The South-East of Nigeria, home to Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, is widely recognized as the Igbo heartland.
This region has long been a hub of entrepreneurship, commerce, and innovation, producing some of Nigeria’s most industrious and financially successful citizens.
It is a place where determination meets opportunity and where businesses, big and small, thrive through resilience and strategic thinking.
The individuals who make this list of the top 10 billionaires in South-East Nigeria represent a diverse array of sectors.
From oil and gas to automotive, manufacturing, finance, and telecommunications, these business leaders have built empires that not only generate significant wealth but also create jobs, drive industrial growth, and shape the economy. Their stories reflect a mix of ambition, ingenuity, and the ability to navigate Nigeria’s challenging business sector.
Beyond business, many of them are notable philanthropists, contributing to education, healthcare, and community development in the region. Examining the wealthiest in the South-East offers a window into the economic powerhouses driving the region’s growth and influence, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity that define the Igbo commercial tradition.
Orji Uzor Kalu is a Nigerian businessman, investor, and politician, currently serving as the senator representing Abia North. He is the chairman and founder of SLOK Holding, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning publishing, oil and gas, furniture, vegetable oil, aviation, and banking.
Kalu oversees major subsidiaries, including Daily Sun, New Telegraph, Supreme Oil, First International Bank, and SLOK Vegetable Oil, with operations extending across Nigeria, the U.K., U.S., and several African countries.
Kalu’s entrepreneurial career began trading palm oil and furniture with just $35 in 1980, eventually building one of Nigeria’s most influential indigenous business empires. He also served as governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007, and has held leadership roles in banking, media, and international trade relations.
He holds a degree from Abia State University, a Harvard certificate in business administration, and has received multiple honorary doctorates. Kalu’s influence spans politics, commerce, and media in Nigeria.
