George Akume Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Family, Parents, SGF
Biography
George Akume (born December 27, 1953) is a prominent Nigerian politician currently serving as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), a position he has held since 2023 under President Bola Tinubu.
He previously served as Governor of Benue State from 1999 to 2007 (two terms under the PDP), represented Benue North-West as a Senator from 2007 to 2019 (including as Senate Minority Leader from 2011 to 2015), and was Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs from 2019 to 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari.
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A holder of bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Ibadan, Akume began his career in the civil service before entering politics. He was conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2023.
| Nigerian politician | |
| George Akume | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | George Akume |
| Stage Name: | George Akume Iorbee Jugu Dajo |
| Born: | 27 December 1953 (age 72 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Wannune, Tarka, Benue State, Nigeria |
| State Of Origin: | Benue State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Education: | Native Authority (N.A.) Primary School, Model Science School, Otukpo, St. Louis College, University of Ibadan, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria |
| Height: | N/A |
| Parents: | Akume Iorhemba, Mbanongun Akume |
| Siblings: | N/A |
| Spouse: | Regina Akume, Queen Zaynab Akume (m. 2025) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Not Dating |
| Children: | Michael Aondohemba George Akume |
| Occupation: | Politician |
| Net Worth: | $3 million-$20 million (USD) |
Early Life & Education
George Akume was born on December 27, 1953, in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. He hails from the Tiv ethnic group, the predominant ethnic community in Benue State, and is a Christian.
He grew up in a modest rural family, the son of farmers Akume Iorhemba and Mbanongun Akume, who instilled in him values of hard work and community from an early age.
His family ties extend to the region’s political legacy, as he is reportedly the nephew of the late Senator Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, a key advocate for minority rights. Details about his siblings remain private, though he was raised in a close-knit household typical of Tiv families.
Akume began his education locally, attending the Native Authority (N.A.) Primary School in Wannune from 1960 to 1966, followed by Government Secondary School, Otobi (now Model Science School, Otukpo), Benue State, from 1967 to 1971.
He pursued Advanced Level studies at St. Louis College in 1972. He then advanced to the University of Ibadan, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1978 and a Master’s degree in Labour Relations in 1986.
He later obtained a certificate in Management from the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) in 1988. These early experiences in Benue State laid the foundation for his career, leading him to transition from the civil service to influential roles in Nigerian politics.
Career
George Akume began his career in public service after his National Youth Service Corps assignment in 1979, during which he taught at a college in Nassarawa State.
He then joined the Benue State Civil Service as a Land Officer. He advanced through key administrative positions, including Assistant Secretary in the Governor’s Office, Director of Protocol at Government House in Makurdi, and Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Education in Lagos from 1994 to 1995.
By 1996, he had risen to the position of Director-General and later Permanent Secretary for Establishments and Management Services. He voluntarily retired from the civil service in 1998 to enter active politics.
With Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Akume became a founding figure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State and successfully contested the governorship. He served two consecutive terms as Governor of Benue State from May 1999 to May 2007, emphasizing improvements in infrastructure, governance, and education.
Transitioning to the national stage, he was elected Senator for the Benue North-West Senatorial District in 2007 under the PDP. After defecting to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011, which later merged into the All Progressives Congress (APC), he secured re-election in 2011 and 2015.
During his three terms in the Senate, he held influential roles, including serving as Senate Minority Leader from 2011 to 2015 and later as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army.
Following the end of his senatorial tenure in 2019, he was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, where he played a central role in federal coordination and intergovernmental engagement until 2023.
In June 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), a position he continues to occupy as of late 2025. In this capacity, he serves as the chief administrative strategist and adviser to the presidency, overseeing the coordination and implementation of national policies. He received the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in May 2023.
Akume’s career highlights decades of leadership across state and federal spheres, characterized by deep administrative expertise, political influence, and a sustained commitment to national governance.
Social Media
- Wikipedia: George Akume
- Instagram: Senator Dr. George Akume (@sgfakume)
- Facebook: Senator Dr. George Akume (@senakumegeorge)
- Twitter: Senator Dr. George Akume (@SGFAkume) / X
Personal Life
George Akume was born on December 27, 1953, making him 72 years old.
Akume was long married to Regina Akume (born May 15, 1955), a Nigerian politician who has served as a member of the House of Representatives representing Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency.
The couple, together for decades, are blessed with several children, including son Dr. Michael Aondohemba George Akume, who earned a PhD in Economics. Reports indicate they had been living separately for some time.
In late 2025 (with the union reportedly established privately earlier and publicly announced in December), Akume married Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh (née Zaynab Otiti-Obanor), a philanthropist and entrepreneur who was previously married to the Ooni of Ife (2016–2017).
The Dajoh family formally welcomed her, describing the union as a new chapter marked by discretion and goodwill. Zaynab has a daughter from a prior relationship.
Net Worth
George Akume‘s net worth is estimated to range from $3 million to $20 million, reflecting his decades-long career in Nigerian politics and public service.
This includes earnings from his roles as two-term Governor of Benue State (1999–2007), Senator (2007–2019), Minister of Special Duties (2019–2023), and current Secretary to the Government of the Federation (since 2023), along with potential investments in real estate, agriculture, and other ventures typical for high-profile politicians.
Like many Nigerian public figures, exact figures remain speculative and unverified, as official asset declarations are not always publicly detailed or independently audited.
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