Top 10 people of integrity in Nigeria’s history: Figures worth emulating

Nigeria has produced celebrities and world-famous people who are celebrated globally. These famous figures hail from different fields, from politics, business, sports, and the entertainment industry. Olasupo Thompson, a history and political science lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, offers examples of people of integrity in Nigeria's history.

Key takeaways

• Integrity is more than just doing the right thing when no one is looking; it involves following a moral or ethical ideal.
• Figures like Prince Chibudom Nwuche, Muhammadu Buhari, and Alhaji Lateef Jakande led politically and promoted education, social justice, and cultural pride.
• Many earned respect because their actions matched their words, whether in politics, business, or religious life.

A list of 10 examples of people of integrity in Nigeria’s history

Below, we have ten people of integrity in Nigeria who have aided in shaping the society. They are recognised as those who have disciplined character, integrity, and honesty. They are listed in no particular order.

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10. Muhammadu Buhari

• Full name: Muhammadu Buhari
• Age: 82 years (as of October 2025)
• Date of birth: 17 December 1942
• Famous as: Former President of Nigeria

Muhammadu Buhari is an excellent example of a person of integrity in Nigeria. He was elected as the president of Nigeria in 2014 through the All Progressives Congress political party. This was the first time in Nigeria that an opposition candidate peacefully won the presidential election.

He calls himself a "converted democrat," and he says that he takes responsibility for the time of his military rule. Muhammadu Buhari has many awards as a politician, including a Global Seal of Integrity (GSOI).

9. Alhaji Lateef Jakande

• Full name: Lateef Kayode Jakande
• Died: 11 February 2021
• Date of birth: 23 July 1929
• Famous as: Journalist and politician

Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande is known as a journalist who became a successful politician and public figure. He was the governor of Lagos State between 1979 and 1983. He began his career as a journalist in 1949 at the Daily Service.

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He was editor-in-chief of the Nigerian Tribune; his articles were factual and forthright. Lateef Jakande's political career started in 1979 when he won the election and became the governor of Lagos State. He worked to solve educational and housing programs and established Lagos State University.

8. Nuhu Ribadu

• Full name: Mallam Nuhu Ribadu mni
• Age: 65 years (as of 2025)
• Date of birth: 21 November 1960
• Famous as: Politician and former National Police Officer

Nuhu Ribadu is an anti-corruption official and the pioneer of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was also an Assistant Inspector General of Police.

He was the man who told the BBC about 380 billion dollars that unfair Nigerian politicians stole. EFCC fought corruption at all levels of Nigerian government organisations. Nuhu Ribadu inspired youths to overthink their life choices and possible future.

He has many awards, including international ones, that confirm his successful struggle against corruption and integrity.

7. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar

• Full name: Abubakar Dangiwa Umar
• Age: 76 years (as of 2025)
• Date of birth: 21 September 1949
• Famous as: Governor of Kaduna

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Abubakar Dangiwa Umar was a governor of Kaduna state between 1985 and 1988. He is the founder of the political party Movement for Unity and Progress.

In addition, Abubakar held various military positions during his military career. He supported Nuhu Ribadu in his fight against corruption.

6. Prince Chibudom Nwuche

• Full name: Prince Chibudom Nwuche
• Age: 64 years (as of 2025)
• Date of birth: 1961
• Famous as: Politician

Prince Chibudom Nwuche is among the top five people of integrity in Nigeria who were born in the royal family of Clifford Cheta Nwuche. He held many important positions during his political career as a trusted person.

Chibudom Nwuche has led several delegations to various international conferences. He is also a sponsor of several charity projects in the country. The prince is honoured because of his political and social projects aimed at helping and supporting people.

5. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

• Full name: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
• Age: 71 years (as of 2025)
• Date of birth: 13 June 1954
• Famous as: Economist

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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a woman of integrity in Nigeria who has served as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation since March 2021.

Okonjo-Iweala joined The Group of Thirty (G30) in January 2022, an independent body of distinguished policymakers worldwide. She served twice as Nigerian Finance minister and briefly acted as Foreign minister in 2006.

4. Abdul Samad Rabiu

• Full name: Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabiu
• Age: 65 years (as of 2025)
• Date of birth: 4 August 1960
• Famous as: Founder of BUA Group

Abdul Samad Rabiu is a Nigerian billionaire businessman, philanthropist, and founder of BUA Group, which deals with cement making, sugar refining, oil milling, real estate, billets, steel, and iron ore importation.

Abdul has returned to society by hosting and participating in many philanthropy programs, such as constructing 7,000 square-meter pediatric wards at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

3. Nwankwo Kanu

• Full name: Nwankwo Kanu
• Age: 49 years (as of 2023)
• Date of birth: 1 August 1976
• Famous as: Athlete

Nwankwo Kanu is a reputable person who has influenced the younger generation positively. He is a professional footballer who played for various teams, including the country's national team. He won the Olympic gold in 1996.

