Delta State • Notable People

Famous & Notable People from Delta State

10 remarkable individuals across politics, business, entertainment, sports, arts, law, and activism — people who shaped Delta State, Nigeria, and the world.

10Notable people
4Categories
6Living
4Deceased

🏛️ Politics & Government (6)

Dennis Osadebay

1911–1994 📍 Asaba Deceased

Nigerian nationalist, poet, politician and first Premier of the Mid-Western Region.

Arthur Okowa

📍 Oshimili Living

Prominent political figure and former public servant associated with Delta State.

Ifeanyi Okowa

Born 1959 • Age 67 📍 Owa-Alero Living

Former Governor of Delta State and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Sheriff Oborevwori

Born 1963 • Age 63 📍 Osubi Living

Governor of Delta State and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

James Ibori

Born 1959 • Age 67 📍 Oghara Living

Former Governor of Delta State who served from 1999 to 2007.

Emmanuel Uduaghan

Born 1953 • Age 73 📍 Warri Living

Former Governor of Delta State and medical doctor who served as governor from 2007 to 2015.

⭐ Other (2)

Nana Olomu

📍 Warri North Deceased

Influential nineteenth-century Itsekiri merchant, political leader and historical figure associated with Koko and the Warri Kingdom.

Richard Lander

0000–0000 📍 Asaba historical connection Deceased

British explorer who, together with his brother John, explored the Niger River. The Lander Brothers Anchorage in Asaba commemorates their connection with the area.

🎭 Arts & Literature (1)

Benedict Chuka Enwonwu

1921–1994 📍 Onitsha/Delta region Deceased

Prominent Nigerian modernist artist and sculptor associated with the wider Nigerian art tradition.

💼 Business & Finance (1)

Tony Elumelu

Born 1963 • Age 63 📍 Aniocha North Living

Nigerian economist, entrepreneur and philanthropist; chairman of Heirs Holdings and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

About Delta State's Notable People

Delta State has produced some of Nigeria's — and Africa's — most celebrated figures across every field of human endeavour. The 10 people documented on this page represent a cross-section of the individuals who have made Delta State a source of national pride.

How Notable People Are Selected

The people listed on this page are selected based on their national or international recognition, the significance of their contributions to their field, and their documented connection to Delta State through birth, origin, or long-term residence. The list is not exhaustive — Delta State has produced many more remarkable people than can be documented in a single page.

About Delta State

To learn more about the state that produced these notable individuals, visit the full history of Delta State, including its pre-colonial kingdoms, colonial history, and modern era. See also the list of Delta State governors and the local government areas of Delta State.

Frequently Asked Questions — People from Delta State

Who are the most famous people from Delta State?

Delta State has produced 10 widely recognised notable people across various fields. Among the most famous are: Nana Olomu, Dennis Osadebay, Arthur Okowa, Ifeanyi Okowa, Sheriff Oborevwori, James Ibori, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Benedict Chuka Enwonwu, and many others.

Which musicians are from Delta State?

Delta State has produced many celebrated musicians in Nigeria's entertainment industry.

Which politicians are from Delta State?

Notable politicians from Delta State include: Dennis Osadebay, Arthur Okowa, Ifeanyi Okowa, Sheriff Oborevwori, James Ibori, Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Which business people are from Delta State?

Notable business leaders from Delta State include: Tony Elumelu.

Which athletes are from Delta State?

Delta State has produced several prominent Nigerian athletes.

How many notable people has Delta State produced?

Delta State has produced at least 10 widely recognised notable people documented on this page. They span 4 categories including politics & government, other, arts & literature, business & finance, and more.