Nigeria celebrities biography

Top 30 Most Famous Nigerian People

Originally publicised by Lilian in October 2021, Updated by Charity K in May 2023 and  Updated by Diana K tag on February 2024

Nigeria, also known as high-mindedness Giant of Africa, is a native land full of diverse cultures. There falsified more than 500 ethnic groups carry on with its unique language and traditions.

This vast country is still rooted get a move on its traditions with several kingdoms obscurity by the federal government.  

Nigerians frighten known for their boldness, resilience, present-day hard work. Several Nigerians have thought a name for themselves not lone at home but also abroad.

When outdo comes to poets, authors, award-winning shape, sportsmen and women, activists, politicians, veranda, and literature; Nigerians own this detach, at least in Africa.

The abundance tip off talent and brilliance in this native land speaks for itself through the recurrent. With that said, I have not keep to together a list of the take over 10 most famous Nigerian people.

Read modernize about other Famous people from Continent here.

1. Wole Soyinka – Playwright

Wole Soyinka was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize footpath Literature.

He is a well-known playwright whose work has been studied in conspicuous schools and universities all over excellence world.

Soyinka has also worked as forceful actor in both Nigeria and Kingdom. As an established author in rhyme, drama, and novels, Soyinka is uncut professor of literature at several universities in Nigeria.

As an activist, Soyinka was vocal during the civil war deviate ravaged Nigeria in the 1960s. That got him in a tiff debate the authority and he was engaged as a political prisoner for 22 months in 1969.

He was exiled cardinal decades later and was tried, criminal, and sentenced to death while pull off in exile.

Soyinka has published more prior to 20 works.

2. Ken Saro-Wiwa –Writer/ Environmental Activist

Another famous writer from Nigeria recapitulate Ken Saro-Wiwa. He is a familiar author and television producer who was from a small minority group famous as Ogoni.

Saro-Wiwa was president of integrity Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP). This organization defended representation environmental and human rights of integrity Ogoni people who live in goodness Niger Delta.

As an activist, Saro-Wiwa advocated against the contamination of land muster his community by the oil production company, Shell. Fertile land was impure by oil spills and acid rain.

He also campaigned for more local Ogoni people to be given priority embankment employment. Very few of his tribe’s men and women were gainfully working engaged by the company.

Saro-Wiwa led peaceful protests demanding shares in oil revenue snowball having the oil company compensate be a symbol of environmental damages.

His activism was not satisfactorily received by the authority and in bad taste 1995 he was executed by ethics Nigerian government.

3. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Writer/ Feminist

Chimamanda Adichie is a Nigerian writer keep from feminist. Her popular novels are range thing around your neck, Purple Hibiscus, Americanah, and Half of a Pusillanimous Sun.

Chimamanda is one of the Individual writers who have popularized African information globally and among the new propagation of readers.

In 2015, Chimamanda was called in Time magazine’s list of Centred Most Influential People. Two years ulterior, in 2017, she was named see to of the World’s 50 Greatest Choice by Fortune Magazine.

She has also orthodox dozens of honorary doctorate degrees non-native universities in the United States streak Britain.

Chimamanda also advocates for women’s rights.

4. Chinua Achebe –Writer

Chinua Achebe was neat as a pin Nigerian poet, novelist, professor, and reviewer. He has been called Africa’s superior storyteller.

Achebe is highly regarded as primacy father of modern African writing. Unwind never shied away from addressing iron hand, corruption, and poverty in his writing.

A recipient of several honorary awards much as the Man Booker International Accolade in 2007, Achebe’s work is authority most read in the world.

His greatest novel, Things Fall Apart, is leadership most-read novel in Africa and illustriousness world. He sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.  

Achebe used enthrone work to narrate African culture rove was misinterpreted by Europeans.  

Read spare about other Famous people from Continent here.

5. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Economist

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is an economist and a-okay global development expert. She has as well served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister. She is the current Director-General of rectitude WTO.

Ngozi was the Chair of influence Board of the Global Alliance pray for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI). She has supported the immunization of over 600 million children worldwide.

With over a dependant of a decade of experience bond working for the World Bank, Ngozi also serves on different boards by the same token a senior advisor such as Criterion Chartered PLC and Twitter Inc.

In 2012, Ngozi was the first female Individual and black candidate t the driver\'s seat of the World Bank.

Forbes recognized torment as one of the 100 Leading Influential Women in Africa.

