Nyesom Wike, born on December 13, 1967 is a prominent Nigerian politician and lawyer currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Wike is known for his impactful governance in Rivers State.
In addition to serving as the current FCT Minister, he has held several key political positions, including Minister of State for Education (from 2011 – 2012) and Governor of Rivers State (from May 2015 – May 2023)
Bio Summary
| Full Name | Ezenwo Nyesom Wike |
| Date of Birth | December 13, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Obio-Akpor, Rivers State, Nigeria |
| State of Origin | Rivers State |
| Tribe | Ikwerre |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Politician, Lawyer |
| Preceded by /Succeeded by | Preceded by Rotimi Amaechi (Ex-Governor of Rivers State) Succeeded by Siminalayi Fubara (Current Governor of Rivers State) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Eberechi Suzzette Obuzor Wike |
| Children | Three (Jazmyne, Joaquin, Jordan) |
| Education | Master of Arts in Political and Administrative Studies |
| Alma Mater | Rivers State University of Science and Technology |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $500,000 |
Early Life and Biography
Nyesom Wike was born on December 13, 1967, in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State, Nigeria. Raised in the Ikwerre ethnic group, he attended Government Secondary School in Eneka before studying at Rivers State University of Science and Technology.
There, he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree. His early life in Rivers State, combined with his solid academic qualifications and community involvement, laid the foundation for his later political career and commitment to local and national development.
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Political Career of Nyesom Wike
Nyesom Wike began his political career in 1999, serving as the Executive Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, a position he held for two terms until 2007. During this time, he became well-known for his strong administrative skills and dedication to local governance, which helped elevate his political standing.
Rise to Prominence
In 2007, Wike was appointed Chief of Staff to the Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi. This role provided him with a broader platform to influence state policies and administration. His experience and loyalty led to his national appointment as the Minister of State for Education in 2011 under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
Minister of Education
In 2013, Wike was promoted to Acting Minister of Education, where he played a significant role in implementing policies aimed at improving the Nigerian education system. However, in 2014, he resigned from his ministerial position to focus on his governorship ambitions in Rivers State.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
In 2023, Wike was appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by President Bola Tinubu, marking a significant milestone in his career as he now oversees the administration of the capital city, Abuja.
Nyesom Wike appointment as Minister
In 2023, Wike was appointed as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by President Bola Tinubu. This appointment followed his nomination and screening by the Nigerian Senate. Wike’s selection marked his return to the national stage after serving as the governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023.
As Minister of the FCT, Wike took on the responsibility of overseeing the development and administration of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. His experience in governance, particularly from his time as governor and in previous ministerial roles, positioned him as a strong choice for this significant role.
Wike expressed his commitment to enhancing Abuja’s infrastructure and governance, promising that the president would not regret the decision to include him in the federal cabinet.
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Reforms & Projects
Nyesom Wike has implemented several notable reforms and projects. He made primary and secondary education free in Rivers State, boosting access to education.
In 2019, he introduced free registration for the JAMB examination to support local students. Wike also signed legislation in 2022 to enhance women’s property inheritance rights, promoting gender equality.
During his second term as governor, he initiated the construction of three major flyovers in Port Harcourt, located at Garrison, Rumoukoro, and Artillery, aiming to improve city infrastructure and traffic flow.
Recognitions & Achievements of Nyesom Wike
Nyesom Wike has been widely recognized for his role as a dedicated political administrator, making notable contributions to various government systems he served in.
During his tenure as the Minister of State for Education, Wike made a significant impact on the country’s basic education sector. His key achievements include:
- Facilitating access to quality education for about 9 million Almajiri children in Northern Nigeria.
- Advocating for the construction of dedicated schools in affected states.
- Building vocational training schools for out-of-school children in Southern Nigeria.
- Establishing Special Girl-Education Schools for disadvantaged girls in 16 states.
- Promoting the free distribution of books nationwide.
- Distributing 60 million textbooks and library materials since 2011.
In recognition of his work as Rivers State Governor, he received the Governor of the Year Award (2017) from The Sun Newspapers and the Nigeria National Award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
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Personal Life
Nyesom Wike is married to Eberechi Suzzette Obuzor Wike, and together they have three children: Jazmyne, Joaquin, and Jordan. Eberechi hails from Ahoada West Local Government Area in Rivers State and serves as a judge at the Rivers State High Court of Justice.
She studied Law at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she and Wike were classmates. Their love story blossomed during their time at the university, marking the start of a lasting and romantic relationship.
Net Worth of Nyesom Wike
As of 2024, Nyesom Wike’s net worth is estimated at a staggering $500 million, accumulated through his extensive political career, business ventures, and investments. His influence spans decades, serving in notable roles such as Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike’s wealth can also be seen in his impressive car collection, which includes a bulletproof Range Rover Vogue, a Mercedes Benz G-Wagon, and a Toyota Highlander, underscoring his reputation as one of the wealthiest political figures in Nigeria.