Top 20 richest men in Benue State: how much are they worth?

Top 20 richest men in Benue State: how much are they worth?

The Tiv people predominantly occupy Benue State. Mining and agriculture are the primary sources of livelihood for the people. The richest men in Benue State include politicians and businesspeople like Terry Waya, David Mark and others.

Mike Mku, Dr. George Akume and Samuel Ortom
Mike Mku, Dr. George Akume, and Samuel Ortom are among the richest men in Benue State. Photo: @Hon. Mike O. Mku, Senator Dr. George Akume, OrtomSamuel (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • The richest persons in Benue State have built wealth through business, politics, and investments.
  • Their fortunes range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars, showing the state’s economic opportunities.
  • Many invest in real estate, agriculture, and industry. They include David Mark, Gabriel Suswam, and Samuel Ortom.

Top 20 richest men in Benue State

The top 20 richest men in Benue State are highly successful in business, politics, and investments. They have built their wealth through real estate, agriculture, industry, and other ventures. Their fortunes reflect the economic opportunities within the state.

Below is a look at the wealthiest people in Benue state, their ages, and occupations. The net worths are estimates and subject to change.

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Rank

Name

Net worth

1

Terry Waya

$300 million

2

David Mark

$200 million

3

Innocent Idibia (2face)

$20 million

4

Dr. Paul Enenche

$12 million

5

Ogenyi Onazi

$5 million

6

George Akume

$5 million

7

Gabriel Suswam

$3 million

8

Samuel Ortom

$2.5 million

9

Mike Mku

$2 million

10

Chief Steven Lawani

$2 million

11

Solomon Kwambe

$1.5 million

12

Audu Innocent Ogbeh

$1 million

13

Benson Abounu

$1 million

14

Patrick Abba Moro

$1 million

15

Emmanuel Kucha

$1 million

16

Ejembi Eko

$1 million

17

William Avenya

$1 million

18

Ameh Ebute

$1 million

19

Dickson Akoh

$1 million

20

Barnabas Andyar Gemade

$1 million

20. Barnabas Andyar Gemade - $1 million

  • Full name: Barnabas Andyar Iyorhyer Gemade
  • Date of birth: 4th September 1948
  • Age: 77 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Politician

Barnabas Andyar Gemade is a Nigerian politician best known as the former National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party. During the 9th April 2011 national elections, he won the senatorial seat for the Benue North East constituency. He has made his riches from his long-running political career.

19. Dickson Akoh - $1-5 million

  • Full name: Dickson Ameh Ojonye Akoh
  • Date of birth: 10th July 1973
  • Age: 52 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria

Dickson Akoh's net worth is allegedly about $1 million. Akoh is the founder and National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria.

18. Ameh Ebute - $1 million

Ameh Ebute posing for photos.
Ameh Ebute is one of the richest men in Benue State. Photo: @Emekaorji, @Vincentadaa (modified by author)
Source: Facebook
  • Full name: Ameh Ebute
  • Date of birth: 16th May 1946
  • Age: 79 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Lawyer and politician

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Ameh Ebute is a Nigerian politician and lawyer. He was the President of the Nigerian Senate at the end of the Third Republic. Ameh Ebute's net worth allegedly ranges between $1 and $5 million, making him among the richest people in Nigeria. Details of his assets are scarce online.

17. William Avenya - $1 million

  • Full name: William Amove Avenya
  • Date of birth: 21st June 1955
  • Age: 70 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Catholic bishop

William Avenya is a Catholic bishop ordained a Priest on 30th May 1981. On 28th November 2008, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Makurdi. He served until 2013. He currently serves as the bishop of the Latin Church diocese of Gboko in Nigeria.

16. Ejembi Eko - $1-5 million

Retired jurist Ejembi Eko
Retired jurist Ejembi Eko ranks among the richest men in Benue State. Photo: lawandsociety.com (modified by author)
Source: Facebook
  • Full name: Ejembi Eko
  • Date of birth: 23rd May 1952
  • Age: 73 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Retired jurist and Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria

Ejembi Eko's net worth is allegedly between $1 and $5 million. He is a jurist and Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He was appointed the first Director of Civil Litigation at Benue State Ministry of Justice in April 1987. He retired in May 2022.

