Rivers State is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, located in the southern part of the country. It was created on May 27, 1967, when the Eastern Region of Nigeria was divided into several states during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon. The state was named after the many rivers that flow through its territory, including the Niger and the Bonny.
It is also home to some of the wealthiest individuals in the country. These men have amassed their fortunes through various industries, including oil and gas, banking, construction, and real estate. Here, we explore the lives and achievements of the top 10 richest men in Rivers State, along with their estimated net worths.
Tonye Cole
Tonye Dele Cole is a prominent entrepreneur and co-founder of Sahara Group, a leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate with operations spanning across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Cole, a native of Rivers State, has played a pivotal role in the growth of the company, which has diversified interests in power, oil and gas, and infrastructure development. With his extensive business acumen, Cole has amassed an estimated net worth of over $300 million.
Nasir Danu
Nasiru Haladu Danu is a seasoned businessman and philanthropist who hails from Rivers State. He is the Chairman of Danco Investment Limited, a conglomerate with interests in real estate, agriculture, and logistics. Danu’s astute business strategies have propelled him to immense wealth, with an estimated net worth exceeding $250 million.
Ifeanyi Ubah
Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah is a Nigerian entrepreneur, politician, and the founder of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, a leading player in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector. Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Ubah’s business empire extends beyond oil and gas into other sectors such as shipping, real estate, and sports. With his diverse business interests, Ubah boasts a net worth of approximately $200 million.
Vincent Amaechi Obianodo
Vincent Amaechi Obianodo is a renowned businessman and the founder of Young Shall Grow Motors Limited, a prominent transport company in Nigeria. Originally from Rivers State, Obianodo’s entrepreneurial journey began with a single bus, and he has since built a thriving transportation empire with interests in hospitality and real estate. His net worth is estimated to be around $150 million.
Tony Elumelu
Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu is a Nigerian economist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist known for his contributions to Africa’s economic development. Although not a native of Rivers State, Elumelu’s business empire, Heirs Holdings, has significant investments in the state, particularly in the power sector through Transcorp Power Limited. With his diverse portfolio spanning banking, energy, and hospitality, Elumelu’s net worth exceeds $1 billion.
Adrian Wood
Adrian Wood is a British-Nigerian entrepreneur and the founder of Energy Works Technology (EWT), an indigenous oil and gas services company based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Wood’s expertise in the oil and gas industry has earned him considerable wealth, with an estimated net worth of over $100 million.
Gabriel Ogbechie
Gabriel Ogbechie is the founder and Managing Director of Rainoil Limited, one of the largest independent petroleum products marketing companies in Nigeria. Born and raised in Rivers State, Ogbechie’s entrepreneurial journey began in the early 1990s, and he has since grown Rainoil into a major player in the downstream oil sector. His net worth is estimated to be around $90 million.
Gabriel Okara
Gabriel Okara is the Chairman and CEO of Belemaoil Producing Limited, an indigenous oil exploration and production company operating in Rivers State. Through his company’s activities in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, Okara has amassed significant wealth, with an estimated net worth exceeding $80 million.
Emeka Offor
Sir Emeka Offor is a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist known for his investments in the oil and gas, power, and telecommunications sectors. While not originally from Rivers State, Offor’s business interests extend into the state, particularly through his company Chrome Group, which has diverse investments in the region. His net worth is estimated to be over $70 million.
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, popularly known as Rotimi Amaechi, is a Nigerian politician and former Governor of Rivers State. Though primarily known for his political career, Amaechi has also made significant investments in various sectors, including real estate and hospitality. His net worth is estimated to be around $60 million.
These individuals represent the epitome of success and entrepreneurship in Rivers State, with their diverse business interests contributing to the state’s economic growth and development. As they continue to expand their empires and impact their communities, their influence on Nigeria’s business landscape remains profound.
