Nigeria has produced numerous celebrities and world-famous individuals celebrated globally. These figures come from diverse fields such as politics, business, sports, and entertainment. Olasupo Thompson, a history and political science lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, provides examples of people of integrity in Nigeria's history.
Key Takeaways
Integrity involves following a moral or ethical ideal, not just doing the right thing when no one is watching. Figures like Prince Chibudom Nwuche, Muhammadu Buhari, and Alhaji Lateef Jakande led politically and promoted education, social justice, and cultural pride. Many earned respect because their actions matched their words, whether in politics, business, or religious life.
10 Examples of People of Integrity in Nigeria's History
Below are ten individuals of integrity who have shaped Nigerian society. They are recognized for disciplined character, integrity, and honesty, listed in no particular order.
10. Muhammadu Buhari
Full name: Muhammadu Buhari. Died: 13 July 2025. Date of birth: 17 December 1942. Famous as: Former President of Nigeria. Buhari was elected president in 2014 under the All Progressives Congress, marking the first peaceful transfer of power to an opposition candidate. He called himself a "converted democrat" and took responsibility for his military rule. He received numerous awards, including a Global Seal of Integrity.
9. Alhaji Lateef Jakande
Full name: Lateef Kayode Jakande. Died: 11 February 2021. Date of birth: 23 July 1929. Famous as: Journalist and politician. Jakande began his career as a journalist in 1949 and became editor-in-chief of the Nigerian Tribune. As governor of Lagos State (1979–1983), he focused on education and housing, establishing Lagos State University.
8. Nuhu Ribadu
Full name: Mallam Nuhu Ribadu mni. Age: 66 years (as of 2026). Date of birth: 21 November 1960. Famous as: Politician and former National Police Officer. Ribadu was the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He exposed massive corruption and inspired youths to reconsider their choices, earning international awards for his anti-corruption efforts.
7. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar
Full name: Abubakar Dangiwa Umar. Age: 77 years (as of 2026). Date of birth: 21 September 1949. Famous as: Governor of Kaduna. Umar served as governor of Kaduna State (1985–1988) and founded the Movement for Unity and Progress. He supported Nuhu Ribadu in the fight against corruption.
6. Prince Chibudom Nwuche
Full name: Prince Chibudom Nwuche. Age: 65 years (as of 2026). Date of birth: 1961. Famous as: Politician. Born into the royal family of Clifford Cheta Nwuche, he held key political positions and led delegations to international conferences. He sponsors charity projects and is honored for his social initiatives.
5. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Full name: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Age: 72 years (as of 2026). Date of birth: 13 June 1954. Famous as: Economist. She has served as Director-General of the World Trade Organization since March 2021. She joined The Group of Thirty in 2022, served twice as Nigerian Finance Minister, and briefly as Foreign Minister in 2006.
4. Abdul Samad Rabiu
Full name: Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabiu. Age: 66 years (as of 2026). Date of birth: 4 August 1960. Famous as: Founder of BUA Group. Rabiu is a billionaire businessman and philanthropist. His philanthropy includes constructing a 7,000-square-meter pediatric ward at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
3. Nwankwo Kanu
Full name: Nwankwo Kanu. Age: 50 years (as of 2026). Date of birth: 1 August 1976. Famous as: Athlete. Kanu is a professional footballer who played for the Nigerian national team and won Olympic gold in 1996. He scored in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups and retired internationally after the 2010 World Cup.
2. Wole Soyinka
Full name: Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka. Age: 92 years (as of 2026). Date of birth: 13 July 1934. Famous as: Playwright and professor. Soyinka was the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. He is a consultant for the Lagos Black Heritage Festival and was named a patron of Humanists UK in 2020.
1. Emeka Anyaoku
Full name: Eleazar Chukwuemeka "Emeka" Anyaoku. Age: 93 years (as of 2026). Date of birth: 8 January 1933. Famous as: Diplomat. Anyaoku was the third Commonwealth Secretary-General. He received numerous honors, including the Freedom of the City of London (1998) and Nigerian CFR and CON decorations. He received special gold awards for contributions to Nigeria's development.
Who Are the Examples of People of Integrity in Civic Education in Nigeria?
In a conversation with Olasupo Thompson, a history and political science lecturer at FUNAAB, other examples of individuals with disciplined character, integrity, and honesty were outlined. They include Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, Hajia Gambo Sawaba, Alimotu Pelewura, Late Tai Solarin, Late Gani Fawehinmi, Margret Ekpo, Justice Yahaya Jinadu, and Ambassador Christopher Kolade. Dr. Thompson noted that morality and ethics have eroded in Nigerian society due to a poor curriculum that neglects social history and biographical studies, leading to materialism and a quest for power.
Who Are the People of Integrity in Society?
A person with integrity demonstrates moral commitment to their principles. Dr. Thompson added that lesser-known figures have influenced personal lives and contributed to Nigeria's development, such as Pa Michael Athokhamien Imodu, Mr. Maxwell Fakunmoju, the late Mrs. Janet Bisola, and Late Pa A. Y. B. Suleiman.
Why Do We Need People of Integrity in Nigeria?
People with integrity strive to advance society through sincere labor and ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Who Is the Most Famous Person in Nigeria?
Based on social media following and cultural influence, musician Davido (David Adeleke) is widely considered one of the most famous people in Nigeria, with over 30 million followers across platforms as of 2026.
Why Are People of Integrity Necessary in Society?
They foster trust, confidence, cooperation, and self-reliance. They encourage honesty, complete dedication, raise moral standards, and make people believe in what they do.
What Are the Five Attributes of Integrity?
The five attributes include honesty, respect, dependability, loyalty, and good judgment.
What Are Nigeria's Values?
Nigeria's traditional values include respect for elders, chastity among women, dignity of labor, patriotism, courage, and self-reliance.
The aforementioned people of integrity have significantly contributed to Nigeria's growth and serve as role models for the next generation. Children and young adults can learn from their positive traits.
Legit.ng also published an article highlighting the top 15 Nigerian heroes and their contributions, showcasing those who fought for independence, human rights, democracy, and justice.
