List of people from Rivers State

The following is a list of notable people who were born in Rivers State, lived in Rivers State, or for whom Rivers State is a significant part of their identity.

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

Contents: 

• Top
• 0–9
• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

A

Diezani Alison-Madueke

Chibuike Amaechi

Henry Ajumogobia

• George Abbey (born 1978), soccer player
• Magnus Ngei Abe (born 1965), lawyer and senator of the Federal Republic (2015–2019)
• Zacchaeus Adangor, Attorney General of Rivers State
• Echendu Adiele (1978–2011), soccer player
• Ernest Afiesimama (born 1960), weatherman, environmental and climate scientist
• Emmanuel C. Aguma, former attorney general of Rivers State (2015v2019)
• Friday Ahunanya (born 1971), world heavyweight champion and boxer
• Joseph Ajienka (born 1955), Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt
• Henry Ajumogobia (born 1956), Attorney General, Commissioner of Justice
• Claude Ake (1939–1996), political scientist
• Godspower Ake (1940–2016), legislator
• Wilson Asinobi Ake (born 1955), Nigerian Senator from Rivers State
• Mercy Akide (born 1975), former soccer player
• Diezani Alison-Madueke (born 1960), former minister of Petroleum Resources (2010–2015), Mines and Steel (2008–2010) and Transport (2007–2008) ^[1]
• Mactabene Amachree (born 1978), basketball player
• Otelemaba Amachree (born 1963), former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and Group Chairman of Big Ross Int’l. LTD
• Elechi Amadi (1934–2016), author, speaker
• Okey Amadi, MHA
• Chibuike Amaechi (born 1965), Governor of Rivers State ^[2]
• Thankgod Amaefule (born 1984), soccer player
• Martins Amaewhule, speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly
• Chika Amalaha (born 1997), weightlifter
• Betty Apiafi (born 1962), economist, retired banker, school teacher
• Pere Ariweriyai (born 1983), soccer player
• Napoleon Ashley-Lassen (born 1934), Chief of the Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces
• Tamunosiki Atorudibo (born 1985), athlete
• Izu Azuka (born 1989), soccer player

B

• Ipalibo Banigo (born 1952), medical doctor; first female senator and Deputy Governor of Rivers State
• Herbert Bankole-Bright (1883–1958), politician
• Innocent Barikor, academic and politician
• A. Igoni Barrett (born 1979), writer
• John Bazia, politician
• Bella Bell-Gam (born 1956), pentathlete
• Ngeri Benebo (born 1955), medical doctor
• Amaopusenibo Siminalayi "Sim" Joseph Black-Fubara (born 1979), Executive Governor, Rivers State
• Andre Blaze (born 1983), rapper, reality talent show host
• Worgu Boms (born 1968), Commissioner of Justice
• Ann-Kio Briggs (born 1952), activist
• Nimi Briggs (born 1944), Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt
• Roseberry Briggs (1925–2013), Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly
• Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, Rivers State Commissioner of Culture and Tourism

C

Mercy Chinwo

• Sokari Douglas Camp (born 1958), artist
• Michael O. Chinda, Member of the House of Assembly
• Monalisa Chinda (born 1974), actress
• Mercy Chinwo, singer, actress
• Tonye Cole (born 1967), businessman
• Andrea Cossu (born 1984), soccer player
• Noah Arthur William Cox-George (1915–2004), economist and academic

D

Reynolds Dagogo-Jack

• Adams Dabotorudima, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly
• Diminas Dagogo, film director
• Reynolds Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack (born 1957), politician
• Samuel Dagogo-Jack (born 1954), medical doctor,
• Sumner Dagogo-Jack (born 1930), civil servant
• Harold Dappa-Biriye (born 1920), politician
• Agbani Darego (born 1982), first black woman from Africa to win Miss World
• George Datoru (born 1978), soccer player
• Tam David-West (1936–2019), academic and former federal minister
• Sam Dede, actor and politician
• Blessing Didia, medical doctor
• Tonto Dikeh (born 1985), actress and singer ^[3]
• Duncan Dokiwari (born 1973), boxer
• Hilda Dokubo, actress
• Eddy Lord Dombraye (born 1979), soccer player

E

• Kaniye Ebeku (born 1961), Commissioner for Education, lawyer
• Ngozi Ebere (born 1991), soccer player
• Emmanuel Ebiede (born 1978), soccer player
• Frank Eke (1931–2013), Deputy Governor of Rivers State
• Obinna Ekezie (born 1975), basketball player
• Boniface S. Emerengwa, lawyer
• Tamara Eteimo (born 1987), actress and singer
• Sam Sam Etetegwung, politician and lawmaker
• Dino Eze (born 1984), soccer player
• Victor Ezeji (born 1981), soccer player
• Sandra Ezekwesili (born 1989), radio personality
• Chinedu Ezimora (born 1985), soccer player

