List Of Nigerians
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This is a list of notable
Nigerian people Nigerians or the Nigerian people are citizens of Nigeria or people with ancestry from Nigeria. The name Nigeria was derived from the Niger River running through the country. This name was allegedly coined in the late 19th century by British jo ...
. It includes some but not all notable Nigerians.


Administrators and Civil Servants

* Charles Abani – Resident Coordinator of the United Nations * Yarima Ibrahim Abdullahi – Nigerian administrator. Served as the Nigerian high commissioner to Malaysia and Brunei. * Sarki Auwalu Director general of the Department of Petroleum Resources * Adamu Abdu-Kafarati – Former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria * Suleiman Kassim – aviation secretary for the Ministry of Transportation * Bamidele Solomon Former director general and CEO of NABDA


Politicians


A–M

* Abba Kyari – late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari * Abdulkadir Kure * AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq *
Abdulsalami Abubakar Abdulsalami Abubakar (; born 13 June 1942) is a retired Nigerian army general who served as the military head of state of Nigeria from 1998 to 1999. He was also Chief of Defence Staff from 1997 to 1998. He succeeded General Sani Abacha upon ...
* Abiola Ajimobi * Abubakar Momoh *
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (December 1912 – 15 January 1966) was the first and only Prime Minister of Nigeria, Prime Minister of Nigeria. A dominant figure of Nigerian Independence, he was a conservative Anglophile. His political career spa ...
– prime minister of Nigeria * Adebayo Alao-Akala * Adedeji Adeleke * Adelere Adeyemi Oriolowo * Adebayo Adepoju * Adebayo Alao-Akala * Adebayo Johnson Bankole * Adeoye Aribasoye * Adewale Egbedun * Adolphus Wabara * Ahmadu Bello * Ahmed Marafa * Ahmed Musa Dangiwa * Ajibola Basiru * Akanu Ibiam * Akinwunmi Ambode * Akinwumi Adesina * Alex Ekwueme * Alhaji Idi Farouk * Ali Isa *
Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (born 10 January 1967) is a Nigerian veterinary surgeon and politician who is the current minister of state for agriculture and food security. He served as the senator representing Niger North Senatorial District from ...
* Alvan Ikoku * Aminu Tambuwal * Anamero Sunday Dekeri * Anyim Pius Anyim *
Atiku Abubakar Atiku Abubakar (; born 25 November 1946) is a Nigerian politician and businessman who served as the vice president of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 during the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo. He ran for the office of governor of Adamawa State i ...
* Augustine Ukattah * Ayo Fayose *
Azuka Okwuosa Azuka Okwuosa (born 3 November 1959), is a Nigerian politician and engineer who served as the Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Transport from 1999 to 2001. He was a governorship aspirant in the 2021 Anambra State gubernatorial election ...
*
Babajide Sanwo-Olu Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (born 25 June 1965) is a Nigerian politician who has served as the governor of Lagos State since 2019. Sanwo-Olu became governor under the platform of the All Progressives Congress after winning the APC gubernatoria ...
* Babajimi Adegoke Benson * Babalola Borishade *
Babatunde Fashola Babatunde Raji Fashola ( ; born 28 June 1963) is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as the federal minister of Works and Housing of Nigeria from 2019 to 2023. He was the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing (Nigeria), minister of Pow ...
* Benjamin Anyene * Benjamin Kalu * Bisayo Busari-Akinnadeju * Blessing Agbebaku *
Bola Tinubu Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (born 29 March 1952) is a Nigerian politician serving as the 16th and current president of Nigeria since 2023. He previously served as the governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, and senator for Lagos ...
* Patrick Ekpotu * Bonaventure Enemali * Bukola Saraki * Bunmi Dipo Salami * Busari Adelakun * Chike Obi * Chima Anyaso * Chimaroke Nnamani * Chris Ekiyor * Christopher Okojie * Christopher Pere Ajuwa *
Chuba Okadigbo Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo (; 17 December 1941 – 25 September 2003), was a Nigerian politician, philosopher, academic, writer and political scientist. He served as the 8th president of the Nigerian Senate from 1999 to 2000. Sometimes refe ...
* Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu *
Cornelius Adebayo Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo is a former Senator of Nigeria, who became a state governor, and later was head of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Communications. Background Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo was born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja in K ...
* Dele Belgore *
Dangiwa Umar Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (born 21 September 1949) was governor of Kaduna state in Nigeria from August 1985 to June 1988 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. After retiring from the army in 1993, he became a social critic and the f ...
* Dapo Folorunsho Asaju * Dipo Dina * David Umahi * David Dafinone * David Edevbie *
David Mark David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark (; born 8 April 1948) is a retired Nigerian Army brigadier general and politician. He served as the 12th president of the Nigerian Senate from 2007 to 2015 and was the Senator for Nigerian National Assembly dele ...
