10 Most Influential Men In Nigeria – Do You Approve of Them?

They are powerful, they employ thousands, they make or influence decisions that can affect the life millions of people… they are influential!

When these men cough the entire country pays attention, their influence spans, politics, through to business.

In the 1st of many lists to come your way, Oodera! brings you our list of the 10 most influential men in Nigeria today!

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan : He is the 14th head of state and current president of Nigeria, Prior to his role as President, he served as Governor of Bayelsa State and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Jonathan is a member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and by virtue of the seat he occupies he is the most powerful man in Nigeria right now.

Olusegun Obasanjo: Popularly known as “Baba Sege”, He is a 2 time head of state of Nigeria, served as a military ruler from 1976-1979 and elected president from 1999-2007. Obasanjo is one of the political godfathers of the nation because of his ‘experience”. He is a major player in African politics as he has affiliates all over the world. He is a wealthy man, making money from agriculture and oil.

Anthony Anenih: He can also be known as a “back player” of the Nigerian politics. His political career has seen him serve as chairman of one political party or the other, spearheading the victories of the likes of Samuel Ogbemudia , MKO Abiola and Olusegun Obansanjo. Mr Anennih is currently the Chairman of the Board of trustees PDP.

Bola Tinubu: A rich titled Lagosian, who held office as the Governor of Lagos State and is a major player in the recent refurbished Action Congress of Nigeria Party.

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi: He is the current governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Chief Economist of the nation, a man widely known for this controversial declarations. A Fulani nobleman, Islamic Scholar and above all a career banker. He controls most naira policies.

Mallam Nasir El Rufai: A quantity surveyor, former minister of FCT Abuja, and a man who acquired many enemies because of his demolition policies while in office and his masterful employ of social media to spread his change policies after he left public service. He has a huge fan base on Facebook and Twitter.

Aliko Dangote: The richest man in Africa, widely known for his success in business and his value to the Nigerian economy. Using his success, he has provided jobs for many Nigerian youths and has helped changed the world’s view of Nigerian businessmen.

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye: The general overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God. A church that has over 14000 branches in Nigeria, and membership count in millions. In 2008, Newsweek Magazine counted him as one of the fifty most powerful people in the world.

Kanu Nwankwo: He is a retired footballer who has a charity foundation, the first of it’s kind in Nigeria. Kano heart foundation is an organisation that helps predominantly young African children who suffer heart defects and whose work was expanded to provide aid for homeless children in 2008. Kanu is known throughout Africa for his philanthropic work.

Muhammadu Buhari: He is a former military ruler in Nigeria and a three time unsuccessful presidential candidate. Still this man has strong Muslim ties and very deep pocket to fund his political aspirations. His support for ‘Sharia law’ caused him political difficulties among Christian voters , he however remains a ‘folk hero’ to some for his vocal opposition to corruption.