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15. Emmanuel Kucha - $1 million

Emmanuel Kucha giving a speech in a brown outfit
Emanuel Kucha is among the richest professors in Benue State. Photo: thenigerianlawyer.com (modified by author)
Source: Facebook
  • Full name: Emmanuel Iornumbe Kucha
  • Date of birth: 8th August 1950
  • Age: 75 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Education administrator

Emmanuel Kucha is an education administrator and a successful academic. He was the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture between 2012 and 2017. Emmanuel Kucha's net worth is allegedly between $1 and $5 million.

14. Patrick Abba Moro - $1 million

  • Full name: Patrick Abba Moro
  • Date of birth: 3rd July 1956
  • Age: 69 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Educational administrator, politician, and former minister

Patrick Abba Moro's net worth is allegedly about $1 million, making him one of the richest persons in Africa. He was an educational administrator, politician, and former minister. He currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

13. Benson Abounu - $1 million

Benson Abounu smiling
Benson Abounu served as deputy governor of Benue State. Photo: @Idoma PRESS Reporters (modified by author)
Source: Facebook
  • Full name: Benson Abounu
  • Date of birth: 3rd July 1949
  • Age: 76 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Engineer, management consultant, and politician

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Benson Abounu is an engineer, management consultant, and politician. He served as Deputy Governor of Benue State from 2015 until 2023. In 2015, he was elected as the running mate to Governor Samuel L. Ortom under the All Progressive Congress.

12. Audu Innocent Ogbeh - $1 million

  • Full name: Audu Innocent Ogbeh
  • Date of birth: 28th July 1947
  • Died: 9 August 2025
  • Profession: Politician and author

Audu Innocent Ogbeh was a politician and author. He served as Minister of Communications in 1982 and later as Minister of Steel Development. He also chaired the People's Democratic Party from 2001 to 2005. He features among the top 20 richest men in Benue State, with a net worth of around 1 million dollars.

11. Solomon Kwambe - $1.5 million

  • Full name: Solomon Sesugh Kwambe
  • Date of birth: 30th September 1993
  • Age: 32 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Footballer

Solomon Sesugh Kwambe is a Nigerian footballer who plays for Lobi Stars F.C. He is a defender with a height of 6′ 4″ or 194 centimetres. Solomon Kwambe's net worth is estimated between $1 and $9 million.

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10. Chief Steven Lawani - $2 million

  • Full name: Chief Steven Lawani
  • Date of birth: 30th December 1947
  • Age: 78 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Politician

Politician Chief Steven Lawani's net worth is allegedly about $2 million. He is the former Deputy Governor of Benue State. He served in this position from 2007 until 2015. Most of his wealth comes from his political career.

9. Mike Mku - $2 million

Mike Mku in a white outfit and speaking at a public event
Mike Mku is among the richest politicians in Benue State. Photo: @Hon. Mike O. Mku (modified by author)
Source: Facebook
  • Full name: Michael Ornguga Mku
  • Date of birth: 26th June 1951
  • Age: 74 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Politician, businessman, and philanthropist

Mike Mku's net worth is allegedly between $2 million. He is from Gboko, Benue State. He took to politics in 1979 under the tutelage of his political mentor, Apollos Aper Aku. In the 2015 General Elections, he lost to George Akume for the fifth consecutive time.

8. Samuel Ortom - $2.5 million

Samuel Ortom outside and in his living room
Samuel Ortom is a philanthropist. Photo: @OrtomSamuel (modified by author)
Source: Twitter
  • Full name: Samuel Ioraer Ortom
  • Date of birth: 23rd April 1961
  • Age: 64 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Politician, businessman, administrator, and philanthropist

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Samuel Ortom is a former governor of Benue State. He is a well-known politician and one of the wealthiest men in the state. His net worth is estimated at 2.5 million dollars. He consistently ranks among the richest politicians in Benue State.

7. Gabriel Suswam - $3 million

  • Full name: Gabriel Torwua Suswam
  • Date of birth: 15th November 1964
  • Age: 61 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Politician

Gabriel Suswam is a lawyer who built most of his wealth in politics. He served two terms as governor of Benue State from 2007 to 2015. He later became a senator. His net worth is estimated at 3 million dollars. He is now among the top 10 richest men in Benue State.

6. George Akume - $5 million

George Akume in a blue outfit and white outfit
George Akume ranks among the top 20 richest men in Benue State. Photo: @Senator Dr. George Akume (modified by author)
Source: Facebook
  • Full name: George Akume
  • Date of birth: 27th December 1953
  • Age: 72 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Politician

George Akume served two terms as governor of Benue State and later became a senator. He has worked in government since the eighties, including as a permanent secretary. Most of his career has been in politics. His net worth is about 3 million dollars. He is among Benue’s top earners.

