By Oluwayanmife Ayobami
The political landscape of Nigeria has seen its fair share of both young and seasoned leaders. In recent years, there has been a push for younger individuals to take up leadership positions, given the country’s youthful demographic.
Below, we take a closer look at the top 15 youngest governors in Nigeria and provide some insights into their backgrounds and accomplishments.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State
Born: June 18, 1975
Party: All Progressives Congress (APC)
Yahaya Bello assumed office as the governor of Kogi State in 2016 after winning a supplementary election. He has been focused on improving infrastructure, healthcare, and security in the state. Bello’s youth and energetic approach to governance have garnered attention and discussions about the role of younger leaders in Nigerian politics.
Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara State
Born: February 12, 1969
Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Bello Matawalle became the governor of Zamfara State in 2019 following a Supreme Court ruling. He has been engaged in efforts to tackle insecurity and promote peace in his state. His administration has also worked to improve healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State
Born: August 26, 1969
Party: All Progressives Congress (APC)
Babagana Zulum took office as the governor of Borno State in 2019. In the face of the ongoing security challenges in the northeastern region, he has shown dedication to addressing the plight of internally displaced persons and rebuilding communities affected by insurgency.
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State
Born: March 2, 1968
Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Ben Ayade has been the governor of Cross River State since 2015. He is known for his “industrialization agenda,” aiming to transform the state’s economy through various projects, including the establishment of industries and innovative initiatives.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State
Born: August 24, 1967
Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Nyesom Wike has been the governor of Rivers State since 2015. He is recognized for his infrastructural projects, particularly in road construction and urban development. His administration has also implemented reforms in the educational sector.
Governor Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde of Oyo State
Born: December 25, 1967
Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Seyi Makinde became the governor of Oyo State in 2019. He has focused on improving education, healthcare, and security in the state. His administration has also embarked on road construction and other infrastructure projects.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State
Born: December 17, 1967
Party: All Progressives Congress (APC)
Abubakar Sani Bello has been the governor of Niger State since 2015. He has undertaken initiatives to promote agriculture, education, and healthcare. His administration has also worked on infrastructure development and addressing challenges faced by internally displaced persons.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State
Born: January 10, 1966
Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Aminu Tambuwal, a lawyer, has been the governor of Sokoto State since 2015. He has pursued programs to improve education, healthcare, and agriculture. Tambuwal’s administration has also been involved in projects to boost infrastructure and economic growth.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State
Born: February 5, 1960
Party: All Progressives Congress (APC)
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq assumed office as the governor of Kwara State in 2019. His administration has focused on improving governance, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He has also initiated reforms in the civil service.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State
Born: July 8, 1959
Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Ifeanyi Okowa served as the governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023. He worked on projects to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure. His administration also made efforts to boost agricultural development and youth empowerment.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State
Born: January 10, 1966
Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Aminu Tambuwal, a lawyer, has been the governor of Sokoto State since 2015. He has pursued programs to improve education, healthcare, and agriculture. Tambuwal’s administration has also been involved in projects to boost infrastructure and economic growth.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State
Born: October 27, 1967
Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri assumed office as the governor of Adamawa State in 2019. His administration has focused on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He has also worked on initiatives to enhance agriculture and youth engagement.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State
Born: December 17, 1967
Party: All Progressives Congress (APC)
Abubakar Sani Bello has been the governor of Niger State since 2015. He has undertaken initiatives to promote agriculture, education, and healthcare. His administration has also worked on infrastructure development and addressing challenges faced by internally displaced persons.
Governor Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde of Oyo State
Born: December 25, 1967
Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Seyi Makinde became the governor of Oyo State in 2019. He has focused on improving education, healthcare, and security in the state. His administration has also embarked on road construction and other infrastructure projects.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State
Born: August 24, 1967
Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Nyesom Wike has been the governor of Rivers State since 2015. He is recognized for his infrastructural projects, particularly in road construction and urban development. His administration has also implemented reforms in the educational sector.
