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Muna Tengi
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George Akume: A Comprehensive Biography, Net Worth, Family, Business, And Political Career
George Akume is one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures, recognized for his contributions to the nation's political landscape. He has played a critical role in the affairs of Benue State and Nigeria at large, establishing himself as a key player in various political, economic, and social reforms. His life journey from a humble background to a key national figure is inspiring and offers an interesting glimpse into the workings of Nigerian politics.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into George Akume's biography, net worth, family life, business ventures, and his extensive political career.
Early Life and Education
George Akume was born on 27th December 1953, in Wannune, a town in the Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. He hails from the Tiv ethnic group, one of the predominant tribes in Benue. Growing up in a modest family, Akume learned early the importance of hard work and dedication, qualities that would later define his career in both public and private sectors.
Akume’s educational journey began at the local level, where he attended primary and secondary school before advancing to higher education. He studied Sociology at the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s top universities, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree. Akume continued his academic pursuit by obtaining a Master's Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from the same institution. His educational background helped shape his analytical and administrative skills, which would become crucial in his later political roles.
Political Career
George Akume’s political career is one of longevity and impact, having started his journey in the public sector and rising through the ranks to become a respected political figure in Nigeria.
Governor of Benue State (1999–2007)
Akume’s first major political breakthrough came when he became the Governor of Benue State in 1999, under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This marked the beginning of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, a period that followed the military rule. Akume's election as governor was significant, as it symbolized the dawn of democracy in the country, and he was tasked with rebuilding and reforming the state's institutions.
During his two-term tenure as governor (1999-2007), Akume focused on several key areas, including:
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Infrastructure Development: Under his leadership, Benue saw the construction of roads, schools, and healthcare facilities aimed at improving the state’s overall infrastructure.
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Agriculture: As Benue is known as the "Food Basket of the Nation," Akume prioritized agricultural development, providing support to farmers through subsidies and the distribution of farming equipment. His administration worked to improve crop yields and promote agro-businesses.
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Human Capital Development: Akume's administration invested in education and healthcare, aiming to improve the quality of life for the people of Benue. His government established several schools and offered scholarships to indigent students.
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Security: He worked hard to ensure peace and stability in the state, tackling issues like communal clashes and land disputes, which were prevalent in parts of Benue.
Akume’s tenure as governor earned him a reputation as a people-focused leader, and he successfully completed two terms in office, leaving a legacy of development and progress.
Senator (2007–2019)
After completing his governorship, Akume transitioned to the legislative arm of government. In 2007, he was elected to represent Benue North-West Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate. As a senator, Akume served three consecutive terms (2007-2019), marking over a decade of legislative service.
During his time in the Senate, Akume was a vocal member and served in various key committees. Some of his significant contributions include:
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Legislation: Akume played an active role in crafting and supporting bills aimed at improving Nigeria’s economic and political landscape. He advocated for better resource allocation to states and policies that would benefit the agricultural sector.
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Minority Leadership: From 2011 to 2015, Akume served as the Minority Leader of the Nigerian Senate. This position showcased his leadership abilities, as he led opposition voices in the Senate, critiquing government policies and presenting alternatives.
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APC Leadership: In 2015, Akume made a significant political shift by joining the All Progressives Congress (APC). His move was instrumental in helping the party gain ground in Benue State and beyond. He played a pivotal role in President Muhammadu Buhari’s election campaign, which led to the APC’s victory at the national level.
Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (2019 – Present)
In 2019, after serving 12 years in the Senate, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed George Akume as the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs. This position allowed Akume to continue his public service at the national level, where he oversaw government relations and inter-agency collaborations across ministries and departments.
As Minister, Akume focused on enhancing cooperation between different levels of government and improving governance through better communication and coordination among ministries. His work has earned him recognition as a seasoned administrator and a key figure in Buhari’s cabinet.
Net Worth
George Akume’s long career in politics, business, and public service has contributed to his considerable wealth. Although his exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, Akume is believed to be one of the wealthier Nigerian politicians. His assets include investments in real estate, agriculture, and other business ventures.
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Real Estate: Like many Nigerian elites, Akume has invested significantly in real estate. He is rumored to own properties in Abuja, Makurdi (the Benue State capital), and other parts of Nigeria. These assets are some of the primary sources of his wealth.
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Agriculture: Given his deep roots in Benue, Akume has also ventured into agriculture, with investments in large-scale farming and agro-businesses. These ventures align with his political focus on improving Nigeria's agricultural sector.
While exact figures are hard to come by, George Akume's net worth is estimated to be in the range of $10 million to $50 million, making him one of the prominent political figures with significant business interests in Nigeria.
Family Life
George Akume is married to Regina Akume, and together they have several children. His family life has largely remained private, though his wife, Regina, is known to be supportive of his political career. She is often seen accompanying him to public functions and has engaged in philanthropic activities, particularly in areas related to women and children.
Akume’s family has maintained a relatively low profile despite his high political stature, and they have avoided controversies that are often associated with political families in Nigeria.
Business Ventures
Apart from politics, George Akume has ventured into business, with a particular interest in real estate and agriculture. As mentioned earlier, he owns several properties across Nigeria, which serve as a significant source of his income. His investments in agriculture are also noteworthy, as he has capitalized on Benue’s rich agricultural potential to engage in farming and related businesses.
While Akume is primarily known for his political career, his business ventures complement his public service, providing him with financial stability and influence.
Legacy and Impact
George Akume’s impact on Nigerian politics, particularly in Benue State, is profound. As the first governor to serve two consecutive terms in Benue under Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, his tenure brought significant development to the state. His political journey from governorship to the Senate and then to a ministerial position is a testament to his resilience, strategic thinking, and commitment to public service.
In conclusion, George Akume remains a respected figure in Nigerian politics, with a career spanning over two decades. His contributions to governance, both at the state and federal levels, as well as his ventures in business, position him as a key player in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a central figure in Nigerian politics serves as an inspiration to many, and his legacy will likely continue to influence future generations.
