Insight

• Infinity Media
• 8 Min Read

Plateau State Billionaires: The Top 10 Richest Men In Plateau State

You know Plateau State, right? Rock hail, that mountain air? Jos tinapa vibes? But did you know this scenic state is also filled with big-time ballers? We’re talking men with chest the size of Ibex Hill—only their wealth isn’t in muscle alone. From dollar-chasing politicians to savvy businessmen, Plateau has its share of wealthy gents doing big things (and sometimes big flexes). But hold up—how much do they really have? Billions? Millions? Or maybe just big talk?

Let’s unpack these players—politicos, entrepreneurs, OGs—who’ve built bank accounts that have people doing double-takes.

Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Men in Plateau State 2025

1. 🎖️ Jonah David Jang – The General, The Politico, The Real Estate Mogul?

First up, Retired Air Force General Jonah David Jang—Da big dog of Plateau State politics. Guy born in 1944—so you know this one has that old-school gravitas. Military governor. Elected Governor twice. Now a Senator. Dude’s career is longer than Harmattan season.

Why He’s Not Just a Fancy Title

This man has seen every angle: military strongman, elected politician, seasoned statesman. That career path comes with lifetime opportunities—land, reconnaissance (haha, not!), houses, maybe even oil slick hidden in a corner of his portfolio (just saying).

The Net-Worth Chatter

Now, here’s where gossip meets gutta: Some online voices claim $5 billion for Jang. That’s enough to fund Coke Studio – Africa for decades! But some closer to the ground say like $50 million. Honestly, that seems more… realistic.

Picture it: decades in office, land here, real estate there, a few plots in Jos, Abuja, maybe even Kaduna. That’s how you hit 50 million, not billions. Plus, info’s murky—land values not public, and he’s probably got private companies under different names.

2. 👔 Simon Bako Lalong – Lawyer by Training, Politician by Calling

Then we’ve got Simon Bako Lalong, aka Mr. Legal Eagle Turned Governor. Born 1963, lawyer at heart, politician by destiny—yeah, this one’s a busy man. Went from Speaker in State Assembly to Governor (2015–2023), then Minister of Labour, now earns stripes as Senator.

Hustle & Flow

Law ain’t stationary money—added courts to income. Throw in land deals, maybe a bit of hospitality, who knows—byos, hotels, even a few cassava farms.

Money Talk

Rumors? Some site talk say $3.5 billion (like, hoe many AGOA funds? 😅). But whispers from insiders say closer to $30 million. Still enough to secure a spot in Jos, buy a chopper, and start a tech hub.

3. 💰 Joshua Chibi Dariye – Accountant-Turned-Governor-Turned-Controversial Senator

Enter Joshua Dariye—accountant, politician, man of many moves. Governed Plateau not once but twice between 1999–2007. Then turned senator. Talk about a comeback tour.

Njaturu Ehn! The Wealth Formula

He’s got stakes in agriculture (farms so big, you might get lost in them), maybe some oil. But let’s be real: the dude’s been dragged to court for alleged mismanagement. He’s fought. He’s stayed. He’s still standing.

The Numbers Game

Some talk $2.8 billion (you know… those sites). But the ones closer to Secretariat offices say around $20 million. Now that sounds like a smart, grounded, “been around” type sum. Not flashy billionaire vibes—just persistent, landed wealth.

4. 🏗️ Abubakar Sadiq aka “Sadeeq Plaza” – Jos’s Business Padre

This guy’s the OG in jospreneurship—Abubakar Sadiq, affectionately called Sadeeq Plaza. Telecoms, transport, real estate, hospitality—man does it all.

Street to Suite?

Born and bred in Jos, guy built businesses from Macedonia (no, not the country—land near the High Court) up to the top of Bangai Road. He’s behind fancy hotels, bakeries, fleets of buses, maybe even internet cafés back in the day.

The Talk-Money Talk

Yep, some online noise says $2.5 billion. But locals whisper something like $20 million. Still huge cutter—land, businesses, property, and of course, community love (white cap, handum handum).

5. 🧂 Jeremiah Useni – Retired General, Past FCT Minister, Land Chief

Meet Jeremiah Useni. Now that’s a name older folks instantly recognize. Langtang-born, military governor, FCT minister, senator—he’s that trusted old guard.

What Does He Do?

He’s been in farming (you know, dem big farms in Plateau), real estate, politics, maybe even a few shares in those gold/quartz mines Plateau is known for.

Dollars or Naira?

Rumors say $2 billion. But modern common sense—and Abuja hype analysts—say closer to $15 million. Still, he’s not a small potato.

6. 🎤 Dimka Ayuba – TETFUND Guy Turned Senator

Dimka Ayuba, Plateau Central senator now, was once on the board of TETFUND (that government body funding tertiary education).