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He scored a goal during the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. However, Nwankwo Kanu ended his international career following Nigeria's exit from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

2. Wole Soyinka

• Full name: Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka
• Age: 91 years (as of 2025)
• Date of birth: 13 July 1934
• Famous as: Playwright and professor

Wole Soyinka was the first to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for a broad cultural perspective and poetic overtones, fashioning the drama of existence in 1986.

He is currently the consultant for the Lagos Black Heritage Festival. In 2020, Wole Soyinka was named a patron of Humanists UK.

1. Emeka Anyaoku

• Full name: Eleazar Chukwuemeka "Emeka" Anyaoku
• Age: 92 years (as of 2025)
• Date of birth: 8 January 1933
• Famous as: Diplomat

Chief Emeka Anyaoku was the third Commonwealth Secretary-General. Emeka has received numerous honours throughout his professional career, including the Freedom of the City of London in 1998, Nigerian CFR and CON decorations, and the highest national citizen honours.

During the celebrations of Nigeria's independence, the Golden Jubilee in 2010, and the 2014 Centenary, Emeka Anyaoku received special gold awards for outstanding contributions to the country's development from the federal government.

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People of disciplined character and honesty

In a conversation with Olasupo Thompson, a history and political science lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), examples of individuals in Nigeria who stood out for disciplined character, integrity, and honesty were outlined. They include:

• Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro
• Funmilayo Ransome Kuti
• Joseph Sarwuan Tarka
• Hajia Gambo Sawaba
• Alimotu Pelewura
• Late Tai Solarin
• Late Gani Fawehinmi
• Margret Ekpo
• Justice Yahaya Jinadu
• Ambassador Christopher Kolade

Dr Thompson further said that today, morality and ethics in Nigerian societies have primarily eroded in the country. He explained that:

It is unfortunate that nobody is teaching about these good and distinguished people (disciplined character, integrity, and honesty) today as a result of poor curriculum even in history. What we have mostly in history curriculum is political and economic history. Emphasis on social history or biographical studies which would have to a large extent taught the new generation about a few of these noble men is missing.

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Many people now stand on the mandates of men and women of questionable character. Materialism and quest for power has taken over our sense of reasoning and judgements. Today, parents now ask their children to do internet scam (Yahoo Yahoo) and all sort of cries. The Yoruba proverb "Omo eni ko se agbafo, o n ko aso wa le" meaning "a child who is not into laundry business now brings clothes home is thrown to the winds".

In a nutshell, he said that no leader today is worth imitating ethically or morally. These two basic virtues, the foundation and fabric of any just society, have been bastardised, and we can see the consequences throughout the country. Despite the number of religious gatherings, annual crusades and conventions, and the religiosity of/in schools, social vices keep increasing.

The leaders who would have shaped the society through their deeds are not worthy and sometimes even influence the young ones negatively.

What is the meaning of people of integrity?

A person with integrity demonstrates a moral commitment to their principles and ideas. They constantly strive to uphold ethical principles and act morally, no matter the situation.

Dr Thompson further said they are 'lesser-known' figures who have influenced our personal lives and may have contributed to Nigeria's development. According to him, they include:

• Pa Michael Athokhamien Imodu - Nigeria's foremost union leader, whose exemplary traits transcended labour issues and industrial relations in the country and West Africa.
• Mr Maxwell Fakunmoju. - Dr Thompson's secondary school teacher
• The late Mrs Janet Bisola - Dr Thompson's grandmother
• Late Pa A. Y B Suleiman

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Why do we need people of integrity in Nigeria?

People with integrity always strive to advance their society via their sincere labour. They aim to make sure that all members of society equitably receive resources.

Why are people of integrity necessary in society?

People of integrity in a society aid in fostering trust, confidence, cooperation, and self-reliance. Other advantages of such persons in society include:

• They encourage folks to be honest in all aspects of their lives.
• Bring about complete dedication in whatever they do.
• Raising the moral standard of society.
• Make people believe in what they are doing.

What are Nigeria's values?

The Nigerian traditional values system includes:

• Respect for elders
• Chastity among women
• The dignity of labour
• Patriotism to one's community
• Courage
• Self-reliance

What are the five attributes of integrity?

The five attributes of integrity include:

• Honesty
• Respect
• Dependability
• Loyalty
• Good judgement

The aforementioned people of integrity in Nigeria’s history have significantly contributed to its growth and served their people with dignity and respect. They serve as role models for the next generation. Children and young adults can learn from these people's positive traits.

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Legit.ng published an article highlighting the top 15 Nigerian heroes and their contributions. Their achievements have made the country a magnificent nation worthy of a place among the most developed countries in Africa.

These heroes battled for their country's independence, human rights, democracy, and justice. Discover who they are and learn interesting facts about them.

Source: Legit.ng