In this article, Platinum Times Nigeria explores the top 10 most successful tribes in Nigeria.
Nigeria is globally known as the “giant of Africa” because of its large population, diverse tribes and the cultural diversity found within these tribes.
Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba constitute the major ethnic groups in Nigeria alongside other minor ethnic groups which are scattered round the country.
These tribes are widely known for their successful and prominent people who have secured a place among the influential people globally.
The likes of Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Wale Adenuga, Abdul Samad Rabiu amongst others are all citizens of Nigeria who have acquired wealth and fame in the global space.
Despite the diverse tribes in Nigeria, some tribes are well known to produce successful people who have made significant impacts in the society come compared to others.
Below is a rundown of the top 10 most successful tribes in Nigeria currently.
Summary of top 10 most successful tribes in Nigeria
- Yoruba
- Igbo
- Hausa
- Fulani
- Ijaw
- Edo
- Kanuri
- Tiv
- Itsekiri
- Ibibio
Yoruba
This tribe is well Known for their rich cultural heritage, education, and commerce.
The people from the this tribe are mainly found in states like Osun, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, Kwara which occupy the Southwestern part of Nigeria.
They are not only the richest tribe but also the largest tribe in the African continent.
People from this tribe loves Education, and they see it as a means of breakthrough from poverty.
The tribe is also known to produce successful people who occupy top positions in politics, business and the corporate sector.
Some of the prominent people from the Yoruba tribe includes; Wale Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Folorunsho Alakija, Jimoh Ibrahim, Tunde Folawiyo, Oba Otudeko amongst others.
Igbo
The Igbos are widely known for their entrepreneurial spirit, industry and innovation.
They are found in Southeastern states such as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
They are known to be business tycoons and boasts of thousands of extremely rich and influential people.
This tribe is acknowledged for completing business and amassing huge wealth for themselves.
Some successful people in this tribe includes; Arthur Eze, Allen Onyema, Obi Cubana, Cosmos MadukaDiezani Alison-madueke, Stella Oduah, Obi Cubana, Cletus Ibeto, Orji Uzor Kalu, Tony Elumelu amongst others.
Hausa
This tribe is famous for their political influence, trade and agriculture.
The Hausa tribe is the largest ethnic group in Nigeria and well known in Agriculture.
They are found in states such as Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe etc.
They are mostly involved in the political affairs of the country and also in business.
Some prominent Hausa natives includes; Aliku Dangote, Alhaji Dantata, Abdul Rabiu Samad etc.
Fulani
The Fulanis are similar to the Hausa and Yoruba.
They are found in the same dates as the Hausa natives and in throughout the continent.
They are mostly herdsmen and farmers but in recent years, natives of this tribe have risen to be well placed in business and politics.
Some of such people are Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku Abubakkar, Theophilus Danjuma, Abdullahi Rano etc.
Ijaw
The fifth on this list is Ijaw, well known for their involvement in the oil and gas industry.
They are mostly found in South-South region of the country, particularly in Delta and Bayelsa State which are the oil producing states.
Other states where they can be found are Edo, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom and Ondo State.
An example of an Ijaw native who made history was the former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Edo
Well known for their rich history, art, and craftsmanship, the Edo tribe is listed among the successful tribes in Nigeria because of its natural endowments and prominent personalities.
They are believed to be descendants of the ancient Benin Empire, one of the oldest and most advanced nations in West Africa primarily found in Edo State.
They are naturally endowed with gold, ivory, and bronze which is the reason why they are good artists and sculptors.
Today, Edo people are highly educated individuals, traders and artists.
Notable people in this tribe includes Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Mitchell Elegbe, Adams Oshiomole amongst others.
Kanuri
The Kanuris are well known for their military prowess and leadership.
They settle in the northeastern states of Borno, Niger, Yobe State and speak the Kanuri language.
They are mostly Muslims and have a rich culture and tradition.
With notable and wealthy members like Mohammed Indimi, Yahaya Adamu, Ibrahim Abacha, Daniel k. Daniel, Tukur Buratai, Mohammed Daggash, and Zaynab Alkali, Kanuri has secured its place as one of the most successful tribes in Nigeria.
Tiv
This tribe is known for their agricultural practices and farming.
They are mostly found in Benue State, Nassarawa, Plateau, Taraba and Cross River and they constitutes about 2.4 per cent of Nigeria’s total population.
Some notable people in this tribe are; Barnabas Iyorhyer, Betty Abah, Benson Abounu, Jerry Agada, George Akume, Moses Adasu amongst others.
Itsekiri
This tribe is known for their involvement in the oil and gas industry.
They are mainly found in Delta, Edo and Ondo State numbering about 2.7 million people.
The area is a key centre of Nigeria’s crude oil and natural gas production and petroleum refining and the main town Warri which is a multi-ethnic metropolis forms the industrial and commercial nucleus of the region.
Some notable personalities in this tribe are; Eyimofe Atake, Grace Alele-Williams, Florence Omagbemi etc.
Ibibio
The Ibibios are known for their vibrant culture, cuisine, tourism and craft.
The Ibibio tribe has about 4.5 million people in Nigeria, with the majority of them living in the country’s South-South region, in Cross River and Akwa Ibom state.
They are mostly Christians and has an ancient legacy and a diverse cultural tradition.
They’re known for creating detailed wooden masks and artistic sculptures, cultivating palm plantations whose oils and kernels are exported to other countries.
Some prominent personalities in this tribe are; Godswill Akpabio, Jeddy Agba etc.