When you hear the word “Gombe”, what comes to your mind? For some people, it’s the nickname “Jewel in the Savannah,” for others it’s the sweet blend of culture, hospitality, and the famous Gombe yam. But beyond food, culture, and friendliness, Gombe State is also home to some of the wealthiest and most influential individuals in Nigeria.

Now, before you roll your eyes and say, “Abeg, which billionaires dey Gombe?” let me shock you. Gombe might not always be the first state mentioned when talking about Nigeria’s mega-rich, but the state has quietly produced political heavyweights, successful entrepreneurs, influential businessmen, and public servants who have made serious money moves both locally and internationally.

So today, let’s take a fun but detailed ride into the top 10 richest people from Gombe State, their sources of wealth, and the footprints they’ve left in business, politics, and public life. Grab a chilled drink, because this gist go long!

1. Muhammad Danjuma Goje – The Political Billionaire

If you talk about wealth and influence in Gombe and you don’t call Goje’s name, then your list is not complete. Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje, a two-term governor of Gombe State and later a senator, is not just a political figure but also a wealthy man.

Goje made a lot of money through politics, business ventures, and strategic connections. During his time as governor, he initiated numerous infrastructural projects, which boosted his reputation and wealth. His political career in Abuja also opened more financial doors.

• Estimated Net Worth: Over $500 million

• Sources of Wealth: Politics, business investments, contracts

Goje remains a strong force in Gombe politics and one of the wealthiest from the state.

2. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo – The Financial Guru

If Goje is the politician with money, then Dankwambo is the financial expert with brains (and plenty cash too). A former Accountant-General of the Federation and later the Governor of Gombe State, Dankwambo is one of the richest personalities from Gombe.

With a strong background in finance and governance, he controlled significant resources during his time in office and also invested wisely in business.

• Estimated Net Worth: $350 million

• Sources of Wealth: Finance, politics, business investments

Dankwambo is also respected beyond Gombe for his expertise in financial management.

3. Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya – The Current Governor and Businessman

Inuwa Yahaya, the current governor of Gombe State, didn’t just jump into politics empty-handed. Before becoming governor, he was a successful businessman with interests in transport, trading, and construction.

His business empire provided him with wealth and a strong foundation to fund his political career. Today, he’s not just leading the state but also ranking among the richest men from Gombe.

• Estimated Net Worth: $300 million

• Sources of Wealth: Business, politics

4. Dahiru Deba – The Business Tycoon

Late Dahiru Deba, former governor of Gombe State, may no longer be alive, but his family continues to wield influence and wealth in the state. He was a successful politician and businessman who made significant investments during his lifetime.

His wealth and influence remain visible through his extended family and legacy projects in Gombe.

• Estimated Net Worth (at the time of death): $200 million

• Sources of Wealth: Politics, business

5. Alhaji Ali Kwari – The Industrial Investor

Ali Kwari, another influential figure from Gombe, is a big player in business and politics. He has invested heavily in trade, industrial ventures, and political activities that have cemented his status as one of Gombe’s richest.

He may not be as publicly flamboyant as others, but behind the scenes, his financial weight is strong.

• Estimated Net Worth: $180 million

• Sources of Wealth: Business, politics

6. Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna – The Energy Mogul

Now here’s where Gombe shines bright—literally. Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna is popularly known as the “Sarkin Kudun Gombe” and is a heavyweight in the power sector. As the Managing Director of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), Gwamna has built serious wealth.

Apart from his energy business, he is also active in politics and philanthropy, making him one of the richest and most respected people from Gombe.

• Estimated Net Worth: $150 million

• Sources of Wealth: Energy (KEDCO), business, politics

7. Bayero Nafada – The Speaker with Wealth

Bayero Nafada, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, is another wealthy son of Gombe. His years in politics and legislative leadership opened him to wealth and influence.

Nafada has also invested in various businesses and properties across Nigeria.

• Estimated Net Worth: $120 million

• Sources of Wealth: Politics, business investments

8. Abubakar Habu Hashidu – The Pioneer Governor

Habu Hashidu was the very first civilian governor of Gombe State. While he has passed on, during his lifetime he was one of the wealthiest and most influential figures from the state. His wealth came from both politics and business activities.

Even in death, his legacy still speaks, and his family continues to wield wealth and influence.

• Estimated Net Worth (before death): $100 million

• Sources of Wealth: Politics, business

9. Bala Bello Tinka – “Tinka Point” the Construction King

If you have ever heard of “Tinka Point” in Gombe, then you’ve already heard about Bala Bello Tinka. He is a prominent businessman with a huge stake in construction, real estate, and hospitality.

Popularly called “Tinka Point,” Bala Tinka is not only a moneybag but also a grassroots politician with massive popularity. His investments in building and hospitality have made him one of the richest men in Gombe.

• Estimated Net Worth: $90 million

• Sources of Wealth: Construction, real estate, politics

10. Ahmed Khamisu Mailantarki – The Young Millionaire Politician

To round up our list is someone from the younger generation: Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki. He served as a member of the House of Representatives and is also a businessman.

Mailantarki is popular among Gombe youths for his philanthropy and investments in football (he owns Mailantarki Football Academy). Though relatively young, he has already built significant wealth.

• Estimated Net Worth: $70 million

• Sources of Wealth: Politics, business, football academy

Final Thoughts

Gombe State may not always make the headlines like Lagos, Abuja, or Rivers when we talk about the richest Nigerians, but as we’ve seen, the state is not short of wealthy and influential personalities. From seasoned politicians like Goje and Dankwambo to businessmen like Jamil Gwamna and Bala Tinka, Gombe has produced individuals who are not just rich but also play important roles in Nigeria’s development.

The truth is, wealth in Nigeria often intersects with politics, and Gombe is no exception. Many of the richest people from the state built their fortunes through political offices, business ventures, or a combination of both.

So, the next time someone tries to downplay Gombe, remind them that the Jewel of the Savannah doesn’t only shine in culture and hospitality—it also sparkles in wealth and influence!