Have you ever wondered who the richest men in Kogi State are? What kind of businesses or political roles helped them become so wealthy? If you’re curious about the powerful and successful individuals shaping Kogi’s economy, then you’ve come to the right place.
Kogi State, located in North-Central Nigeria, is popularly known as the "Confluence State" due to its geographical location where the River Niger and River Benue meet. Aside from its natural beauty and strategic importance, Kogi has produced several millionaires and billionaires who made their wealth from politics, transport, oil and gas, construction, and agriculture.
In this post, I’ll be showing you the top 10 richest men in Kogi State in 2025, their estimated net worth, and how they built their empires. If you've been asking questions like: Who is the richest man in Kogi State?, What are the major businesses in Kogi?, How did these billionaires become successful?, and What can I learn from Kogi’s wealthiest men? — then this guide is for you.
Why Learn About the Richest Men in Kogi State?
Kogi State serves as a business link between the north and south of Nigeria. It has rich mineral resources, fertile lands, and a strategic location that supports major trade and transport routes.
Studying the wealthiest men in Kogi State will help you:
Discover the most profitable industries in the region
Understand the role of politics in building wealth
Get motivated to start your own journey to financial success
Let’s explore Kogi’s most powerful and richest personalities.
1. Yahaya Bello – Politician and Investor ($850 Million)
Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, is one of the most influential figures in the state. His estimated net worth in 2025 is $850 million.
How He Made His Money: Through politics, investments in real estate, transportation, and private businesses before and during his time in office.
Businesses and Assets:
Real estate in Abuja and Lokoja
Transportation and logistics
Political consulting and influence networks
2. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan – Entrepreneur and Politician ($600 Million)
Natasha Akpoti is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and political leader. She is one of the wealthiest women from Kogi but ranks among the top 10 richest individuals overall.
How She Made Her Money: Natasha made her fortune through investments in steel, law, and infrastructure development.
Businesses and Assets:
Steel manufacturing and supply
Legal services and consultancy
Philanthropic foundation
3. Dino Melaye – Politician, Media Personality, and Real Estate Investor ($500 Million)
Dino Melaye is a former Senator and a media-savvy politician known nationwide. His wealth comes from real estate and political influence.
How He Made His Money: Through real estate investments and roles in the National Assembly, Dino built a solid business network.
Businesses and Assets:
Residential and commercial real estate
Brand endorsements and media presence
Political consulting
4. Jibrin Isah Echocho – Banker and Politician ($450 Million)
Jibrin Isah, popularly known as Echocho, is a seasoned banker turned politician. He is currently serving as a senator and has strong ties in financial sectors.
How He Made His Money: He accumulated wealth from banking, politics, and real estate.
Businesses and Assets:
Banking sector investments
Real estate in Kogi and Abuja
Shares in transport and hospitality
5. Edward Onoja – Businessman and Former Deputy Governor ($400 Million)
Edward Onoja is a business-minded politician with heavy investments in real estate and logistics.
How He Made His Money: He grew wealth through property investments and leveraging his role in government.
Businesses and Assets:
Real estate holdings
Local transportation companies
Agriculture
6. Smart Adeyemi – Politician and Media Investor ($350 Million)
Smart Adeyemi, a former journalist turned Senator, is one of the wealthiest public figures in Kogi.
How He Made His Money: He started as a media professional before moving into politics and diversifying his income.
Businesses and Assets:
Media-related investments
Political contracts
Property investments
7. Usman Ododo – Real Estate and Government Procurement ($300 Million)
Usman Ododo, the current governor, has gained wealth from civil engineering and procurement deals.
How He Made His Money: He built wealth from contracts in government procurement and construction services.
Businesses and Assets:
Construction firms
Government contracts
Real estate development
8. Clarence Olafemi – Businessman and Former Acting Governor ($280 Million)
Clarence Olafemi has been in politics and business for decades. His wealth stems from agriculture, politics, and land development.
How He Made His Money: He invested early in farmland and used political connections to win key contracts.
Businesses and Assets:
Farming and agro-processing
Real estate development
Political consulting
9. Mohammed Audu – Business Heir and Investor ($250 Million)
Mohammed Audu is the son of the late Prince Abubakar Audu. He manages family assets and continues investing in hospitality and finance.
How He Made His Money: Inherited wealth from his father and expanded into investment banking.
Businesses and Assets:
Hotels and resorts
Financial investments
International real estate
10. Abubakar Ohere – Engineer and Politician ($200 Million)
Abubakar Ohere is a trained engineer who transitioned into politics. He has made millions through government engineering contracts and private investments.
How He Made His Money: He combined engineering expertise with public service roles to win infrastructure projects.
Businesses and Assets:
Engineering and construction
Property management
Local business chains
Conclusion
The top 10 richest men in Kogi State in 2025 made their money through politics, real estate, construction, logistics, and agriculture. Kogi’s central location and resources make it a good place for both political influence and business development.
Their stories show that combining strategic investments with government opportunities can lead to long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the richest man in Kogi State 2025?
Yahaya Bello with an estimated net worth of $850 million.
2. What are the biggest industries in Kogi?
Politics, real estate, transport, and agriculture.
3. Are Kogi politicians among the richest?
Yes, many of them have used political power to grow businesses.
4. How can I build wealth in Kogi State?
Start in real estate, transport, or small-scale agro-business and build networks.
5. Is it possible to become a billionaire in Kogi without politics?
Yes, but most billionaires combine business with political connections.