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Muna Tengi
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Delta State Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men
Delta State, located in Nigeria’s oil-rich South-South region, is home to many wealthy entrepreneurs, investors, and business moguls. These individuals have built their fortunes through industries ranging from oil and gas to real estate, finance, and entertainment. Here is a curated list of the top 10 billionaires from Delta State, based on credible sources.
1. Jim Ovia
Net Worth: $980 million
Industry: Banking, Telecommunications
Jim Ovia, founder of Zenith Bank, is an influential figure in Nigeria’s financial sector. He played a significant role in building Zenith Bank into one of the largest financial institutions in Africa. Beyond banking, Ovia has diversified his investments into telecommunications and real estate, significantly contributing to his wealth. His impact on Delta’s economy has been notable, particularly in terms of job creation and community development through philanthropy.
2. Benedict Peters
Net Worth: Over $2 billion
Industry: Oil and Gas
Benedict Peters is the founder of Aiteo Group, an indigenous oil company. His company is one of the largest oil producers in Nigeria, contributing significantly to Delta State’s economy. Peters’ business empire includes oil exploration, energy distribution, and real estate investments. He is known for his dedication to improving educational opportunities through the Aiteo Foundation.
3. Tony Elumelu
Net Worth: $700 million
Industry: Banking, Investments, Energy
Tony Elumelu is another prominent billionaire from Delta State. As the chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and the founder of Heirs Holdings, Elumelu has made major investments in banking, energy, and hospitality. He is widely known for his philanthropy through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which aims to empower African entrepreneurs.
4. Ayiri Emami
Net Worth: $600 million
Industry: Oil and Gas, Entertainment
Ayiri Emami, a wealthy businessman from the Itsekiri tribe, made his fortune in the oil and gas sector. His extravagant lifestyle and investments in logistics and entertainment have kept him in the public eye. He has also been a vocal leader in his community, using his wealth to support several development projects.
5. Emmanuel Emoefe
Net Worth: $450 million
Industry: Maritime, Oil and Gas
Emmanuel Emoefe is the founder of Portplus Limited, a maritime and oil services company that operates both in Nigeria and internationally. Emoefe has used his wealth to create jobs in Delta State and contribute to local development initiatives.
6. Ned Nwoko
Net Worth: $400 million
Industry: Real Estate, Agriculture
Ned Nwoko, a businessman and former politician, is well known for his investments in real estate and agriculture. He has also launched ambitious projects, such as the malaria eradication campaign across Africa. His wealth and influence extend beyond business to philanthropy, especially in the areas of education and health.
7. Victor Ochei
Net Worth: $450 million
Industry: Gas, Power
Victor Ochei, former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, is a successful entrepreneur with substantial investments in the energy sector. His wealth is derived from his ventures in gas and power, which have contributed to improving Delta State’s energy infrastructure.
8. Godwin Agofure
Net Worth: Billions of naira
Industry: Transportation, Oil
Godwin Agofure owns the popular transportation company GIGM (God is Good Motors), which operates across Nigeria. In addition to his transportation empire, Agofure has diversified into oil and gas, further growing his wealth and providing employment opportunities in Delta State.
9. Olorogun O’tega Emerhor
Net Worth: Billions of naira
Industry: Banking, Insurance
Olorogun O’tega Emerhor is an influential businessman with interests in banking, insurance, and oil. His company, Standard Alliance Insurance, is one of Nigeria’s largest insurance providers. Emerhor has also been involved in Delta politics, further cementing his influence in the state.
10. Michael Ikuku
Net Worth: $400 million
Industry: Oil and Gas
Michael Ikuku is the founder of the Mike Ibru Group, a conglomerate involved in oil, gas, and hospitality. He has played a key role in expanding the oil industry in Delta State while also diversifying into real estate and other ventures.
Conclusion
These billionaires are not only symbols of immense wealth but also of leadership and philanthropy. Many of them have contributed significantly to the development of Delta State, either by creating jobs, improving infrastructure, or supporting local communities. Their influence extends beyond Nigeria, with many of them holding international business interests.
