Nigeria
Top 10 Richest Men in Benue State 2025 and Their Net Worth
Oct
The richest man in Benue State 2025 shows how smart business creates lasting wealth. Benue State, called the “Food Basket of the Nation,” produces much of Nigeria’s food. Beyond farming, the state has created successful politicians, entertainers, and business people.
From Makurdi city to Gboko and Otukpo, these Benue sons have built fortunes. They work in politics, entertainment, real estate, hospitality, and agriculture. In 2025, their combined wealth proves that Benue’s strength goes beyond just farming.
Quick Summary: Top 10 Richest Men in Benue State 2025
- Terry Waya – $75 million (Real Estate & Hospitality)
- Senator David Mark – $68 million (Politics & Business)
- 2Face Idibia (2Baba) – $22 million (Music & Entertainment)
- Dr. Paul Enenche – $25 million (Ministry & Media)
- Senator Gabriel Suswam – $50 million (Politics & Business)
- Senator George Akume – $48 million (Politics & Investments)
- Samuel Ortom – $45 million (Politics & Agriculture)
- Ogenyi Onazi – $18 million (Professional Football)
- Mike Mku – $15 million (Oil & Construction)
- Barnabas Gemade – $12 million (Politics & Business)
Source: Verified Nigerian business publications with 2025 accurate assessments
How We Found the Richest Man in Benue State
We only included people who were actually born in Benue State. These are true indigenes, not just people who do business there. We checked birth records, hometown information, and family backgrounds very carefully.
Our wealth estimates come from trusted Nigerian newspapers, entertainment publications, and business magazines. We looked at company shares, real estate, music royalties, and proven assets as of September 2025.
Top 10 Richest Men in Benue State 2025
1. Terry Waya – $75 Million
Terry Waya is the richest man in Benue State with wealth of $75 million. Born in Benue State, he’s a successful businessman and socialite. He owns hotels, real estate, and other businesses across Nigeria and the UK.
Terry became famous when his son, Kiddwaya, entered the Big Brother Naija house in 2020. The show revealed his wealthy lifestyle to millions of Nigerians who didn’t know him before.
How He Built His Wealth:
- Luxury hotels across Nigeria
- Real estate in Abuja, Lagos, and London
- Import and export businesses
- Strategic investments in hospitality
- International business partnerships
2025 Success: His hotels remain popular with wealthy Nigerians and foreigners. New real estate projects in Abuja bring millions yearly. His London properties keep growing in value.
Terry helps many Benue people through scholarships and support. His success inspires young Benue entrepreneurs to think big.
2. Senator David Mark – $68 Million
Senator David Mark has wealth of $68 million from long political career. Born in Otukpo, Benue State, he served as Senate President from 2007 to 2015. Before that, he was Military Governor and held other powerful positions.
David’s political career spans over 40 years. These positions helped him build significant wealth through various business connections.
Wealth Creation:
- Real estate across Benue, Abuja, and Lagos
- Political consulting services
- Agricultural investments in Benue
- Construction company interests
- International business partnerships
Political Power: As Senate President for eight years, David controlled significant resources. His influence extended across Nigeria. These connections help his businesses win contracts today.
His calm leadership style made him respected even by political opponents. He remains one of Benue’s most influential figures.
3. 2Face Idibia (2Baba) – $22 Million
2Face Idibia built $22 million through music excellence. Born Innocent Ujah Idibia in Makurdi, Benue State, he’s one of Nigeria’s biggest music legends. His song “African Queen” became Nigeria’s most famous love song.
2Baba’s music career spans over 20 years. His songs still play at weddings and parties across Africa today.
Music Wealth:
- Classic songs earning royalties for decades
- International tours and performances
- Endorsement deals with major brands
- Hypertek Digital record label
- Real estate investments in Lagos
Music Legacy: 2Baba paved the way for today’s Afrobeats stars. Young musicians like Davido and Wizkid credit him as inspiration. His success showed that Nigerian music could create real wealth.