* Dennis Osadebay *
Desmond Elliot Desmond Oluwashola Elliot (born 4 February 1974) is a Nigerian actor, director and politician. He was elected as a lawmaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Surulere Constituency in the 11 April 2015 Nigerian General Elections. Elliot c ...
* Dimeji Bankole * Dora Akunyili * Edwin Clark * Effiong Okon Eyo * Emem Usoro * Emomotimi Agama *
Ernest Shonekan Chief Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan (9 May 1936 – 11 January 2022) was a Nigerian lawyer and statesman who served as the interim head of state of Nigeria from 26 August 1993 to 17 November 1993. He was installed the Abese of Egbalan ...
* Evan Enwerem * Elvert Ayambem * Enitan Badru * Fadjimata Maman Dioula Sidibé *
Fela Kuti Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì (born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti; 15 October 1938 – 2 August 1997) was a Nigerians, Nigerian musician and political activist. He is regarded as the principal innovator of Afrobeat, a Nigerian music genre t ...
* Festus Okotie-Eboh * Florence Ita Giwa * Franca Afegbua *
Gbenga Daniel Gbenga Daniel (born 6 April 1956) is a Nigerian politician who served as Senator for Ogun East since 2023. He previously served as governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011. He is the owner of Kresta Laurel, an Electro-mechanical Engineerin ...
* Ghali Umar Na'Abba * Godwin Obaseki *
Goodluck Jonathan Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan (born 20 November 1957) is a Nigerian politician who served as the president of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. He lost the 2015 presidential election to former military head of state General Muhammadu Buhari and ...
* Gordian Ezekwe *
Hadiza Bala Usman Hadiza Bala Usman (born 2 January 1976) is a Nigerian politician who served as managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 2016 to 2021. She previously served as the chief of staff to the governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2016. ...
* Hadiza Seyni Zarmakoye * Hajiya Nàja'atu Mohammed *
Herbert Macaulay Olayinka Herbert Samuel Heelas Badmus Macaulay (14 November 1864 – 7 May 1946) was a Nigerian nationalist, politician, surveyor, engineer, architect, journalist, and musician. Macaulay is considered by many as founder of Nigerian nat ...
* Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba *
Ibrahim Babangida Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (born 17 August 1941) is a Nigerian statesman and military dictator who ruled as military president of Nigeria from 1985 when he orchestrated a coup d'état against his military and political arch-rival Muhammadu ...
* Ike Ekweremadu * Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim * Isa Mohammed Bagudu * Issoufou Assoumane * Iyorchia Ayu * Jaja Wachuku * Janet Akinrinade * Jibrin Ndagi Baba * Joe Acha * John Bonzena *
Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi (3 March 1924 – 29 July 1966) was a Nigerian general who was the first military head of state of Nigeria. He seized power during the ensuing chaos after the 15 January 1966 military coup. Ironsi ruled ...
* Joseph Wayas * Joy Emodi * Julius Abure * K. O. Mbadiwe * Kande Balarabe * Kayode Ajulo * Kayode Fayemi * Ken Erics * Ladoke Akintola *
Lateef Adegbite Lateef Adegbite (20 March 1933 – 28 September 2012) was a lawyer who became Attorney General of the Western Region, Nigeria, Western Region of Nigeria, and who later became Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. ...
* Lola Abiola-Edewor * Love Ezema * Khalil Halilu * Ken Nnamani * Malik Ado-Ibrahim *
Margaret Ekpo Chieftain, Chief Margaret Ekpo (27 July 1914 – 21 September 2006) was a Nigerian women's rights activist and social mobilizer who was a pioneering female politician in the country's Nigerian First Republic, First Republic and a leading member ...
* Michael Ajegbo * Michael Okpara *
Michael Opeyemi Bamidele Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (born 29 July 1963) popularly known as MOB, is a Nigerian lawyer, human right activist, and politician who is currently serving as the majority leader of the Nigerian Senate since 2023. He has represented Ekiti Central ...
* Mohammed Bello-Koko *
Mohammed Barkindo Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo (20 April 1959 – 5 July 2022) was a Nigerian politician. From 1 August 2016 until his death, he was the secretary general of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. He helped to create the OPEC+ alli ...
* Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi * Mohammed Mustapha Namadi *
Moshood Abiola Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola , also known as M. K. O. Abiola (; 24 August 1937 – 7 July 1998) was a Nigerian business magnate, publisher, and politician. He was the honorary supreme military commander of the Oyo Empire and an arist ...
*
Muhammadu Buhari Muhammadu Buhari (born 17 December 1942) is a Nigerian politician who served as the president of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. A retired Nigerian army major general, he was the military head of state of Nigeria from 31 December 1983 to 27 Augu ...
*
Murtala Muhammed Murtala Ramat Muhammed (; 8 November 1938 – 13 February 1976) was a Nigerian military officer and the fourth head of state of Nigeria. He led the 1966 Nigerian counter-coup in overthrowing the military regime of Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi a ...
* Musa Babayo