F

• Ibinabo Fiberesima (born 1973), actress
• Tam Fiofori (born 1942), writer, photographer
• Samuel Francis (born 1987), athlete
• Iyenemi Furo (born 1978), soccer player

G

Muma Gee

• Muma Gee (born 1978), singer and actress ^[4]
• Finidi George (born 1971), retired soccer player
• Odeni George (born 1995), soccer player
• Rose A. George (1946–2010), First Lady of Rivers State
• Rufus Ada George (born 1940), Governor of Rivers State
• Manuela George-Izunwa (born 1974), co-senior pastor of Gateway Church, lawyer, former commissioner of women affa5irs, Rivers State
• Alabo George Kelly, politician and surveyor
• Rufus Godwins, lawyer and civil servant
• Alabo Graham-Douglas (born 1939), Senior Advocate of Nigeria
• Bikiya Graham-Douglas (born 1983), actress and businesswoman
• Damiete Charles Granville (born 1988), model
• J. A. Green (1873–1905), photographer
• Rosemund Dienye Green-Osahogulu (born 1956), vice-chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education

H

• Princess Halliday, television personality
• Kelsey Harrison (born 1934), Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt
• Marshal Sokari Harry, politician
• Albert Horsfall (born 1941), former security chief
• Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, (15 August 1966 – 9 February 2024), former Access Bank CEO

I

Tele Ikuru

• Lady IB, singer
• Ikuinyi O. Ibani, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly
• Christian Ibeagha (born 1990), soccer player
• John Ibeh (born 1986), soccer player
• Tonye Ibiama (born 1974), businessman
• Bernie Ibini-Isei (born 1992), soccer player
• David Ibiyeomie (born 1962), founder of Salvation Ministries
• Osinakachukwu Ideozu (born 1965), estate surveyor, senator
• Catherine Uju Ifejika (born 1959), lawyer
• Chinyere Igwe (born 1965), politician
• Faith Ikidi (born 1987), soccer player
• John Ikuru (1877–1947), Okama of Ikuru Town, Andoni
• Tele Ikuru (born 1966), Deputy Governor of Rivers State
• Manasseh Ishiaku (born 1983), soccer player

J

Patience Jonathan

• Isobo Jack, nightclub owner
• Major Jack, engineer, leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly
• Onimim Jacks (born 1961), lawyer
• Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja, lawmaker
• Nasigba John-Jumbo (born 1988), soccer player
• Patience Jonathan (born 1957), First Lady of Nigeria ^[5]
• Oko Jumbo, King of Bonny

K

• Isaac Kamalu, Commissioner of Finance, legal practitioner
• Ignatius Kattey (born 1948), Archbishop, Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria
• Kenneth Kobani, Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment
• Roseline Konya, professor
• Fred Kpakol, chairman of Gokana Local Government Council
• Magnus L. Kpakol (born 1934), former chief economic adviser to Nigerian president Jonathan
• George T. Kurubo (1934–2000), former ambassador to Soviet Union

L

• Ndowa N Lale, academic and publisher
• Obafemi Lasode (born 1955), actor
• Rex Lawson (1935–1971), musician
• Omah Lay, musician
• Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs (1930–2018), Nigerian statesman and businessman
• Sam Ledor (born 1986), soccer player
• Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs (1930–2018), Nigerian statesman and businessman
• Lyrikal (born 1983), rapper

M

Prince Eze Madumere

Duncan Mighty

• M-Trill (born 1979), rapper
• Davis Mac-Iyalla (born 1972), activist
• Chiamaka Madu (born 1996), soccer player
• Prince Eze Madumere (born 1964), former Deputy Governor, Imo State
• Lee Ledogo Maeba (born 1966), politician
• Martyns Mannah (born 1975), member of the House of Assembly
• Rosemary Marcus, cyclist
• Ibiapuye Martyns-Yellowe (born 1945), politician
• Maud Meyer, jazz singer
• Duncan Wene Mighty (born 1983), musician
• Kenneth Minimah (born 1959), Chief of Army Staff
• Oliver Mobisson (1943–2010), activist
• Barry Mpigi (born 1961), Senator Rivers East

N

• Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele (born 1963), academic
• Otonti Amadi Nduka (born 1926), dean of education at the University of Port Harcourt
• Jerry Needam (born 1966), journalist, newspaper publisher and politician
• Martin Newland (born 1961), journalist and executive director
• Peter Nieketien (born 1968), former soccer player
• Chimaroke Nnamani (born 1960), politician
• Ike Nwachukwu (born 1940), politician
• Chidi Nwanu (born 1967), soccer player
• Olaka Nwogu (born 1965), retired civil servant, and senator
• David Nwolokor (born 1996), soccer player
• Chibudom Nwuche, politician
• Ogbonna Nwuke (born 1959), journalist
• Benji Nzeakor (born 1964), retired soccer player