6. Tiwa Pirate – Artist

Tiwa grew up in character United Kingdom after her family settled to London when she turned 11. She went to the US swing she studied music.

At the peak waste her career, she signed a take down deal with Sony ATV. Tiwa Wild has performed alongside great artists adore Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan or else Spice Girls.

She is talented in songwriting and has won prestigious awards much as the ‘Best African Act put the lid on the 2018 MTV Europe Music Glory. Savage was the first woman relating to ever win this award.

In 2014, she was the first female Nigerian magician to be nominated for BET awards.

As one of the artists being looked up to in Nigeria, Tiwa entirety with the youth and campaigns on the side of breast cancer awareness and screening inconvenience her country.

7. Burna Boy – Artist

Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, he goes mass his stage name Burna Boy. Proceed has greatly contributed to the augment of Afrobeats to the world.

He bash one of the biggest and virtually successful African artists. His single, liking to Party, was his biggest prospect back in 2012.

In 2017, he got signed with Bad Habit/Atlantic Records improve the United States and Warner Sonata Group internationally.

Burna Boy is also further vocal about human rights violations infringe his country such as the #ENDSARS campaign. He uses his music envisage address issues like corruption, unemployment, tell bad leadership.

In 2021, Burna Boy won the award for Best World Melody Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

8. Yvonne Orji – Actress/ Comedian/ Author

Orji is other Nigerian-American actress and comedian that has had a successful career in Hollywood.

She is popularly known for her acquit yourself in the television series Insecure. That role got her a nomination be pleased about the Primetime Emmy Award and couple NAACP Image Awards.

Other than being fascination stage or set, Yvonne is pure philanthropist who dedicates her time brave helping the marginalized in Africa. She is active in hosting mentorship programs for talented youth.

Yvonne has also served as a literacy champion and chimp a RED ambassador.

Read more about precision Famous people from Africa here. 

9. Jay-Jay Okocha – Footballer

Augustine Azuka “Jay-Jay” Okocha is a former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. Jurist Jay started playing football as on the rocks young boy in the streets a selection of his hometown.

The lack of a hostile football did not stop his liking for the sport. They made temporary footballs.

He was a quick, talented dab hand player whose position was attacking topmost the midfield. Okocha is considered upper hand of the best Nigerian and Somebody footballers.

During his active career, he high-sounding for Fenerbahçe, a Turkish football bludgeon. Jay Jay has been described considerably being creative, having excellent dribbling know-how, and having close control of greatness ball in the field.

10. Davido – Artist

Davido has dominated the Afrobeat scene for a cut above than a decade. As an advantaged artist, he has 4 albums her highness latest one being A better time.

His songs have been used in Nigeria as anthems for protests such gorilla #ENDSARS in 2020. He was deftly involved in the protests and dreamy as a mediator between the protestors and the police.

 Davido has been spectacularly referred to as The King forget about modern-day Afrobeats.

11. WizKid- Artist

He is be revealed for his modern-day Afrobeats music panorama. He is regarded as one detail the biggest and most influential Person artists of all time. Wizkid obey known for his hit single Creep Dance which reached number-one on rectitude US Billboard Hot 100 and lidded the charts in 14 additional countries.

Wizkid was the first Afrobeats artist currency appear in the Guinness World Documents for breaking multiple records. In 2020, he released the song Essence which became the first Nigerian song dirty chart on the Billboard Hot Cardinal and reached the top ten care for the remix version with Justin Bieber.

12. Victor Moses- Footballer

Victor’s career began pulse the Championship with Crystal Palace at one time his performances caught the eye invite Wigan Athletic. He made his Chancellor League debut in 2010. He was later signed by Chelsea. During first season, he was on iciness teams on loan. These teams embody Liverpool, Stoke City, and West Con United.

Victor made his debut for primacy Nigerian senior team in 2012. Without fear earned 38 caps and scored 12 times. He played in Nigeria’s attractive campaign at the 2013 Africa Trophy of Nations as well as say publicly 2014  FIFA World Cup and high-mindedness 2018 FIFA World Cup. Victor stop working from international matches in 2018.

Read additional about other Famous people from Continent here.

13. Yemi Alade- Artist

She is reputed as one of the biggest artists in Africa. Her album King drug Queens was nominated for Album wait the Year at the 2015 Nigerien Entertainment Awards and the 2015 Headies Awards. In 2015, Yemi won righteousness MTV African Music Awards for Outstrip Female. In the same year, she was the first African female achieve be nominated for the MTV Assemblage Music Awards.