N–Z

* Namadi Sambo * Nasir Adhama *
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (; born 13 June 1954) is a Nigerian economist, who has been serving as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization since March 2021. She is the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization as d ...
*
Nnamdi Azikiwe Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe, (16 November 1904 – 11 May 1996), commonly referred to as Zik of Africa, was a Nigerian politician, statesman, and revolutionary leader who served as the 3rd and first black governor-general of Nigeria from 1960 ...
first
President of Nigeria The president of Nigeria, officially the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is the head of state and head of government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The president directs the executive branch of the Federal Government an ...
* Nwafor Orizu Nigeria's second head of state (1965–1966) *
Nyesom Wike Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (born 13 December 1964) is a Nigerian politician and lawyer who has served as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory since 2023. He previously served as the governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023. He is an Ikw ...
*
Obafemi Awolowo Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo (6 March 1909 – 9 May 1987) was a Nigerian politician who served as the first Premier of the Western region of Nigeria. He was known as one of the key figure towards Nigeria's independence movement from 1957 ...
* Ogbonnaya Onu * Okechukwu Enelamah * Oladipo Diya * Oloye Akin Alabi * Oludaisi Elemide *
Olusegun Obasanjo Chief Olusegun Matthew Okikiola Ogunboye Aremu Obasanjo (; ; born 5 March 1937) is a Nigerian former army general, politician and statesman who served as Nigeria's head of state from 1976 to 1979 and later as its president from 1999 to 200 ...
* Olusola Saraki * O. C. Adesina – Professor of history at the
University of Ibadan The University of Ibadan (UI) is a public university located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Initially founded as the University College Ibadan in 1948, it maintained its affiliation with the University of London. In 1962, it became an independe ...
and Global Professor of History at the
University of Manchester The University of Manchester is a public university, public research university in Manchester, England. The main campus is south of Manchester city centre, Manchester City Centre on Wilmslow Road, Oxford Road. The University of Manchester is c ...
* Owoidighe Ekpoatai *
Patricia Etteh Patricia Olubunmi Foluke Etteh (born 17 August 1953) is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as the 10th speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria from June to October 2007. Personal life and education Patricia Olubunmi Foluke E ...
* Patrick Asadu * Patrick Obahiagbon * Paul Ururuka * Peter Obi * Peter Odili * Philip Agbese *
Philip Effiong Philip Efiong (also spelled Effiong, 18 November 1925 – 6 November 2003) was a Nigerian military officer who was the 1st Vice President and the 2nd and last president of the Republic of Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. ...
* Philip Ikeazor * Princess Pat Ajudua * Remi Babalola * Reno Omokri * Richard Bamisile * Rochas Okorocha * Rotimi Amaechi * Rukayya Dawayya * S. A. Ajayi * Saidu Musa Abdullahi * Saleh Mamman * Salihu Yakubu-Danladi * Sam Obi * Samuel Adesina * Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi * Sanusi Ado Bayero * Segun "Aeroland" Adewale *
Shehu Shagari Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari (; 25 February 1925 – 28 December 2018) was a Nigerian politician who was the first democratically elected president of Nigeria, after the transfer of power by Military Head of State of Nigeria, military head of sta ...
* Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem * Soji Adejumo * Stephen Adewale * Stephen Makoji Achema * Sullivan Chime * Tajudeen Adeyemi Adefisoye *
Tele Ikuru Telenyem Renner Ikuru (born 24 February 1966), commonly known as Tele Ikuru, is a Nigerian engineer and politician. He was first elected Deputy Governor of Rivers State in 2007 on a PDP ticket with Gov. Celestine Omehia. After the court annulled ...
* Timi Alaibe *
Tonto Dikeh Tonto Charity Dikeh (born 9 June 1985) is a Nigerians, Nigerian actress, singer, songwriter, and humanitarian. On 27 August 2000, Dikeh set up her foundation, the Tonto Dikeh Foundation. In June 2022, Dikeh was announced as the deputy governo ...
* Tony Ene Asuquo * Tayo Alasoadura * Temitope Aluko * Tijani Adetoyese Olusi * Tunde Eso * Tunde Idiagbon *
Umaru Musa Yar'Adua Umaru Musa Yar'Adua (; 16 August 19515 May 2010) was a Nigerian politician who served as the president of Nigeria from 2007 until his death in May 2010. He won the Nigerian presidential election held on 21 April 2007, and was sworn in on 29 M ...
* Usman Mamman Durkwa * Uzoma Emenike * William Nwankwo Alo * Wilson Sabiya * Yahaya Madawaki *
Yakubu Gowon Yakubu Dan-Yumma "Jack" Gowon (born 19 October 1934) is a Nigerian former military officer and statesman who served as the head of state of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975. Gowon was Nigeria's leader during the Nigerian Civil War where he delivered ...
*
Yul Edochie Yul Chibuike Daniel Edochie (born 7 January 1982), popularly known as Yul Edochie, is a Nigerian actor and politician. Early life and education Edochie was born on 7 January 1982. He is from Anambra State and is the son of actor Pete Edoch ...
* Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed * Zainab Abubakar Alman