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5. Ogenyi Onazi - $5 million

  • Full name: Ogenyi Eddy Onazi
  • Date of birth: 25 December 1992
  • Age (as of 2025): 32 years
  • Profession: Professional footballer (midfielder)

Ogenyi Onazi plays for Al Adalah FC in Saudi Arabia. He is one of the richest people from Benue State. His career has taken him to the top European clubs. His success has earned him an estimated net worth of 5 million dollars.

4. Dr. Paul Enenche - $12 million

  • Full name: Paul Idoko Enenche
  • Date of birth: 12th June 1968
  • Age: 57 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Medical doctor, pastor, Christian author, televangelist, and musician

Dr. Paul Enenche is a trained medical doctor, pastor, Christian author, televangelist, and musician. He ranks high on the list of the top 10 richest men in Benue State. His estimated net worth is $12 million.

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Enenche is a pastor at Dunamis International Gospel. The affluent clergyman has a fleet of luxury vehicles, including a Lexus LX 570, Mercedes SLR McLaren, and a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.

3. Innocent Idibia (2face) - $20 million

  • Full name: Innocent Ujah Idibia
  • Date of birth: 18 September 1975
  • Age: 49 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Musician, record producer, songwriter, and businessman

2Baba, born Innocent Ujah Idibia, is a Nigerian musician, producer, and businessman. His career grew after he moved to Lagos and toured with Blackface. He has major endorsement deals and owns several luxury homes. His net worth is about 19.5 million dollars, making him one of Africa’s richest musicians.

2. David Mark - $200 million

  • Full name: David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark
  • Date of birth: 18th April 1948
  • Age: 77 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Retired Nigerian Army Brigadier General and politician

Senator David Mark is a former military officer and long-serving lawmaker. He spent 20 years in the national assembly, including two terms as Senate president. He is considered one of Nigeria’s richest senators, with an estimated net worth of 200 million dollars. He ranks among the top 5 richest men in Benue State. He now lives quietly.

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1. Terry Waya - $300 million

  • Full name: Terry Waya
  • Date of birth: 3rd May 1961
  • Age: 64 years (as of 2025)
  • Profession: Businessman

Terry Waya is a famous business tycoon and big-time investor based in London. He is originally from Benue but resided in Kaduna State with his family for years before relocating to London.

He is the father of Kidwaya, a contestant on Big Brother Naija. He owns several beautiful mansions in England. Terry Waya's net worth is $300 million.

In an interview posted in May 2025, the business tycoon revealed he is worth around $2.2 billion.

What is the richest town in Benue State?

Makurdi, the state capital, is often considered the richest town due to its economic activity and government presence.

Who is the richest man in Tiv Benue State?

Senator David Mark is widely regarded as the richest man among the Tiv people in Benue State.

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Who is the richest politician in Benue State?

Some of the richest politicians in the state are Mike Mku, Chief Steven Lawani, Audu Innocent Ogbeh, Samuel Ioraer Ortom, David Mark, and Benson Abounu.

Who are the 10 richest men?

The 10 richest men in the world in 2025 include Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Bernard Arnault of the LVMH luxury group. Others are Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, and Gautam Adani, an Indian industrialist.

Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, and Mukesh Ambani also make the list.

Who is the richest businessman in Benue State?

There are many wealthy businessmen from Benue State. Among them are Terry Waya, Samuel Ioraer Ortom, and Mike Mku.

Who is the richest man in Benue State in 2025?

The businessman Terry Waya is estimated to be the richest man in Benue State as of 2025 with a net worth of about $300 million. His wealth and net worth have not been verified by any reliable publications like Forbes.

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Who is the king of Benue State?

Benue State does not have a single “king” for the entire state. It is made up of many ethnic groups, each with its own traditional rulers.

Most of the richest men in Benue State are politicians and businesspeople. These men have had successful careers, and their hard work has truly paid off.

Legit.ng recently published a list of the top 20 richest people in Nigeria and their net worth. These people have multiple income streams.

They have investments in various sectors that drive the Nigerian economy. Their financial strength makes them influential figures in society.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Cyprine Apindi avatar

Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com

Adrianna Simwa avatar

Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com

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