George Akume is one of Nigeria’s most experienced public servants, with a career that started from the civil service, state governance, national legislation, federal executive leadership, and top-level administration. Over several decades, he has built a reputation as a steady political actor whose influence has remained relevant across changing political eras.
Recently, Akume has drawn renewed public attention following reports of his marriage to Queen Zaynab Ngohemba, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife. The marriage, which was conducted with minimal publicity, became widely discussed after members of Akume’s family publicly welcomed her into the Dajoh family of Benue State. The union attracted significant media and public interest due to Akume’s position as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Queen Zaynab’s past association with the revered Ife royal household, making it a widely discussed topic across social and political circles.
George Akume Profile Summary
| Profile Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | George Akume |
| Date of Birth | 27 December 1953 |
| Place of Origin | Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria |
| Ethnicity | Tiv |
| Education | B.Sc. in Sociology; M.Sc. in Labour/Industrial Relations in University of Ibadan |
| Profession | Politician, Administrator, Former Civil Servant |
| Political Party | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
| Current Position | Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) |
| First Wife | Regina Akume (former Member, House of Representatives) |
| Current Wife | Queen Zaynab Ngohemba (former wife of the Ooni of Ife) |
| Children | Has children, including a publicly known son, Dr. Michael Aondohemba George Akume |
| National Honour | Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) |
| https://www.instagram.com/sgfakume/ | |
| Why He Is Trending | Recent marriage to Queen Zaynab and his continued role as SGF |
George Akume Early Life and Background
George Akume was born on 27 December 1953 in Wannune, located in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. He hails from the Tiv ethnic group, one of the major ethnic communities in Benue State.
Growing up in a rural setting shaped Akume’s early worldview and exposed him to the everyday realities of local governance, agriculture, and community leadership. These years are often cited as influential in his later political focus on administration, structure, and public service.
George Akume Education and Academic Qualifications
Akume’s educational journey followed a steady and disciplined path. He completed his primary education in Wannune, after which he attended Government Secondary School, Otobi, where he earned his secondary school qualifications. He later proceeded to advanced-level studies before gaining admission to the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities.
At the University of Ibadan, he obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Sociology, followed by a master’s degree in Labour and Industrial Relations. His academic training gave him a strong grounding in organizational management, labour systems, governance, and public policy.
In addition to formal university education, Akume attended professional management and leadership training programmes, including courses at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON). These qualifications would later prove essential in his long civil service and political career.
George Akume Early Career and Civil Service Experience
Before entering partisan politics, George Akume built a distinguished career in the Benue State Civil Service. He began in junior administrative roles and gradually rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a disciplined and detail-oriented public officer.
Over the years, he served in several key capacities, including
- Land administration and policy units
- Research and policy analysis departments
- Senior personnel management roles
- Local government administration
- Federal Ministry postings
He eventually attained the rank of Permanent Secretary, one of the highest positions in the Nigerian civil service. His time in public administration gave him hands-on experience with government processes, budgeting, policy execution, and intergovernmental coordination.
In 1998, Akume voluntarily retired from the civil service to pursue elective political office, marking a decisive transition from bureaucracy to politics.
George Akume Entry into Politics
George Akume formally entered politics in the late 1990s, during Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democratic governance. His civil service background positioned him as a technocrat with administrative competence, a profile that appealed to voters seeking stability and experience.
He aligned himself with mainstream political movements of the era and quickly emerged as a strong contender in Benue State politics.
George Akume as Governor of Benue State (1999–2007)
In 1999, George Akume was elected Governor of Benue State, becoming one of the first civilian governors after Nigeria’s return to democracy. He was re-elected in 2003, serving two full terms until 2007.
During his tenure as governor, Akume’s administration emphasized:
- Public sector reforms
- Infrastructure development
- Civil service restructuring
- Education and health sector support
- State-level policy coordination
His leadership style reflected his bureaucratic background, with strong attention to structure, procedure, and administrative continuity.