Military

* Adekunle Fajuyi * Akinloye Akinyemi *
Alexander Ogomudia Alexander Odeareduo Ogomudia (born 29 December 1949) is a retired Nigerian army General (Nigeria), general who served as Chief of the Defence Staff (Nigeria), Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria from 2003 to 2006 and Chief of Army Staff (Nigeria ...
*
Aliyu Mohammed Gusau Aliyu Mohammed Gusau (born 18 May 1943) is a Nigerian general and statesman. He has held several high level national security, military and intelligence offices, and has participated in several military coups, playing a central role in foundi ...
* Alwali Kazir * Benjamin Adekunle (Black scorpion) * Buba Marwa * C. Odumegwu Ojukwu * Chris Alli * Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu *
Dangiwa Umar Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (born 21 September 1949) was governor of Kaduna state in Nigeria from August 1985 to June 1988 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. After retiring from the army in 1993, he became a social critic and the f ...
* Halilu Akilu * Hamza al-Mustapha * Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida *
Idris Alkali Mohammed Idris Alkali (1960–2018), also known as Nuri, was a Nigerian retired Major general who was declared missing on 3 September 2018 and found dead on 31 October 2018. It would later be revealed after investigations that he was killed by ...
* Idris Garba * Ike Nwachukwu * Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Malafa * John Nmadu Yisa-Doko first indigenous chief of air staff *
Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi (3 March 1924 – 29 July 1966) was a Nigerian general who was the first military head of state of Nigeria. He seized power during the ensuing chaos after the 15 January 1966 military coup. Ironsi ruled ...
* Mamman Vatsa * Martin Luther Agwai * M. I. Wushishi * M. Ndatsu Umaru * Mohammed Sani Sami *
Muhammadu Buhari Muhammadu Buhari (born 17 December 1942) is a Nigerian politician who served as the president of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. A retired Nigerian army major general, he was the military head of state of Nigeria from 31 December 1983 to 27 Augu ...
* Muhammed Shuwa *
Murtala Mohammed Murtala Ramat Muhammed (; 8 November 1938 – 13 February 1976) was a Nigerian military officer and the fourth head of state of Nigeria. He led the 1966 Nigerian counter-coup in overthrowing the military regime of Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi a ...
* Oladipo Diya *
Olusegun Obasanjo Chief Olusegun Matthew Okikiola Ogunboye Aremu Obasanjo (; ; born 5 March 1937) is a Nigerian former army general, politician and statesman who served as Nigeria's head of state from 1976 to 1979 and later as its president from 1999 to 200 ...
*
Owoye Andrew Azazi Owoye Andrew Azazi (1 February 1952 – 15 December 2012) was a Nigerian army General (Nigeria), general who served as National Security Adviser (Nigeria), National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, was Chief of Defence Staff (N ...
* Paul Omu *
Salihu Ibrahim Salihu Ibrahim FSS, FHWC (25 June 1935 – 10 December 2018) was a Nigerian army general who was Chief of Army Staff from August 1990 until September 1993 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. Biography Ibrahim joined the army ...
*
Sani Abacha Sani Abacha (; (20 September 1943 – 8 June 1998) was a Nigerian military dictator and statesman who ruled Nigeria with an iron fist as military head of state from 1993 following a palace coup d'état until his death in 1998. Abacha's seiz ...
* Sani Bello *
Theophilus Danjuma Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (born 9 December 1938) is a Nigerian politician and retired lieutenant general who played a key role in post-independence military and political events in Nigeria. Danjuma amassed an enormous fortune through shipping ...
* Tunde Idiagbon * Victor Malu * Yahaya Abubakar *
Yakubu Gowon Yakubu Dan-Yumma "Jack" Gowon (born 19 October 1934) is a Nigerian former military officer and statesman who served as the head of state of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975. Gowon was Nigeria's leader during the Nigerian Civil War where he delivered ...


