governor. In 2015, Abounu reached a significant milestone when he was elected as the deputy governor of Benue State, Nigeria, under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He continued in this role until 2023.

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Conclusion

We have explored the top 10 richest men in Benue State, who have not only transformed their own lives but have also played a significant role in driving the economic growth and development of Benue State.

Through their hard work, innovation, and strategic investments, they have been able to build vast fortunes and establish themselves as key figures in Benue State’s economy.

From influential politicians to farmers and business tycoons, these men represent the epitome of success and serve as inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders across the region.