Like many governors of his era, Akume’s administration faced challenges, including political opposition, fiscal constraints, and public scrutiny. Nonetheless, completing two full terms remains a major milestone in his political career.
George Akume Senatorial Career (2007–2019)
After leaving office as governor, Akume transitioned to the National Assembly, where he was elected Senator representing Benue North-West Senatorial District in 2007.
He was re-elected in subsequent elections, serving a total of three terms (2007–2019).
One of the highlights of his legislative career was his role as Senate Minority Leader from 2011 to 2015. In this position, he played a strategic role in opposition politics, legislative negotiations, and parliamentary leadership.
As a senator, Akume participated in debates on:
- National governance
- Federal-state relations
- Budgetary oversight
- Public service reforms
He lost his Senate seat in the 2019 general elections, bringing his time in the legislature to an end.
George Akume as Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (2019–2023)
Following the 2019 elections, Akume was appointed Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs by President Muhammadu Buhari.
In this role, he was responsible for:
- Coordinating special federal projects
- Managing relations between federal and state governments
- Overseeing intergovernmental programs
The position placed him once again at the center of federal administration, reinforcing his reputation as a governance specialist.
George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)
In June 2023, George Akume was appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Role and Importance
The SGF is one of the most powerful administrative positions in Nigeria, responsible for:
- Coordinating federal ministries and agencies
- Implementing executive decisions
- Supporting presidential policy execution
- Managing inter-ministerial operations
Akume’s appointment was viewed as a recognition of his decades of experience across multiple arms of government.
George Akume Political Party Affiliation
George Akume is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Over the years, he has been actively involved in party affairs and is regarded as an influential figure within the party’s national structure.
George Akume Personal Life and Family
He is publicly known to have been married to Regina Akume, a politician who served as a Member of the House of Representatives. Recently, Akume entered into a subsequent marriage with Queen Zaynab, who was previously married to the Ooni of Ife which sparked a lot of debates online.
Akume is known to have children, although he maintains a relatively private family life. One of his sons, Dr. Michael Aondohemba George Akume, is publicly known and has completed a doctoral degree (Ph.D.). Information about his daughters and other children is limited, as they largely remain out of the public spotlight.
George Akume’s Net Worth
George Akume’s net worth is been speculated to be ranging from a few million dollars upward, largely based on his long career in public service.
Honours and National Recognition
In recognition of his service to Nigeria, George Akume has received national honours, including the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
This honour reflects his long-standing contribution to governance at both state and federal levels.
Legacy and Political Significance
George Akume’s political legacy is defined by longevity, adaptability, and administrative depth. Few Nigerian politicians have served:
- As Governor
- As Senator and Senate Minority Leader
- As Federal Minister
- And as Secretary to the Government of the Federation
This rare breadth of experience places him among Nigeria’s most institutionally seasoned political figures.
Frequently Asked Questions About George Akume
Who is George Akume?
A Nigerian politician and administrator currently serving as SGF.
Where is George Akume from?
Wannune, Tarka LGA, Benue State.
Does George Akume have children?
Yes, including a son, Dr. Michael Akume.
What is George Akume’s current position?
Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Who is George Akume’s first wife?
George Akume’s first and long-known wife is Regina Akume. She is a Nigerian politician who served as First Lady of Benue State while Akume was governor (1999–2007) and is currently a Member of the House of Representatives, representing the Gboko/Tarka federal constituency.
Who is George Akume’s new wife?
George Akume is reported to have married Queen Zaynab Ngohemba, also known as Zaynab Otiti-Obanor a former wife (queen) of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
Conclusion
George Akume’s biography reflects a life deeply embedded in public service. From civil servant to governor, senator, minister, and SGF, his journey illustrates the evolution of Nigerian governance over the past four decades. Whether admired for experience or scrutinized for longevity, his role in Nigeria’s political history remains significant and ongoing.
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