Musicians


Actors


Artists


Media

* Ifeoma Aggrey-Fynn (died 2015) radio and television personality * Sam Amuka-Pemu founder of the ''
Vanguard The vanguard (sometimes abbreviated to van and also called the advance guard) is the leading part of an advancing military formation. It has a number of functions, including seeking out the enemy and securing ground in advance of the main force. ...
'' newspaper, co-founder of ''
The Punch ''The Punch'' is a Nigerian daily newspaper founded on August 8, 1970. Punch Nigeria Limited is registered under the Companies Act of 1968 to publish newspapers, magazines and other periodicals. The newspaper's aim is said to be to "inform, edu ...
'' * Nicole Asinugo screenwriter and presenter * Nenny B media personality * Lekan Fatodu publisher of Checkout Magazine * Dul Johnson (born 1953) filmmaker and author * Babatunde Jose (1925–2008) journalist and newspaper editor; considered the "grandfather of Nigerian journalism" *
Farooq Kperogi Farooq Adamu Kperogi (born 1973) is a Nigerian-American professor, author, media scholar, newspaper columnist, blogger and activist. He was a reporter and news editor at many Nigerian newspapers including the ''Daily Trust'', '' Daily Triumph'' and ...
author, columnist, journalism professor at
Kennesaw State University Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a public research university in the U.S. state of Georgia with two campuses in the Atlanta metropolitan area, one in the Kennesaw area and the other in Marietta on a combined of land. The school was founded ...
* Dele Momodu publisher, writer/journalist; entrepreneur, CEO of ''Ovation International'' magazine *
George Noah George Kayode Noah (born October 1957) is a Nigerian journalist and former state official. Noah served as the managing director of the Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency between 2011 and 2015. This agency, part of the Lagos State Governme ...
(born 1957) journalist and former state official * Benneth Nwankwo (born 1995) photographer, film director, talk show host * Cornelia O'Dwyer talk show host * Femi Oke journalist and television presenter; former
CNN International Cable News Network International or CNN International (CNNi, simply branded on-air as CNN) is an international television channel and website, owned by CNN Worldwide. CNN International carries news-related programming worldwide; it cooperates ...
television anchor *
Bobby Ologun is a Nigerian-born television personality and mixed martial artist with Japanese citizenship. In Japan, he is known simply as . He speaks English, Yoruba and Japanese. He lives in Saitama, Saitama Prefecture. On July 26, 2007, he announced o ...
television personality in Japan and
martial artist Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defence; military and law enforcement applications; competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; and the pres ...
* Adenike Oyetunde (born 1986) Nigerian lawyer turned radio host and amputee advocate * Aisha Salaudeen (2017–present) Nigerian journalist and feminist * Ikechi Uko publisher, Akwaaba African Travel Market, ATQnews.com; author; travel and tourism media consultant


Educators

* Abubakar Surajo Imam * Joseph Agbakoba – professor of practical philosophy * Atinuke Olusola Adebanji – professor of statistics and public * Claude Ake professor of political economy * Cletus Nzebunwa Aguwa professor of clinical pharmacy * Dennis Chima Ugwuegbu (born 1942) professor of psychology * Etannibi Alemika * Emenike Ejiogu professor of electrical and electronics engineering * Jude Rabo vice-chancellor of Federal University, Wukari * Olutayo Charles Adesina (born 1964) – professor of History * Tessy Okoli * Kate Omenugha (born 1965), educator and politician * Thomas Adesanya Ige Grillo (1927–1998) professor of anatomy


Lawyers

* Kayode Ajulo * Richard Ayodele Akintunde * Segun Jegede * Shaibu Atadoga


Writers

*
Chinua Achebe Chinua Achebe (; born Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe; 16 November 1930 – 21 March 2013) was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic who is regarded as a central figure of modern African literature. His first novel ''Things Fall Apart'' ( ...
*
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (born Grace Ngozi Adichie; 15 September 1977) is a Nigerians, Nigerian writer of novels, short stories, poem, and children's books; she is also a book reviewer and literary critic. Her most famous works include ''Purple ...
* Adaeze Atuegwu * Ogaga Ifowodo * Lesley Nneka Arimah *
Wole Soyinka Wole Soyinka , (born 13 July 1934) is a Nigerian author, best known as a playwright and poet. He has written three novels, ten collections of short stories, seven poetry collections, twenty five plays and five memoirs. He also wrote two transla ...
* Mamman Vatsa


Business people

* Mustapha Abdullahi CEO of Energy Commission of Nigeria * Alhaji Habu Adamu Jajere former president of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and winner of the Dr. Kwame Nkurumah African Leadership Award in
Ghana Ghana, officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country in West Africa. It is situated along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and shares borders with Côte d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, and Togo to t ...
. * Aliko Dangote * Ben Murray-Bruce politician and Chairman of
Silverbird Group The Silverbird Group is a diversified multi-media company with holdings in Radio, Television, Real Estate, and Cinemas headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. The company was established in 1980 by Ben Murray-Bruce and counts Silverbird Cinema (disambig ...
* Segun Ogunsanya CEO of
Airtel Nigeria Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel Nigeria), commonly known as Airtel, is a leading mobile network operator in Nigeria. According to the Subscribers statistics released by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on 30 August 2019, Airtel Nigeria ha ...
* Femi Otedola – Nigerian businessman * Habeeb Okunola CEO TILT Group of Companies * Halima Dangote * Mary Nzimiro (1898–1993) businesswoman, politician and women's activist * Obi Asika * Sowemimo Abiodun Founder/CEO of CapitalMetriQ Swift Bank * Taofik Adegbite CEO Marine Platforms