O

Chidi Odiah

Walter Ofonagoro

• Philip Obele (born 1958), king of Eleme
• Saint Obi (1965–2023), actor
• Felix A. Obuah, businessman and politician
• Chidi Odiah (born 1983), soccer player
• Glory Odiase (born 1993), cyclist
• Mary Odili (born 1952), former First Lady of Rivers State, and Justice of the Supreme Court (retired)
• Peter Odili (born 1948), Governor of Rivers State doctor, founder of Pamo University of Health Sciences
• Walter Ofonagoro (born 1940), scholar, businessman
• King Otuo Ogbalakon (1772–1846), Andoni warrior king
• Clem Ohameze (born 1965), actor
• Emmanuel Okah, lawyer
• Daisy W. Okocha (born 1951), former Justice of the Rivers State High Court
• Agnes Okoh, founder of Christ Holy Church International
• Otonyetarie Okoye, civil servant
• Chinelo Okparanta (born 1981), writer
• Aaron Samuel Olanare (born 1994), soccer player
• Celestine Omehia (born 1959), Governor of Rivers State
• Emeka Onowu (born 1984), political leader
• Jimitota Onoyume, journalist
• Elkanah Onyeali (1939–2008), soccer player
• Daniel Onyekachi (born 1985), soccer player
• Austin Opara (born 1963), member of the House of Representatives
• Yvonne Orji (born 1983), actress
• Kelechi Osunwa (born 1984), soccer player
• Felicity Okpete Ovai (born 1961), engineer
• Frank Owhor (born 1958), Attorney General of Rivers State, Federal Commissioner for RMAFC
• Richard Daddy Owubokiri (born 1961), retired soccer player
• Ukel Oyaghiri (born 1964), lawyer, politician
• Boma Ozobia, lawyer

P

Dakuku Peterside

• Adawari Pepple, politician
• George Oruigbiji Pepple (1849–1888), King of Bonny
• Frank Kurubo Isaac Pepple (1913 – 1974), Commissioner of Police,
• Atedo Peterside (born 1955), entrepreneur, investment banker, and economist,
• Dakuku Peterside (born 1970), businessman, former DG of NIMASA
• Tonye Princewill (born 1969), businessman and politician

S

• Ken Saro-Wiwa (1941–1995), writer and activist
• Zina Saro-Wiwa (born 1976), video artist and filmmaker
• Uche Secondus (born 1955), businessman, political figure
• George Thompson Sekibo (born 1957), Nigerian senator from Rivers State
• Precious Sekibo (born 1958), doctor and politician
• Jesse Sekidika (born 1996), soccer player
• Uchechi Sunday (born 1994), soccer player

T

• Marco Tagbajumi (born 1988), soccer player
• Austin Tam-George, communication and industrial relations specialist
• Tekena Tamuno (1932–2015), historian
• Cleopatra Tawo, radio personality
• Odagme Theophilus (born 1974), medical doctor
• Elsie Nwanwuri Thompson, lawyer
• Timaya (born 1977), singer
• Gabriel Toby, Deputy Governor of Rivers State
• Nwankwo Tochukwu (born 1986), soccer player
• Hector Tubonemi (born 1988), soccer player

U

Mary Uranta

• Andrew Uchendu, federal lawmaker
• Colin Udoh, journalist and sports television presenter
• Innocent Umezulike (1953–2018), judge
• Mary Uranta, actress and businesswoman ^[6]
• Marshall Stanley Uwom (born 1965), lawyer and businessman

W

Waconzy

• Waconzy (born 1983), singer, songwriter
• Rena Wakama, basketball coach
• Adewale Wahab (born 1984), soccer player
• Obi Wali (1932–1993), activist
• Okey Wali (born 1958), president of the Nigerian Bar Association
• Ezekiel Warigbani, youth advocate, politician
• Taribo West (born 1974), soccer player
• Eberechi Wike (born 1972), First Lady of Rivers State
• Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (born 1967), Governor of Rivers State
• Tasie Wike, lawyer
• Kay Williamson (1935–2005), linguist
• Jim Wiwa (1904–2005), chief of the Ogoni people
• Owens Wiwa (born 1957), medical doctor and human rights activist
• Chukwuemeka Woke, chief of staff, Rivers State Government; former chairman of Emohua

Y

• Albert Yobo (born 1979), soccer player
• Joseph Yobo (born 1980), soccer player

See also

• List of people from Port Harcourt

References

1. "Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Diezani Alison- Madueke". Youthdevelopment.gov.ng. Archived from the original on 12 January 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
2. "The story of Port Harcourt city". Vanguardngr.com . Vanguard Media. 18 November 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
3. "Tonto Dike Biography, Life History, Profile & Movies". Naijagists. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
4. "I Sell Dry Fish and Rice - Muma Gee". Dailytimes.com.ng. 2013-10-25. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
5. "Patience Jonathan". Facebook.com . Retrieved 12 January 2014.
6. "How my relationship set me back — Nollywood actress, Mary Uranta". Ghanamma.com. Retrieved 2014-04-19.