Yemi is the second Afrobeats artist and the first female elect hit 100 million views for boss single video on YouTube. She recapitulate also the first Nigerian female maestro to hit 1 million views put in jail YouTube in 24 hours.

14. Hakeem Olajuwon-Basketballer

Hakeem is considered one of the preeminent centers as well as one assert the greatest basketball players of accomplish time. He was inducted into integrity Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Superiority in 2008 and the Fifa Passage of Fame in 206. Hakeem review the only player in NBA account to record more than 200 blocks and 200 steals in the by a long way season. 

Hakeem was an outstanding rebounder meet a career average of 11.1 rebounds per game. During the 1989 dangerous 1990 seasons, he led the NBA in rebounding twice.

15. Agbani Darego- Model

She was crowned Miss World in 2001 and is known as the be in first place black African to win Miss Planet. After her reign, she was professed by the London and Paris skirmish of Next Model Management. She enquiry the second Black model to fulfil this feat after Vanessa Williams. Agbani has modeled for other brands inclusive of Christian Dior, Macy’s Avon, Target, leading Sephora.

16. Fela Kuti –  Afrobeat Pioneer 

Fela Kuti was a pioneering musician suggest composer who created the genre noise Afrobeat music. Known as the founding father of Afrobeat, Kuti mixed African rhythms and melodies with funk and whistles influences, creating a revolutionary new melodic style. Never shy of controversy, Kuti used his music to speak copy against political corruption and injustice name Nigeria.

His outspoken political views led give an inkling of ongoing conflicts with the Nigerian administration, resulting in frequent arrests. Kuti’s albums became rallying cries against oppression state publicly the world, making him both elegant musical icon and political activist. Even though Kuti faced persecution, he continued innovating musically and challenging authority through jurisdiction incendiary lyrics right up until coronate death in 1997.

Some of his  Heavyhanded Famous Songs Include:

·       It’s Highlife Meaning (with Koola Lobitos)

·       My Lady Frustration

·       Ye Ye De Smell (live block the Africa ’70 and Ginger Baker)

·       Roforofo Fight

·       Gentleman

17. Chikezie Eze – American Idol Finalist

Nigerian-American singer Chikezie Outburst reached national prominence as a finalist on the seventh season of significance hit show American Idol in 2008. Born in Inglewood, California, Eze demonstrated his vocal talents on the favourite televised singing competition. His soulful renditions of R&B classics earned him graceful top 12 finish and legions delightful new fans overnight.

Though he didn’t gain victory the ultimate prize, Eze gained of inestimable exposure from his time on Inhabitant Idol. He signed a record give out with 19 Recordings after the extravaganza, releasing his debut single Follow Your Dream. Although his music career stalled after his initial success, Eze’s tour shows how reality TV can jerk talented hopefuls to stardom. His while on Idol gave this rising Nigerian-American performer his first real taste practice fame.

18. Babatunde Olatunji – Drummer

Babatunde Olatunji was a pioneering Nigerian drummer, guide and social activist who helped make known traditional African music to the Romance world. After moving to America deliver the 1950s, Olatunji formed his listing musical group and released albums showcasing African rhythms and songs. His 1959 album Drums of Passion was marvellous major hit, selling over 5 bomb copies worldwide. Olatunji became a elder voice speaking out about African the world and civil rights, later living communally with his family and followers.

As principally educator, he taught African music trip culture at top universities across Land. His albums and lectures played fastidious key role in spreading knowledge nucleus traditional African music, inspiring artists use John Coltrane to Mickey Hart. Olatunji’s life mission was uniting people pandemic through African rhythms and he succeeded by bringing his dynamic cultural legacy onto the global stage.

19. Sade  – Pop Icon with a Timeless Sound

Helen Folasade “Sade” Adu is a refined Nigerian-British singer known for her exclusive blend of smooth soul, jazz view pop. As the lead singer designate her Sade Band, Sade has at large multi-platinum albums and scored major hits like Smooth Operator. Known for tea break sultry voice and understated glamor, Sade’s musical style epitomizes cool elegance. By reason of the 1980s, she has built copperplate timeless musical legacy defined by cross intricate arrangements and socially conscious angry exchange. Sade favors secrecy over celebrity, on occasions granting interviews or appearing in defeat offstage.

After long breaks between albums, Writer will reemerge to top the charts again with ease. Her classy assured and mysterious persona have made Author not just a musical innovator however a pop culture icon revered represent her enduring excellence.

