Top 10 Richest Men In Plateau State
Plateau State, located in the heart of Nigeria’s Middle Belt, is widely recognized for its scenic beauty, mineral resources, and cultural diversity. Over the years, it has also become home to some of Nigeria’s most influential and wealthiest individuals. These men, through various endeavors spanning politics, business, agriculture, and real estate, have not only accumulated immense wealth but have also played pivotal roles in the development of Plateau State.
In this blog post, we profile the top 10 richest men in Plateau State, taking a look at their backgrounds, sources of wealth, and how their activities have shaped the state's economic and social landscape.
1. Jonah David Jang – Net Worth: $5 Million
Jonah David Jang is arguably the most prominent political figure in Plateau State. A retired Nigerian Air Force officer turned politician, Jang served as the Governor of Plateau State from 2007 to 2015. His administration witnessed key infrastructural projects, including road networks, healthcare facilities, and educational reforms.
Jang's wealth is largely derived from his military pension, real estate holdings in Jos and Abuja, and strategic investments in agriculture. Even after leaving office, he remains influential in state politics and continues to contribute to community development projects.
2. Simon Bako Lalong – Net Worth: $3 Million
Another major political player is Simon Lalong, a seasoned lawyer and former Governor of Plateau State (2015–2023). Before becoming governor, he served as the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, giving him a solid grounding in legislative processes.
Lalong has amassed wealth through his legal career, political appointments, and real estate ventures. He is also involved in the hospitality sector, owning several properties across Plateau and neighboring states. His tenure was marked by efforts to promote peace and tourism in the state, which positively impacted local businesses.
3. Joshua Dariye – Estimated Wealth: ₦2 Billion
Joshua Dariye was the Governor of Plateau State from 1999 to 2007. He played a major role in Nigeria’s early democratic governance in the Fourth Republic. Despite facing legal challenges later in his career, Dariye remains one of the wealthiest and most talked-about figures from Plateau.
His wealth is attributed to his political career, lucrative government contracts, and substantial investments in real estate and agriculture. Dariye also owns properties in the United Kingdom and Abuja, adding to his impressive portfolio.
4. Abubakar Sadiq (a.k.a. Sadeeq Plaza) – Estimated Wealth: ₦1 Billion
Popularly known as Sadeeq Plaza, Abubakar Sadiq is a well-known Jos-based entrepreneur and philanthropist. His name is synonymous with luxury property development in Plateau State.
He owns several commercial buildings and retail complexes in Jos, making him a significant player in Plateau's business community. He is also involved in telecommunications and logistics, industries that have seen steady growth in northern Nigeria. Sadiq is widely respected for his philanthropic initiatives, especially in education and healthcare.
5. Jeremiah Timbut Useni – Estimated Wealth: ₦1.5 Billion
Jeremiah Useni is a retired Nigerian Army General and a long-serving politician. He once held the position of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and later served as a Senator representing Plateau South.
Useni's income streams include military pensions, political earnings, and ownership of expansive agricultural estates and residential properties. Despite his advanced age, he remains active in community leadership and traditional affairs in Plateau State.
6. Dimka Ayuba – Estimated Wealth: ₦800 Million
Senator Dimka Ayuba is another powerful figure in Plateau State politics. He once served as a board member of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and later became a senator representing Plateau Central.
His financial portfolio includes investments in the construction industry, agriculture, and hospitality. Known for his quiet but impactful leadership, Ayuba is considered a behind-the-scenes influencer in both business and politics.
7. Istifanus Gyang – Estimated Wealth: ₦700 Million
Istifanus Gyang, a lawyer by training, made a name for himself through a combination of public service and private enterprise. He has served both as a House of Representatives member and a Senator for Plateau North.
Gyang’s legal background, coupled with his investments in real estate and tourism, has earned him a place among the wealthiest in Plateau. He is especially noted for his advocacy on youth empowerment and human capital development.
8. Musa Agah – Estimated Wealth: ₦600 Million
Musa Agah is an entrepreneur and federal lawmaker representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency. His journey from small-scale business to national politics is a testament to his resilience and business acumen.
Agah owns interests in manufacturing, logistics, and agro-processing industries. He is a firm believer in entrepreneurship and has used his platform to support small and medium enterprises in the state.
9. Danyaro Sarpiya – Estimated Wealth: ₦500 Million
Danyaro Sarpiya is a well-known accountant and philanthropist. Over the years, he has built a reputable accounting firm that serves both government and private clients.
In addition to his professional services, Sarpiya has expanded into agriculture and telecommunications. He is also known for funding community projects, including boreholes, health centers, and education scholarships in rural areas of Plateau.
10. Chief Pukat Barde – Estimated Wealth: ₦400 Million
Chief Pukat Barde is one of Plateau State’s leading agribusiness entrepreneurs. With vast farmlands and a focus on food production, he contributes significantly to local and national food security.
Beyond farming, Barde owns several warehouses and is involved in food distribution and exports. His quiet demeanor belies the scope of his business influence, particularly in rural development and youth employment through farming cooperatives.
Conclusion
Plateau State’s wealthiest men have risen to prominence through a mix of political leadership, business innovation, and community service. While politics has provided a platform for some, others have created wealth through hard work in sectors like real estate, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. Collectively, these individuals have not only secured personal fortunes but have also played crucial roles in shaping the socio-economic development of Plateau State.
Their stories highlight the state’s untapped economic potential and the importance of leadership and vision in driving regional progress. As more investments and innovations emerge from Plateau State, the legacy of these wealthy pioneers will continue to influence future generations.
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