Have you ever wondered, who are the Top 10 most powerful people in Nigeria? Hold that thought. Few questions to think of before we proceed, What makes someone powerful? Is Influence the same as Power?
When it comes to drafting the most powerful people in the Nigeria or any other country in the world, It is always arguable and mostly opinionated. In Nigeria and basically every other country, more money equals more power.
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In reality, there are different factors that can give a person power. Factors like money, religious influence, social influence, political influence and more can contribute to the amount of power a person has.
Here is a list of the Top 10 Most powerful people in Nigeria 2022;
1. Aliko Dangote
image credits- (world economic forum)
Aliko Dangote was born on April 10 1957, He is from Kano state Nigeria and is an ethnic Muslim. He was born into a rich Muslim family unlike the popular story of clawing his way from nothing to the top. His grandfather was the richest man in west Africa at the time of his death in 1955.
Aliko Dangote has a net worth of $8.3billion which is approximately 3.2 Trillion Naira.The Dangote group is the largest industrial group in Nigeria and has many of it’s operations in countries all over Africa.
2. Mohammadu Buhari
Mohammadu Buhari is the incumbent President of Nigeria. He assumed office in 29 may 2015. President Buhari has to be on the list and is not number 1 because of international influence factor I added. As president of a country, I’m sure you need no explanation on the power that comes with it. Buhari’s net worth is not openly available but is estimated to be around $80 million approximately 30 Billion Naira.
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3. General Lucky Eluonye Onyenuchea Irabor CFR
image credits- Flickr
General Lucky Eluonye Onyenuchea Irabor CFR is the chief of Defense staff of Nigeria appointed on 26 January 2021 by President Mohammadu Buhari. He comes in at number 3 on the most powerful people in Nigeria. General Lucky Irabor was born on 5 October 1965. He gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna as a member of the 34 Regular Course in 1983 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 28 June 1986 into the Signals Corps of the Nigerian Army.
4. Bola Tinubu
image credits- (Chatham House)
Bola Tinubu also known as the jagaban of Lagos plays a very Influential role in Nigeria’s politics. Some even believe him to be the “king maker” in politics. Tinubu was a former governor of Lagos state and left the seat in 2007. His net worth is not known for certain but, it is estimated to be about $8.5 billion which is approximately 3.5trillion naira.
5. Mike Adenuga
Mike Adenuga is the CEO of Globacom telecommunication company, he is the third richest man in Africa. Glo is a Nigerian owned/based telecomm company and has grown so large that it even challenges MTN. Mike Adenuga is also into multiple businesses within various sectors including oil, he has a net worth of $6.1 billion(approx 2.6 trillion Naira). His net worth keeps growing along the years as GLO is Nigeria’s biggerst telecom provider.
6. Olusegun Obasanjo
Image credits; (Helene C. Stikkel)
Oludegun Obasanjo is a former president and once head of state of Nigeria. Obasanjo understands the game of international politics so well that he was, in June 2015, made chairman of InterAction Council, a body of over 30 past world leaders. He is also a regular face on international observation teams to different countries in Africa during elections. Obasanjo will always be a face of politics in Nigeria, after all every Nigerian knows his name even those that know nothing about politics. And that single fact means something.
7. David O. Oyedepo
Image credits- (Paulmiki Davids)
David Oyedepo is the architect and founder of Winners Chapel church now known as Living Faith Church Worldwide. He is a Nigerian Preacher, business man and author of many books. David Oyedepo is highly influential and is referred to as one of the most powerful preachers in Africa. He is also the richest priest in the world with a net worth of $150 million. David Oyedepo is one of the most popular African pastors in the world and his followers are massive. This in turn gives him a very powerful status in society.
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8. Tony Elumelu
Image source- Graham Carlow
Tony Elumelu is the chairman of Heirs holdings, United bank of Africa(UBA), Transcorp and the founder of the widely known Tony Elumelu Foundation. Tony elumelu is one of the biggest entrepreneurs in Africa. If you are a student, you’ve probably heard a lot about Tony Elumelu including numerous scholarships he hosts every year. Tony Elumelu has impacted a lot of Nigerian lives with his status and power.
9. Femi Otedola
image credits- Forbes
Femi Otedola was the former chairman of Forte oil, His reach spreads across multiple business sectors in the country. He is the owner of Zenon petroleum and gas and currently invests in the power sector. Femi Otedola has a net worth over $1.7 billion. He is a philanthropist with multiple donations to churches, hospitals and schools. Femi Otedola is one of the most popular names on this list as his children are superstars in the music and entertainment industry, He has a total of 4 children including Florence Otedole poularly known as “DJ-Cuppy”.
10. Jim Ovia
image credits- Forbes
Jim Ovia is the founder of Zenith Bank, He is the chairman and largest individual shareholder with a stake of slightly more than 9% stake. He also owns prime real estate across Nigeria. His net worth is at $980 million. Just like Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia has hosted countless scholarships for the less privileged. Jim Ovia has received numerous awards for his impact as a businessman in the life of Nigerians.
Disclaimer
Just like wealth, titles, ranks and basically everything else. Power ans status changes in time. This list is subject to change if we detect a shift in power as we put it. And there you have it, Cyber NG’s list of the top 10 most powerful people in Nigeria. Do you disagree? Give us your list as you feel it should be using the comment section below.
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