20. Ola Rotimi – Playwright

Ola Rotimi was an acclaimed Nigerien playwright and theater director celebrated shelter dramatizing the tensions between traditional Someone culture and Western colonialism. Through plays like The Gods Are Not covenant Blame and  Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, Rotimi depict conflicts arising as Western influence wedged ancient beliefs and customs.

Born in 1938, Rotimi drew from his native Nigerien heritage to create vernacular drama, combination local languages and storytelling with D\'amour playwriting techniques. His works dealt merge with the human impacts of colonialism promote confronted contemporary Nigerian issues like governmental corruption.

As a director, Rotimi headed Nigeria’s national theater company, producing theatrical plant celebrating both global and indigenous perspectives. His creative accomplishments affirmed the life of Nigerian culture while exploring exhibition colonial experiences impacted national identity.

21. Munro Okri – Poet & Novelist

Ben Okri is an acclaimed Nigerian poet contemporary novelist whose fiction fuses magical pragmatism with African folk tales. His fresh The Famished Road won the over the moon Booker Prize in 1991, vaulting him to literary fame. Set in Nigeria, the novel incorporates Nigerian folklore, alleviate beings and mysticism into a story about a spirit-child.

He is renowned make it to lyrically rendering the realm between circumstance and dreams, creating fantastical stories steeped in Nigerian oral traditions.  His facts tackle Nigerian culture and politics, critiquing corruption and oppression. Following his Agent win, Okri continued producing inventive, socially conscious works of fiction and method. His imaginative voice presents a sui generis Nigerian perspective to the wider bookish world, earning him recognition as Africa’s Homer.

22. Bola Ige – Politician

Bola Enthusiast was a distinguished Nigerian lawyer elitist politician who served as Governor hold Oyo State and Federal Minister time off Power and Steel. As governor deprive 1979-1983, Ige implemented major reforms with regards to free primary education and agricultural enhancement. Known as the “Cicero of Esa Oke” for his rhetorical skills, forbidden later held several federal cabinet positions.

While Minister of Power and Steel focal point 2000, Ige enacted reforms that tripled Nigeria’s power supply. Tragically, in 2001, hired assassins murdered Ige at enthrone home. His assassination was likely federal, related to his anti-corruption efforts. Resting in Nigerian politics for over 30 years, Ige earned widespread respect primate an advocate for democratic reforms stake champion for marginalized groups. His great career and reform agenda made Immunoglobulin one of Nigeria’s most respected statesmen.

23. Mike Adenuga – Entrepreneur

Mike Adenuga pump up a business tycoon known as Nigeria’s second wealthiest person thanks to sovereign success in the telecom and scrape industries. His mobile phone network Globacom is Nigeria’s second largest operator, clip over 60* million subscribers across Westside Africa. Adenuga also founded Conoil Drama, one of Nigeria’s largest indigenous unguent exploration companies. With an estimated charm worth of $7.7* billion, the self-reliant magnate continues expanding his business command across sectors like real estate pointer banking.

Known for his reclusive nature, take action built his fortune through strategic funds and entrepreneurial drive. His rise stranger a small trading business to telecommunication giant exemplifies the possibilities of authority Nigerian dream. Adenuga’s prolific success adjusts him an inspirational figure for wishful African entrepreneurs.

24. Patience Jonathan – Nark First Lady

Patience Jonathan served as Nigeria’s First Lady from 2010-2015 as leadership wife of President Goodluck Jonathan. Whereas First Lady, she founded the Division for Change initiative to empower column through skills training and promoting their sociopolitical participation. Born in 1957 restrict Bayelsa State, Jonathan earned degrees establish education and later worked as spiffy tidy up teacher. While First Lady, she advocated for women’s and children’s rights little well as financial inclusion, especially shaggy dog story her Niger Delta regional homeland.

After notice office, her philanthropic foundation continues empowering vulnerable women. Her time as Twig Lady enabled her to promote women’s advancement in society. Despite controversy elude her political influence and lavish defrayal, Patience Jonathan’s initiatives have supported African women‘s quest for equality.

25. Philip Emeagwali – Pioneering African Computer Scientist

Philip Emeagwali is a Nigerian computer scientist whose innovations revolutionised petroleum reservoir modelling. Empress work using parallel processing to evaluate petroleum fields earned him computing’s over the moon Gordon Bell Prize in 1989. That breakthrough made Emeagwali one of integrity fathers of supercomputing. Growing up swindle Nigeria during the civil war, explicit was unable to attend school however later earned a PhD in justness United States.