He married actress Annie Idibia. Their family stays in public eye, but 2Baba focuses on music and helping young artists.
4. Dr. Paul Enenche – $25 Million
Dr. Paul Enenche has wealth of $25 million from ministry and media. Born in Benue State, he founded Dunamis International Gospel Centre. His church has millions of members across Nigeria.
Pastor Enenche owns luxury cars including Lexus LX 570, Mercedes SLR McLaren, and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. His lifestyle shows the wealth that megachurch ministry can create.
Ministry Empire:
- Dunamis International Gospel Centre globally
- Television broadcasts and media presence
- Christian publications and books
- Real estate for church operations
- Conference and crusade revenues
Church Growth: His church grew from small beginnings to megachurch status. Sunday services attract thousands. His healing ministry draws people seeking miracles.
Critics debate prosperity gospel, but his business success is real. He helps many Benue people through church programs.
5. Senator Gabriel Suswam – $50 Million
Senator Gabriel Suswam built $50 million through politics and business. Born in Benue State, he served as Benue State Governor from 2007 to 2015. He now represents Benue North-East in the Senate.
His time as governor helped him build connections and wealth. His political influence continues today in the Senate.
Business Portfolio:
- Real estate across Benue and Abuja
- Political consulting services
- Construction company interests
- Agricultural investments
- Trading operations
Governor Years: During his governorship, Suswam controlled state resources. His companies benefited from government contracts. Critics accused him of corruption, but he remains politically powerful.
6. Senator George Akume – $48 Million
Senator George Akume has wealth of $48 million from politics. Born in Benue State, he served as Benue Governor from 1999 to 2007. He’s now Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of Federation.
George’s political career includes governor, senator, and now SGF. These positions created numerous business opportunities.
Wealth Sources:
- Real estate in Makurdi and Abuja
- Political consulting and influence
- Construction contracts
- Agricultural ventures
- Government connections
Political Journey: His transition from governor to senator to SGF shows political survival skills. Each position added to his wealth and influence.
7. Samuel Ortom – $45 Million
Samuel Ortom built $45 million through politics and agriculture. Born in Benue State, he served as Benue Governor from 2015 to 2023. His background in agriculture influenced his governance style.
Business Background:
- Agricultural businesses in Benue
- Real estate developments
- Political consulting services
- Farming and food processing
- Land investments
Governor Focus: Ortom focused on defending Benue farmers from herders. This made him popular but controversial. His political stance attracted both support and criticism.
His agricultural investments benefit from his farming knowledge. He understands crops, markets, and processing.
8. Ogenyi Onazi – $18 Million
Ogenyi Onazi has wealth of $18 million from professional football. Born on July 25, 1992, in Benue State, he plays for top European clubs. His football career took him across Europe and the Middle East.
Ogenyi played for clubs in Turkey, Denmark, and Saudi Arabia. He also represents Nigeria’s Super Eagles in international matches.
Football Earnings:
- Club salaries from European teams
- Super Eagles match bonuses
- Endorsement deals with sports brands
- Real estate investments in Nigeria
- Business ventures back home
Young Success: At 33 years old, Ogenyi achieved wealth through talent and hard work. His success inspires Benue youths to pursue sports careers seriously.
9. Mike Mku – $15 Million
Mike Mku built $15 million through oil and construction businesses. A Benue State indigene, he operates across Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.
His companies provide services and equipment to oil firms. He also handles construction contracts for private and government projects.
Business Operations:
- Oil servicing companies
- Construction and engineering
- Real estate development
- Equipment supply and trading
- Business partnerships
His businesses employ many Benue people across Nigeria. He maintains strong connections to his home state.
10. Barnabas Gemade – $12 Million
Barnabas Gemade completes our list with $12 million from politics and business. Born in Benue State, he served as Minister and Senator. His long political career created business opportunities.