Hustle Style

This guy’s got infrastructure deals (you know, roads, classrooms), maybe some real estate on the side, and statewide connections.

Money Chatter

Inflated Internet says $1.8 billion. Realistic chatter puts him at $12 million. Nothing to laugh at, but not rolling in pools of cash like U.S. presidents.

7. 🏨 Istifanus Gyang – Senator, Hotel Guy

The next guy, Istifanus Gyang, represents Plateau North in the Senate. Also the dude behind a string of hospitality businesses—hotels, conference halls, VIP lounges.

Portfolio Peek

Hotels mean those rooms, vendors, back-end management, maybe even a few restaurants or tech centers.

Dough Status

Internet says $1.5 billion, but Jos IPO gossip says more like $10 million. He’s a man of influence, not a tech billionaire.

8. 🏭 Musa Agah – The Politician with a Manufacturing Head

Musa Agah, another Plateau North representative, brings manufacturing and agriculture into the mix—think mini-factories, cassava/fish farms, that kinda vibe.

Money Moves

When politician’s nose meets industriality—boom, income streams everywhere.

Net Worth Buzz

Some say $1.3 billion. Jos hushed talk says $9 million. Multiply that by the fact he’s still rising, give or take.

9. 📊 Danyaro Sarpiya – Chartered Accountant & Giver

Guy born with spreadsheets in hand—Danyaro Sarpiya. Known for numbers and philanthropic deeds. If accountancy had an elder statesman, it’s this man.

Wealth Layers

Secure income, but modest. Consultancy fees, investments, maybe a few real estate properties.

Reality vs Rumor

Some blog sites hype $1 billion. The actual finance guys are like, “aargh, more like $9 million.” Halfway to a yacht—if he’s in the mood.

10. 🚜 Chief Pukat Barde – Agriculture Matters

Finally, Chief Pukat Barde. Technocrat, agribusiness advocate, folks know him from food farms and political networks.

Acres Over Instagram

Plot-toco farms, rice farms, yam and cassava, maybe poultry. You know the vibe.

Money Talk

Newspapers print $800 million, but insiders say $7 million. Enough to feed states, not enough to buy one.

🙌 Honorable Mentions (Because We’re Classy)

• Davou D. B. Zang – former Senator who runs DB Zang Group. Business in oil trading to property.

• Gideon Dandereng – transport and real estate player.

• Prof. Sonni Tyoden – academic lecturer turned deputy governor.

• Yusuf Gagdi, John Dungs, Chris Kwaja, Kefas Wungak, Dr. Nentawe Goshwe – layer of consultants, entrepreneurs, middle-tier wealth (think $2–4 million range).

• These folks are writing checks at church functions and sponsoring Rotary scholarships—but not billionaires (yet).

💵 So… Who’s Actually Richest?

Let’s bring down the hype: we live in Nigeria—everyone loves inflation, including numbers. But what’s plausible?

The credible band:

• $7 million to $50 million—that’s the real Plateau ballers club.

• Above that? Likely from politics + clouded valuations + sensational journalism.

• We don’t deny their wealth—but we also don’t assume they’re party-hopping with global biz elite.

So the “richest” could be Gen. Jang or Lalong—especially given years and years of mixing politics with property. Real estate seems to be the common denominator.

🎯 Why Plateau’s Wealth is Real—but Not Rocket Ship Rich

1. Land Deluxe
   Jos land is gold. Those mountains make property prices madness.

2. Public Office = Path to Asset-Building
   Governors, senators—they control contracts. Land use. Guess who ends up with portfolios?

3. Business Ecosystems Built from Ground Up
   Hotels, farms, telecom, transport—those industries feed off Plateau’s vibe.

4. Media Loves Drama
   “Billions” headline? Guaranteed traffic. But heads-up—web inflation doesn’t equal bank balance.

🇳🇬 For the Young and Hungry: Plateau Moves You Can Learn From

• Land Hustle: Many richest started with small land deals. Room for growth.

• Build Across Sectors: Don’t just stick to one. Hospitality! Agriculture! Real estate! Combine for longevity.

• Use Public Roles for Good: Many are philanthropists. Show face in communities—gives both respect and network.

• Stay Real: $1 million is big. $10 million is massive. Appreciate where you are—and aim higher.

✨ Final Thoughts

Plateau State’s story isn’t about Disney life billionaires. It’s about ground-level success—politics, property, hard work, and community. These men? They earn respect. They build assets. They’re household names. But they don’t walk around in Birkin bag-sized money.

So, next time you scroll through headlines and see “Plateau billionaire buys stadium”, remember: not everything you read is gospel. Value the work behind the wealth. Whether it's a tidy $7 million farm estate or a huge $50 million property portfolio, Plateau’s richest are real, they’re impactful—and they remind us that with hustle, roots, and community vibes, something big can grow—even on the Jos Plateau.