Religion

* Wande Abimbola
academician An academician is a full member of an artistic, literary, engineering, or scientific academy. In many countries, it is an honorific title used to denote a full member of an academy that has a strong influence on national scientific life. Accor ...
;
Ifá Ifá or Fá is a geomantic system originating from Yorubaland in West Africa. It originates within the Yoruba religion, traditional religion of the Yoruba people. It is also practiced by followers of West African Vodun and certain African diaspo ...
priest * Abubakar Gumi (1924–1992) Islamic scholar *
Enoch Adeboye Enoch Adejare Adeboye (born 2 March 1942) is a Nigerians, Nigerian pastor, and the present General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God. He served as the second national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. Early life En ...
pastor; general overseer,
Redeemed Christian Church of God The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is a holiness pentecostal megachurch and denomination headquartered in Ebute Metta, Lagos, Nigeria. With presence in 197 countries and territories of the world and more than 5 million members in Nigeri ...
* Sheikh Abu-Abdullah Adelabu
academician An academician is a full member of an artistic, literary, engineering, or scientific academy. In many countries, it is an honorific title used to denote a full member of an academy that has a strong influence on national scientific life. Accor ...
; Muslim scholar; writer; academic; publisher; cleric; founder and first president, AWQAF Africa and AWQAF Africa Muslim Open College (London) * Anthony Olubunmi Okogie Roman Catholic Archbishop of Lagos * Asi Archibong-Arikpo president of the Presbyterian Women's Guild in Nigeria, 1975–1982 *
Benson Idahosa Benson Andrew Idahosa (11 September 1938 – 12 March 1998), was a Charismatic Pentecostal preacher. He founded Church of God Mission International. Archbishop Benson Idahosa was popularly referred to as the father of Pentecostalism in Nigeria. ...
Charismatic Charisma () is a personal quality of magnetic charm, persuasion, or appeal. In the fields of sociology and political science, psychology, and management, the term ''charismatic'' describes a type of leadership. In Christian theology, the term ...
Pentecostal Pentecostalism or classical Pentecostalism is a movement within the broader Evangelical wing of Protestantism, Protestant Christianity that emphasizes direct personal experience of God in Christianity, God through Baptism with the Holy Spirit#Cl ...
preacher; founder, Church of God Mission International * Bimbo Odukoya pastor;
televangelist Televangelism (from ''televangelist'', a blend of ''television'' and ''evangelist'') and occasionally termed radio evangelism or teleministry, denotes the utilization of media platforms, notably radio and television, for the marketing of relig ...
; founder, Fountain of Life Church * Chris Okotie * Chris Oyakhilome
televangelist Televangelism (from ''televangelist'', a blend of ''television'' and ''evangelist'') and occasionally termed radio evangelism or teleministry, denotes the utilization of media platforms, notably radio and television, for the marketing of relig ...
; founding president of Christ Embassy * Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi beatified by
Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II (born Karol Józef Wojtyła; 18 May 19202 April 2005) was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 16 October 1978 until Death and funeral of Pope John Paul II, his death in 2005. In his you ...
* David Obadiah Lot pastor,
Church of Christ Church of Christ may refer to: Church groups * Christianity, the Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ * Christian Church, an ecclesiological term used by denominations to describe the true body of Christia ...
* Bishop
David Oyedepo David Olaniyi Oyedepo (born 27 September 1954) is a Nigerian preacher, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, and Senior Pastor of the Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. The church is also known as Winners' Chapel Inter ...
preacher; writer; founder and presiding bishop,
Winners' Chapel Living Faith Church Worldwide (also known as Winners' Chapel) is an international Evangelical charismatic Christian denomination. The headquarters is located in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. The organization has since become a global network of chur ...
(also known as
Living Faith Church Worldwide Living Faith Church Worldwide (also known as Winners' Chapel) is an international Evangelical charismatic Christian denomination. The headquarters is located in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. The organization has since become a global network of chur ...
); chancellor,
Covenant University Covenant University (CU) is a private Christian university in Ota, Nigeria, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. It is affiliated with Living Faith Church Worldwide and is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Association of African Un ...
* Deborah Omale pastor, Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry * Dominic Ekandem * Emmanuel Omale founder, Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry * Francis Arinze
Catholic cardinal A cardinal is a senior member of the clergy of the Catholic Church. As titular members of the clergy of the Diocese of Rome, they serve as advisors to the pope, who is the bishop of Rome and the visible head of the worldwide Catholic Church. Ca ...
* John Onaiyekan
Catholic cardinal A cardinal is a senior member of the clergy of the Catholic Church. As titular members of the clergy of the Diocese of Rome, they serve as advisors to the pope, who is the bishop of Rome and the visible head of the worldwide Catholic Church. Ca ...
*
Ibrahim Zakzaky Ibraheem Yaqoub El-Zakzaky (alternately Ibraheem Zakzaky, Ibrahim Al-Zakzaky; born 5 May 1953) is a Nigerians, Nigerian religious leader. An outspoken and prominent Shi'a leader in Nigeria, he has been imprisoned several times for what he sees a ...
outspoken Shi'a leader *
Joseph Ayo Babalola Joseph Ayo Babalola (25 April 1904 – 26 July 1959) was a Nigerian Christian minister and the leader of the Christ Apostolic Church, popularly called CAC in Nigeria. He was a healing evangelist. Early life Babalola was born of Yoruba people, ...
founder,
Christ Apostolic Church Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) is the first Pentecostal church present in Nigeria. It arose in the first half of the 20th century, in the then-British Empire. It was founded in Ijebu-ode named Precious Stone Society in 1918 but was formally esta ...
* Joshua Selman Apostle, founder, Eternity Network International ENI, Koinonia Global *
Matthew Ashimolowo Matthew Ashimolowo (born 17 March 1952) is a Nigerian Clergy, clergyman, the senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in London. His ''Winning Ways'' programme is aired daily on Premier Christian Radio, Premier Radio (Lond ...
senior pastor,
Kingsway International Christian Centre Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) is based in Kent, England and was established in 1992 by Matthew Ashimolowo with 200 adults and 100 children. It currently has up to 12,000 people in attendance at the main church every Sunday. The ...
(London, England) * Peter Akinola
Anglican Anglicanism, also known as Episcopalianism in some countries, is a Western Christianity, Western Christian tradition which developed from the practices, liturgy, and identity of the Church of England following the English Reformation, in the ...
emeritus
primate Primates is an order (biology), order of mammals, which is further divided into the Strepsirrhini, strepsirrhines, which include lemurs, galagos, and Lorisidae, lorisids; and the Haplorhini, haplorhines, which include Tarsiiformes, tarsiers a ...
,
Church of Nigeria The Church of Nigeria is the Anglicanism, Anglican Church body, church in Nigeria. It is the second-largest Province (Anglican), province in the Anglican Communion, as measured by baptised membership (not by attendance), after the Church of Englan ...
*
Samuel Ajayi Crowther Samuel Ajayi Crowther ( – 31 December 1891) was a Yoruba linguist, clergyman, and the first African Anglican bishop of West Africa. Born in Osogun (in what is now Ado-Awaye, Oyo State, Nigeria), he and his family were captured by Fulani sl ...
* Sheikh Abubakre Sidiq Bello founder of Dairat Sidiq Faedot Tijanniyat of Nigeria * Sheikh Dahiru Usman Islamic scholar, Dariqat Tijjaniya Movement * T. B. Joshua Christian minister;
televangelist Televangelism (from ''televangelist'', a blend of ''television'' and ''evangelist'') and occasionally termed radio evangelism or teleministry, denotes the utilization of media platforms, notably radio and television, for the marketing of relig ...
and
faith healer Faith healing is the practice of prayer and gestures (such as laying on of hands) that are believed by some to elicit divine intervention in spiritual and physical healing, especially the Christian practice. Believers assert that the healing ...
; founder, Synagogue, Church of All Nations; founder, Christian television station Emmanuel TV * Taiwo Odukoya senior pastor, The Fountain of Life Church * William Kumuyi pastor,
televangelist Televangelism (from ''televangelist'', a blend of ''television'' and ''evangelist'') and occasionally termed radio evangelism or teleministry, denotes the utilization of media platforms, notably radio and television, for the marketing of relig ...
; writer; founder and general superintendent, Deeper Life Bible Church