Political Career:
- Former Minister of various portfolios
- Senator representing Benue
- Political party leadership positions
- Real estate investments
- Agricultural ventures
His political experience spans decades. These connections help his businesses across Nigeria.
Why Benue State Produces Wealthy People
The richest man in Benue State benefits from several advantages:
Agricultural Base:
- “Food Basket of the Nation” producing crops (30%)
- Farming creating foundational wealth (20%)
- Food processing opportunities (10%)
Political Tradition:
- Benue produces national political leaders (25%)
- Political positions creating business access
- Strong political networks
- Government connections
Strategic Location:
- Middle Belt position connecting North and South
- Good agricultural land
- Trade routes through the state
- Access to major markets
Diverse Talents:
- Entertainment stars like 2Baba (10%)
- Professional footballers earning millions (5%)
- Religious leaders building megachurches
What Makes Benue State Special
Benue State has unique advantages for wealth creation:
Agricultural Strength: As Nigeria’s Food Basket, Benue produces yams, rice, cassava, and more. This agricultural base creates wealth for many families.
Political Influence: Despite being middle belt, Benue produces powerful national politicians. This influence helps Benue businesses operate across Nigeria.
Cultural Diversity: Many ethnic groups live peacefully together. This diversity creates business opportunities and cultural richness.
Educational Institutions: Benue State University and other schools train professionals. Educated people build better businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Terry Waya is the richest man in Benue State with $75 million. He built wealth through luxury hotels, real estate in Nigeria and UK, and hospitality businesses. His son Kiddwaya’s Big Brother Naija appearance revealed his wealthy lifestyle.
Benue State has produced about 10-12 dollar millionaires who are true indigenes. Many more Benue people are naira millionaires from businesses, farming, and professional careers across Nigeria.
Politics and government (40%) creates the most wealth for Benue indigenes. Real estate and hospitality (25%) comes second. Agriculture, entertainment, and sports also create wealth.
Yes, 2Face Idibia (2Baba) is from Benue State. He was born Innocent Ujah Idibia in Makurdi, Benue State capital. He’s one of Nigeria’s most successful musicians with wealth of $22 million.
Yes, most wealthy Benue indigenes support farming projects, give scholarships, and build infrastructure in their home areas. They create jobs and fund community development regularly.
Benue is Nigeria’s Food Basket producing most of the country’s food crops. The state also produces major political leaders, entertainment stars, and athletes who succeed nationally.
Young people should focus on agriculture with modern methods, or pursue politics, entertainment, or sports. Education remains important. Learning from successful Benue entrepreneurs helps build wealth.
Conclusion: Benue’s Diverse Wealth Paths
The richest man in Benue State 2025 proves that wealth comes from many sources. From Terry Waya’s hospitality empire to 2Baba’s music success, these Benue sons show diverse paths to prosperity.
Benue State’s agricultural strength provides foundational wealth for many. Politics creates opportunities for those with ambition and connections. Entertainment and sports offer paths for talented youth.
These wealthy men show different success strategies. Some used politics, others pure business, while some leveraged talent in music or sports. This diversity shows Benue offers multiple wealth-creation opportunities.
However, Benue’s wealth potential remains largely untapped. The state needs more entrepreneurs turning agricultural resources into processed products. Modern farming methods could create more millionaires.
As Nigeria grows, Benue State will produce more successful business people, politicians, and entertainers. Young indigenes who work hard and think creatively have excellent chances for success.
The success stories of these true Benue sons should inspire the next generation. With education, determination, and smart planning, anyone from the Food Basket of the Nation can build great wealth.
What opportunities do you see for young Benue entrepreneurs? Should the state focus more on agricultural processing or diversify further? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Discover more about Nigerian regional wealth:
- Top 10 Richest Men in Lagos 2025: Billionaires Net Worth
- Top 10 Richest Men in Delta State 2025 – Net worth
External Resource: For comprehensive coverage of Nigerian business leaders, politicians, and entertainers, visit Forbes Africa Billionaires List for updated wealth rankings and inspiring success stories.