Benue State which is often described as the Food basket of the nation, has produced people who have made their mark in politics, public administration, the military, business, entertainment, religion, academia and sports.
From former governors and national political figures to broadcasters, entrepreneurs, religious leaders and internationally recognised musicians, the state has a long list of people whose careers have extended beyond its borders.
This list is not arranged as a ranking. It is a collection of 50 living individuals with notable connections to Benue State, based on their public roles, professional achievements and links to the state.
(1) Senator George Akume
George Akume is one of the most prominent political figures associated with Benue State. He served as Governor of Benue State from 1999 to 2007 and later represented Benue North West in the Senate from 2007 to 2019.
He also served as Minister of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs before becoming Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in 2023. He remains the serving SGF.
(2) Senator David Mark
David Mark is a retired Nigerian Army Brigadier General and former Senate President. He represented Benue South in the Senate from 1999 to 2019 and served as Senate President from 2007 to 2015.
Before his political career, he served as Military Governor of Niger State and held the position of Minister of Communications. In 2026, Mark became National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
(3) Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia
Hyacinth Alia is the sitting Governor of Benue State. A Catholic priest before entering politics, he was elected governor in 2023 and assumed office on May 29 of that year.
His career combines religious service with public administration, making him one of the most recognisable contemporary political figures in the state.
(4) Chief Samuel Ortom
Samuel Ortom served as Governor of Benue State from 2015 to 2023. Before becoming governor, he served as a federal minister and held other political and business positions.
His administration was closely associated with Benue’s position on open grazing and the state’s ranching legislation. He remains active in public discussions about the state and national affairs.
(5) Senator Gabriel Suswam
Gabriel Suswam was Governor of Benue State from 2007 to 2015. Before becoming governor, he served in the House of Representatives and later represented Benue North East in the Senate.
A lawyer by training, Suswam remains one of the notable political figures produced by the state.
(6) Senator Barnabas Gemade
Barnabas Gemade is an engineer, businessman and veteran politician from Benue. He represented Benue North-East in the Senate and served as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He remains active in political affairs and continues to be regarded as an elder statesman in Benue politics.
(7) Senator Iyorchia Ayu
Iyorchia Ayu is a former Senate President who served during Nigeria’s short lived Third Republic between 1992 and 1993.
He subsequently served in several federal ministerial positions, including Education, Industry, Internal Affairs and Environment. He also served as National Chairman of the PDP before leaving that position.
(8.) Senator Abba Moro
Abba Moro is the serving Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District. He is also the Minority Leader of the Nigerian Senate.
Before entering the Senate, Moro served as Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area and later became Nigeria’s Minister of Interior from 2011 to 2015.
(9) Barrister Sam Ode
Sam Ode is the current Deputy Governor of Benue State, serving alongside Governor Hyacinth Alia.
He has a background in law, public administration and politics and has previously served in the Benue State House of Assembly and as Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs.
(10) Chief Steven Lawani
Steven Lawani is a businessman and former Deputy Governor of Benue State. He served as Deputy Governor from 2007 to 2015.
He has also been involved in business interests spanning areas such as hospitality, investment and real estate and has remained active in public life.
(11) Hon. Margaret Icheen
Margaret Icheen is a politician and educationist who made history as the first female Speaker of a State House of Assembly in Nigeria.
She served as Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2003 and has subsequently held other public and sports related positions, including involvement with the Nigeria Football Federation.
(12) Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Jime
Emmanuel Jime is a lawyer, former legislator and public administrator. He represented Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for two terms.
He also served as Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and later became the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. Earlier, he served as Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).
(13) Rt. Hon. Titus Uba
Titus Uba is a Nigerian politician and engineer who served as Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly from 2018 to 2023.
He later emerged as the PDP’s candidate for governor of Benue State in the 2023 election. His career has largely been connected with the Benue legislature and state politics.
(14) Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN
Michael Aondoakaa is a lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria who served as Attorney
General of the Federation and Minister of Justice between 2007 and 2010.
He has remained active in Benue public affairs and, in 2026, was reported as a former federal minister and political figure in the state.
(15) MILITARY & SECURITY FIGURES
(15) Brigadier General John Kpera (Rtd.)
John Atom Kpera is a retired Nigerian Army Brigadier General who served as Military Governor of Benue State from January 1984 to August 1985.
Born in Gboko Local Government Area, Kpera also served as Military Governor of the old Anambra State before later governing his home state.
- Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan (Rtd.)
Monday Riku Morgan is a retired Nigerian Air Force Officer who served as Chief of Defence Intelligence from July 2015 to January 2016.
He also held senior appointments within the Nigerian Air Force, including service as Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command and as a senior officer at the Tactical Air Command in Makurdi.