Sports people


Human-rights activists

*
Aminu Kano Mallam Aminu Kano (9 August 1920 — 17 April 1983) was a Nigerian radical opposition political leader, teacher, poet, playwright, and trade unionist from Kano. He played an active role during the transition from British colonial rule t ...
* Ayodele Awojobi * Beko Ransome-Kuti * Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi * Dele Giwa *
Fela Kuti Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì (born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti; 15 October 1938 – 2 August 1997) was a Nigerians, Nigerian musician and political activist. He is regarded as the principal innovator of Afrobeat, a Nigerian music genre t ...
* Funke Abimbola *
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, MON (; born Frances Abigail Olufunmilayo Olufela Folorunso Thomas; 25 October 190013 April 1978), also known as Funmilayo Aníkúlápó-Kuti, was a Nigerian educator, political campaigner, suffragist, and women ...
*
Gani Fawehinmi Chief Abdul-Ganiyu "Gani" Oyesola Fawehinmi, , (22 April 1938 – 5 September 2009) was a Nigerian author, publisher, philanthropist, social critic, human and civil rights lawyer, and politician. He held the chieftaincy title of the Lamofin ...
* Kayode Ajulo * Kiki Mordi * Olikoye Ransome-Kuti * Olisa Agbakoba * Omoyele Sowore * Segun Awosanya * Sonny Okosun * Festus Keyamo *
Ken Saro-Wiwa Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa (10 October 1941 – 10 November 1995) was a Nigerians, Nigerian writer, teacher, television producer, and social rights activist. Saro-Wiwa was a member of the Ogoni people, an ethnic minority in Nigeria whose homeland ...