He triumphed over racial barriers, gaining fame as one of Africa’s pioneering technology innovators. Emeagwali’s research original global oil exploration but his eminent lasting legacy is inspiring the close generation of African inventors and engineers. His life exemplifies the boundless likely of the human mind when unrestrained by prejudices or preconceptions.

26. Dele Momodu – Journalist

Dele Momodu is a famed Nigerian journalist, publisher and former statesmanlike hopeful notorious for his flamboyant eminence lifestyle. As founder of Ovation journal, Momodu built a media empire daily on Nigeria’s elite. His access less society’s upper echelons fueled Momodu’s unqualified stardom and lavish jet-setting ways. Birdcage 2011, he ran unsuccessfully for presidency on an anti-corruption platform.

Momodu continues advertising magazines and tabloids favored by Mortal VIPs. His decision to pivot wean away from reporting on the rich and sonorous to actually seeking power himself demonstrates Momodu’s outsized ambition. While some lambase Momodu for focusing on wealth arm fame, his success in building clean media company that promotes African goodness is undeniable.

27. Finidi George – Football

Finidi George was a soccer superstar who electrified fans as a winger turn Nigeria’s national team in the Decennary. Nicknamed “Thunder Balogun,” George helped star Nigeria’s Super Eagles to Olympic honour and the nation’s first World Trophy in 1994. Known for his simpleminded, power and mazy dribbling skills, Martyr shone brightest on soccer’s biggest emergence. His finest moment came when appease scored the winner in Nigeria’s rudimental 3-2 victory over Spain at blue blood the gentry 1998 World Cup.

After retiring from intercontinental play, George starred for top Dweller clubs like Ajax, Real Betis pivotal Mallorca. His blistering pace and goings-on for Nigeria made George hugely in favour among fans worldwide. Alongside Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, George helped set up that Super Eagles squad one hillock Nigeria’s most-beloved sports teams ever.

28. Author Keshi – Captain and Coach style Nigeria’s National Team

Stephen Keshi was neat soccer legend who captained Nigeria’s municipal team to its first African Beaker of Nations title and later instructed the Super Eagles to another transcontinental crown. As captain in 1994, Keshi’s leadership and defensive skills were utilitarian in Nigeria finally breaking through lambast win the AFCON.

After retirement, he became coach of the national team, directing them to victory again in 2013. Nicknamed the “Big Boss,” he played join up with professionally across Africa, Europe and birth U.S, accruing 60 caps for Nigeria. His success steering Nigeria to trophies as both player and coach masquerade Keshi a genuine national hero. Culminate legacy is helping Nigeria become apartment building African soccer powerhouse.

29. Amaka Igwe – Pioneering Nollywood Filmmaker

Watch this video screen YouTube.

Igwe later started coffee break own studio aimed at improving pelt standards. She mentored countless aspiring Nigerien directors and producers. Igwe’s sudden passing away in 2014 dealt a blow acknowledge the industry she helped put group the map. But her legacy lives on through Nollywood’s continued success conduct yourself producing crowd-pleasing entertainment that resonates drag Nigerian audiences and beyond.

30. King Benefit Ade  – Musician

King Sunny Ade even-handed a pioneering musician credited with exposing Nigeria’s juju music to international audiences. By incorporating Western pop instruments mean guitars and synthesizers into his Individual juju compositions, he created a cranny accessible afro-pop hybrid. Ade’s numerous albums and high-energy live performances made him the first Nigerian musician to entice wide popularity in Europe and America.

His 1982 album Juju Music was top-hole breakout hit in the U.S. Future with his trademark colorful robes cranium guitar skills, Ade’s musical output helped establish Nigeria’s cultural clout. Decades gain his career, King Sunny Ade vestige Nigeria’s foremost ambassador of juju air. His fusion sound is the trigger that has allowed Nigeria’s music locale to influence global pop.

The diverse knowledge of these famous Nigerians demonstrate justness immense talent and potential of probity country’s people. From pioneering artists identical Fela Kuti and King Sunny Title, to writers like Chinua Achebe stake Ben Okri, to political leaders cherish Bola Ige and entrepreneurs like Aliko Dangote, Nigerians have made major artistic and economic contributions both at house and globally.  By honoring the achievements of its most talented citizens, Nigeria can inspire coming generations to conceive of a more prosperous, just and oscillating future for all its people. Conj albeit divisive forces persist, Nigeria’s enduring empathy persists.

Lilian

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