ENTERTAINMENT, MEDIA AND CREATIVE ARTS
(17) Mohammed Usman Adamu Magnito
Magnito is an Idoma born Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. He is known for his witty storytelling, humorous approach to music and songs such as “If I Get Money Ehn.”
He studied Business Management at the University of Jos and has built a career around hip hop, Afrobeats and comedy driven storytelling.
- King Mohammed Adah Ochacho
Mohammed Adah, popularly known as King Ochacho, is a businessman and philanthropist associated with Benue’s real estate and hospitality sectors.
He is the founder of the Ochacho Group, with interests including real estate and hospitality, and has also invested heavily in projects in Otukpo and other parts of Benue.
(19) Chief Bongos Ikwue
Bongos Ikwue is one of Nigeria’s veteran musicians. Born in Otukpo, Benue State, he became known for combining highlife, folk, soul and other musical influences especially in the 80s.
His best known songs include “Cockcrow at Dawn” and “Still Searching.” He remains an important name in Nigeria’s musical history.
(20) Innocent Ujah Idibia 2Baba
2Baba, born Innocent Ujah Idibia, is one of Nigeria’s best known musicians and a member of the Idoma community of Benue State.
Although he was born in Jos, his family roots are in Benue, and he has maintained a strong relationship with the state. In 2025, the Benue State Government appointed him Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
(21) Sharon Ooja
Sharon Ooja is a Nigerian actress and television personality who was born in Kaduna but is a native of Benue State.
She became widely known through her role as Shalewa in Skinny Girl in Transit and has since appeared in several Nigerian films and television productions.
(22) Susan Peters
Susan Peters is a Benue born Nollywood actress, model, television personality and entrepreneur.
She was born in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State and has built a career in Nigerian film and entertainment while also pursuing interests in fashion, beauty and interior design.
(23) Gabriel Oche Amanyi Terry G
Terry G, whose real name is Gabriel Oche Amanyi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer born in Benue State.
Known as the “Akpako Master,” he became widely known for his energetic sound and distinctive production style, particularly during the rise of Nigerian street pop.
(24) Terseer Kidd Waya Kiddwaya
Kiddwaya is a Nigerian entrepreneur, media personality and reality television star who gained national attention through Big Brother Naija.
He was born in Lagos but hails from the Tiv ethnic group of Benue State. His father, businessman Terry Waya, is also from Benue.
(25) Peter Okwoche
Peter Okwoche is an international broadcaster and journalist associated with the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme.
He has a long professional connection with Benue, having worked at Radio Benue in Makurdi before moving on to national and international broadcasting.
(26) Zaaki Azzay
Zaaki Azzay is a veteran Nigerian musician who emerged prominently during the 1990s.
Born and raised in Kaduna, he has identified himself as being from Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State. His distinctive use of the torchlight became one of the trademarks of his stage performances.
(27) Blackface Naija
Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo, popularly known as Blackface, is a singer, songwriter and producer from Agatu, Benue State.
He was a founding member of Plantashun Boiz alongside 2Baba and Faze and is also associated with the songwriting history of the group’s era.
(28) Monica Ogah
Monica Ogah is a singer from Benue State who won the fourth edition of MTN Project Fame West Africa in 2011.
Born in Makurdi and associated with Otukpo, she went on to release her debut album Sometime in August and continues to be associated with Nigerian music.
(29) Peace Pever Anpee Purple Speedy
Purple Speedy, whose real name is Peace Pever Anpee, is a Nigerian content creator, dancer and TikTok personality from Gboko, Benue State.
She became widely known for her energetic dance videos and distinctive use of purple themed fashion and branding.
(30) Bethel Onahi Olaje Nahi
Bethel Onahi Olaje, professionally known as Nahi, is a multifaceted Nigerian recording artist whose roots stem from Benue State. As a fresh, defining voice in contemporary gospel music, she breaks conventional boundaries by seamlessly blending a soulful, Afro, pop/R&B infused sound with spiritual devotion.
Renowned for her commanding vocal power and emotive delivery, Nahi has captured listeners with standout releases, including her critically acclaimed body of work Sheen and her latest single, “On My Way.” A true multi dimensional creative, her artistic vision extends beyond the recording booth into the realms of fashion and media, where she crafts a distinct, modern visual identity that matches the unique energy of her music.
(31) Joseph Godwin Otsai Joriel_ubg
Hailing from Otukpo, Joriel Ubg is a masterclass in musical patience and vocal discipline. The son of a soldier and a market woman, he spent over a decade refining his craft as a backup vocalist for the legendary Bongos Ikwue. Signed to Crying Angel Ltd and operating under the ubG collective banner, he is a versatile visual director and singer songwriter who beautifully blends the traditional guitar strings of Afro Highlife with the modern pulse of Afrobeats.