Bloggers

* Kemi Adetiba * Uche Pedro


International models

*
Agbani Darego Chief Ibiagbanidokibubo Asenite 'Agbani' Darego, MFR (born 22 December 1982) is a Nigerian model and beauty queen who was crowned Miss World 2001. She was the first black African to win Miss World. Early life Abonnema-native Darego was born i ...
winner, Miss World 2001 * Ibife Alufohai winner, Miss Valentine International 2010 and founder of Miss Polo International * Mary Timms face of Next Generation Entertainment Awards 2017 * Nelson Enwerem model, television personality and winner of Mr Nigeria 2018 *
Oluchi Onweagba Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi (born 1 August 1980) is a Nigerian model based in New York City. Growing up in the suburbs of Lagos, she won "The Face of Africa" contest at the age of 16. Early life Onweagba (a native of Isuikwuato, Abia State) gr ...
winner,
M-Net M-Net (an abbreviation of Electronic Media Network) is a South African pay television channel established by Naspers in 1986. The channel broadcasts both local and international programming, including general entertainment, children's series, ...
Face of Africa competition 1998 * Omowunmi Akinnifesi


Science


Engineers

* Sulyman Age Abdulkareem academic and chemical engineer * Esther Titilayo Akinlabi professor of mechanical engineering * Sarki Auwalu chemical engineer * Ayodele Awojobi polymath and mechanical engineer * Olufemi Bamiro professor of mechanical engineering * Philip Emeagwali 1989
Gordon Bell Prize The Gordon Bell Prize is an award presented by the Association for Computing Machinery each year in conjunction with the SC Conference series (formerly known as the Supercomputing Conference). The prize recognizes outstanding achievement in hig ...
winner * Ozak Esu electrical engineer * Gordian Ezekwe mechanical engineer notable for supervising the construction of the Biafran rocket during the Nigerian Civil War * Akii Ibhadode mechanical engineer *
Tele Ikuru Telenyem Renner Ikuru (born 24 February 1966), commonly known as Tele Ikuru, is a Nigerian engineer and politician. He was first elected Deputy Governor of Rivers State in 2007 on a PDP ticket with Gov. Celestine Omehia. After the court annulled ...
mechanical engineer * Farida Kabir (born 1992) – software developer and entrepreneur * Ekei Essien Oku – first Nigerian woman chief librarian * Gbenga Sesan Nigeria's first Information Technology Youth Ambassador * Bamidele Solomon Chemical engineer prominent in Nigeria's biotechnology industry * Rhoda Gumus-Professor of Chemical Engineering and National Electoral Commissioner of INEC


Mathematicians

* Chike Obi
mathematician A mathematician is someone who uses an extensive knowledge of mathematics in their work, typically to solve mathematical problems. Mathematicians are concerned with numbers, data, quantity, mathematical structure, structure, space, Mathematica ...


Medical practitioners

* Adeoye Lambo
psychiatrist A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in psychiatry. Psychiatrists are physicians who evaluate patients to determine whether their symptoms are the result of a physical illness, a combination of physical and mental ailments or strictly ...
* Ameyo Adadevoh credited with having restricted the spread of
Ebola virus ''Orthoebolavirus zairense'' or Zaire ebolavirus, more commonly known as Ebola virus (; EBOV), is one of six known species within the genus ''Ebolavirus''. Four of the six known ebolaviruses, including EBOV, cause a severe and often fatal vira ...
in Nigeria * Bennet Omalu
forensic pathologist Forensic pathology is pathology that focuses on determining the cause of death by examining a corpse. A post mortem examination is performed by a medical examiner or forensic pathologist, usually during the investigation of criminal law cases an ...
* Eyitayo Lambo
health economist Health economics is a branch of economics concerned with issues related to Health care efficiency, efficiency, effectiveness, value and behavior in the production and consumption of health and healthcare. Health economics is important in dete ...
and technocrat * Olufunmilayo Olopade
oncologist Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an ''oncologist''. The name's etymological origin is the Greek word ὄγκος ('' ...
* Olumbe Bassir
biochemist Biochemists are scientists who are trained in biochemistry. They study chemical processes and chemical transformations in living organisms. Biochemists study DNA, proteins and Cell (biology), cell parts. The word "biochemist" is a portmanteau of ...
and
nutritionist A nutritionist is a person who advises others on matters of food and Human nutrition, nutrition and their impacts on health. Some people specialize in particular areas, such as sports nutrition, public health, or animal nutrition, among other disci ...
* Philomena Obiageliuwa Uyanwah – obstetrician and gynecologist * Uchenna Okoye - cosmetic dentist and media personality * Ayibatonye Owei – obstetrician and gynecologist


Scientists

* Anthony Adegbulugbe – Energy planning and management specialist with notable contributions to Nigeria's energy sector * Nenibarini Zabbey – environmental scientist and Professor of Hydrobiology


Aviators

* Adeola Ogunmola Showemimo * Blessing Liman * Chinyere Kalu * Lola Odujinrin


See also

* List of Nigerian Americans * List of Nigerian Britons


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nigerians, List Of