When you hear “Cross River State,” what comes to your mind first? For many people, it’s Calabar carnival – the biggest street party in Africa, beautiful tourist attractions like Obudu Cattle Ranch, or even delicious meals like Afang soup and Ekpang Nkukwo. But apart from food, fun, and festivals, Cross River State has also produced some of Nigeria’s wealthiest and most influential personalities.

Yes, you read that right. The state has given us politicians, business moguls, entertainers, and professionals who are swimming in wealth. In this post, we’re going to take a friendly walk through the top 10 richest people from Cross River State, their net worth, businesses, and how they made it to the top. So, grab your chilled drink, sit tight, and let’s gist.

1. Donald Duke

If we are talking about wealth and influence in Cross River, Donald Duke’s name must come up first. A lawyer, businessman, and politician, Donald Duke served as the Governor of Cross River State from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure, he transformed Calabar into a tourism hub and birthed the world-famous Calabar Carnival.

But Duke’s wealth does not end with politics. He has investments in real estate, hospitality, and business consultancy. Known for his love for luxury and his stylish personality, Donald Duke is estimated to be worth several millions of dollars. Even after leaving office, he remains a big voice in Nigerian politics and business.

2. Benedict Ayade

Prof. Benedict Ayade, popularly known as “Digital Governor,” is another wealthy son of Cross River. He served as the Governor of the state from 2015 to 2023. Before politics, Ayade was already a professor of microbiology, an environmental consultant, and an entrepreneur with successful companies in engineering and agriculture.

During his governorship, he was heavily involved in projects like the superhighway and the deep seaport project. While critics argue about how those projects turned out, nobody can deny Ayade’s wealth and influence. His net worth runs into millions, coming from politics, consultancy, and businesses.

3. Florence Ita-Giwa

Let’s talk about women breaking the glass ceiling. Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, fondly called “Mama Bakassi,” is one of the richest and most influential women from Cross River State. She represented Cross River South in the Senate and has been an advocate for the Bakassi people for decades.

Apart from politics, Ita-Giwa is also a successful businesswoman, fashion enthusiast, and philanthropist. She has investments in real estate and business consultancy, and she is widely respected for her influence in Nigeria’s socio-political space. Her wealth is in millions of naira, and her lifestyle reflects class and elegance.

4. Liyel Imoke

Another political heavyweight from Cross River is Senator Liyel Imoke. He served as the Governor of Cross River from 2007 to 2015, after previously being a senator and Minister of Power and Steel. His years in politics and governance made him not only popular but also wealthy.

Outside politics, Imoke is a businessman with investments in various sectors. He is known to have stakes in agriculture, real estate, and consultancy. With his political background and entrepreneurial spirit, his wealth is counted in millions of dollars.

5. Shan George

Yes, Nollywood is represented on this list! Shan George, a proud daughter of Cross River, is one of the most respected actresses in the Nigerian movie industry. She has featured in countless movies, written scripts, and even directed productions. Beyond acting, she runs a production company and has made a name as a businesswoman.

Though not as wealthy as the politicians and ex-governors, Shan George’s fame and fortune are still remarkable. With her long career in Nollywood and her ventures in film production, she has built a net worth that places her among the richest entertainers from Cross River State.

6. Kate Henshaw

If you don’t know Kate Henshaw, then you probably don’t watch Nollywood. She is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actresses and fitness enthusiasts. Kate, who hails from Calabar, has been in the movie industry for over two decades and has starred in blockbuster films.

Beyond acting, Kate is a brand ambassador for top Nigerian and international companies, making millions from endorsements. She’s also a philanthropist and fitness coach, constantly inspiring Nigerians to live healthier lifestyles. With her acting career, endorsements, and businesses, Kate’s net worth runs into millions of naira.

7. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah (Cross River Connection through Business)

While he is more popularly linked with Anambra, Ifeanyi Ubah’s business influence in Cross River has made him a big player in the state. Through his oil and gas company, Capital Oil and Gas, and other business ventures, he has significant investments in Cross River’s economy.

Though not a native son, his strong ties and investments in Cross River put him in conversations about wealth and influence in the state. His net worth is estimated in billions of naira, making him one of the richest men doing business in the state.

8. J. Martins

Cross River is not just about politicians and actors; music is also represented. J. Martins, a Nigerian musician, songwriter, and producer, hails partly from Cross River. He has made hits that have rocked Africa, collaborated with international stars, and performed across the globe.

His wealth comes from music, brand endorsements, and performance tours. J. Martins may not be as rich as the politicians, but among musicians from the state, he is one of the most successful and financially stable.

9. Eyo Ita (Family Wealth)

Let’s not forget the heritage of wealth. Eyo Ita, a Nigerian nationalist and politician from the old days, is still remembered for his impact on Nigeria’s independence. While he himself is late, his family has maintained a legacy of influence and affluence in Cross River State. The family wealth runs into millions, spread across real estate, politics, and businesses.

10. Gerald Ine

Gerald Ine is a businessman and investor from Cross River who has made his mark in real estate and entrepreneurship. While not as popular as the celebrities or politicians, Gerald is a silent millionaire with investments in hospitality, land development, and consultancy.

He may not like the spotlight, but his financial records put him among the wealthiest people from the state.

Final Thoughts

Cross River State may not always be in the news for oil like Rivers or Delta, but make no mistake – the state has produced some of Nigeria’s wealthiest and most influential personalities. From politics to business, Nollywood to music, Cross Riverians are not just rich in culture but also in money.

If you ever doubted that wealth flows in this state, this list has proven you wrong. The richest people from Cross River are a mix of seasoned politicians, hardworking entertainers, and smart entrepreneurs who have carved their names in gold.

So, next time you think of Cross River, don’t just picture Calabar Carnival or Afang soup – remember that the state is also home to millionaires and billionaires shaping Nigeria’s economy.