RELIGIOUS LEADERS, ACADEMICS AND BUSINESS FIGURES
(32) Noella Uloko
Noella Uloko is a contemporary Christian singer songwriter from Benue State.
She has built a career around gospel music, with songs and projects including “Wealthy Places,” “Mortal Man, Awesome God” and “My Source.”
(33) Minister Owie Abutu
Owie Abutu is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter and worship minister from Benue State.
He has released gospel music including “Owonya Le’bowoicho” and continues to participate in Christian worship events and music projects.
(34) Dr. Paul Enenche
Dr. Paul Enenche is a medical doctor and the founder and Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre.
He is from Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State and has built a large Christian ministry headquartered in Abuja.
(35) HRM Prof. James Ortese Ayatse
Professor James Ayatse is the 5th Tor Tiv and chairman of the Benue State Council of Chiefs.
Before becoming the traditional ruler of the Tiv people, he was a professor of biochemistry and served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi and the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma.
(36) Dr. Peter Adejoh
Peter Adejoh is a Benue born entrepreneur and investor associated with Camey & Rock and other business interests.
His activities have covered areas including finance, real estate, hospitality and investment, and he has also been involved in philanthropic activities in Benue.
(37) Chris Morgan
Chris Morgan is a Nigerian gospel singer and worship leader from Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
His music ministry includes songs such as “Yahweh” and “Daily As I Live,” and he has built an audience beyond Nigeria.
(38) Terry Waya
Terry Waya is a businessman and social figure from Benue State whose business interests have included real estate, investments, hospitality and other ventures.
He is also widely known as the father of reality television personality Kiddwaya.
(39) Prof. Tor Joe Iorapuu
Professor Tor Joe Iorapuu is an academic and theatre scholar from Benue State.
He served as Vice-Chancellor of Benue State University from 2020 until the end of his tenure in 2025. In 2026, he was publicly described by the University of Jos as a former Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
(40) Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah
Pius Akutah is a lawyer and public administrator from Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State.
He currently serves as Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, a federal agency responsible for economic regulation and trade facilitation in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
(41) Peterson Okopi
Peterson Okopi is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter and music minister from Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Born in Lagos to parents from Benue, he has built a growing career in contemporary Nigerian gospel music, with songs including “Osuba,” “Baba” and “Victory Dance.”
(42) Roberts Orya
Roberts Orya is a banker, businessman and former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).
Born in Benue State, Orya served as NEXIM Bank’s managing director from 2009 to 2016 and was involved in initiatives aimed at expanding Nigerian exports and intra-African trade.
(43) Chief Philip Agbese
Philip Agbese is a Nigerian politician, media entrepreneur and member of the House of Representatives.
He represents the Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency of Benue State and remains active in legislative and public affairs.
(44) Innocent Agbo Ikwuomonu
Innocent Agbo Ikwuomonu was included in the original list as a Benue linked businessman in the oil and gas sector.
For accuracy, however, the stronger public sources reviewed did not provide enough reliable documentation to support the original article’s more specific claims about the scale of his downstream operations. Those claims have therefore been removed rather than presented as established fact.
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FIGURES
(45) Moses Simon
Moses Simon is a Nigerian international footballer with roots in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. Although he was born in Jos and grew up largely in Kaduna, Simon has consistently identified with Benue, where his family and community roots are located. He has represented Nigeria at international level and has also played professional football in Europe.
- Francisca Ordega
Francisca Ordega is a Nigerian international footballer born in Gboko, Benue State. The forward has represented the Super Falcons at major international competitions and has won multiple Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles with Nigeria.
(47) Akor Adams
Akor Adams is a Nigerian professional footballer with roots in Otukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State. He was born in Kogi State because of his father’s job but has publicly been identified with Otukpa and Benue. After playing in Norway, France and Spain, Adams joined Venezia FC from Sevilla in July 2026 on a contract running until June 2030.
(48) Ogenyi Onazi
Ogenyi Onazi is a Nigerian international midfielder born in Benue State. He was part of Nigeria’s victorious 2013 Africa Cup of Nations team and spent a significant part of his European career with Italian club Lazio.
(49.) Ene Franca Idoko
Ene Franca Idoko is a Nigerian sprinter born in Benue State who represented Nigeria internationally. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she was part of Nigeria’s women’s 4x100m relay team that finished second in the final after later changes to the official results. World Athletics records the Nigerian quartet, including Idoko, as the silver-medal team.
(50) Gift Orban
Gift Orban is the new addition to the list. Born in Benue State in 2002, he is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker. Orban rose to prominence after his breakthrough in Norway and Belgium before moving to Lyon and Hoffenheim. In 2025, he joined Italian club Hellas Verona on loan, and he became an important attacking player for the club during the 2025/26 season.
