Rochas Okorocha has an estimated net worth of around $1.4 billion. He is a well-known Nigerian politician born on September 22, 1962.
Before becoming a senator, Rochas served as the governor of Imo State from 2011 to 2019. During his time as governor, he was known for his promising ideas and plans to improve the condition of his home state. This made him popular among the people, and he gained a special place in their hearts.
In addition to his notable political career, Rochas Okorocha has achieved great success as a businessman, significantly contributing to his overall net worth. Through our detailed examination of his life, we have estimated his net worth.
This blog delved into various aspects of Rochas’ life, including his entrepreneurial ventures, biography, assets, and political achievements.
Rochas Okorocha Biography and Education
Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha was born on September 22, 1962. His father was from Imo State, while his mother hailed from Anambra State. He spent his early years in Ogboko, Ideato South, and Imo State. When discussing his childhood, he often described it as a time of extreme poverty.
Rochas Okorocha attended Juladaco High School in Jos from 1976 to 1981 for his secondary education. After completing high school, he obtained a public administration diploma from the esteemed University of Jos. Later, he returned to the University of Jos to pursue an advanced diploma in public administration, which he completed between 1993 and 1994.
Political Career
Rochas Okorocha started his political journey by being appointed as Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission. He was also a member of the National Constitutional Conference during the 1990s when the military was in power.
When Nigeria transitioned to democracy in 1999, Okorocha joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He initially ran for the party’s nomination for the Governor of Imo State position but lost in the primary election. He then switched to the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and contested for the party’s presidential nomination for the 2003 general election. Still, once again, he did not win in the primary. He returned to the PDP and was later appointed Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In 2010, Okorocha left the PDP and joined the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). However, there were reports of violence involving Okorocha and his supporters during that time. He was temporarily suspended from campaigning by the party. Despite this, he ran as an APGA candidate and won the Imo State governorship election in May 2011. In 2013, he switched to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and contested in the 2015 general election, eventually winning the Imo State governorship.
During his tenure as governor, Okorocha made significant changes, including dismissing elected officials, terminating employment contracts, and dissolving boards and commissions. Towards the end of his second term, he endorsed his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, as his successor. Still, Nwosu was unsuccessful in securing the APC governorship ticket, which Senator Hope Uzodinma won after a legal dispute.
After completing his second term as governor, Okorocha ran for a seat in the Senate representing Imo West Zone in the 2019 National Assembly elections. Despite some controversy, he was eventually declared the winner and was sworn in as a senator in June 2019.
During the 2023 elections, Okorocha announced his intention to run for the presidency under the APC. He had previously aspired to be the party’s candidate in the 2015 elections but did not receive the nomination. He also lost in 2023 as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu became the flagbearer for the party, and won the election.
How Rochas Makes His Money
Rochas Okorocha has accumulated wealth through various means, including his involvement in politics, business ventures, and investments. Here are some key sources of his income:
Politics
Okorocha has had a long and successful political career in Nigeria. He has held various positions, such as governor of Imo State and senator representing Imo West Zone. Political positions often come with substantial salaries and allowances, contributing to his wealth.
Business Ventures
Due to his challenging childhood, he started working at a young age, selling groceries in Barkin Ladi, Jos. At age 19, he became the head of a commercial school, and by 23, he owned his own school. Additionally, at 23, he ventured into the cement business (BBC) in Gboko State.
Before entering politics, Rochas Okorocha held several notable positions, showcasing his industrious nature and leadership abilities. Here are some of the positions he held:
- President, Nigeria Red Cross Society: Okorocha served as the President of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, a humanitarian organization that assists during times of crisis and disaster.
- President/Founder, Rochas Foundation Inc: He founded and served as the President of the Rochas Foundation Inc, an organization dedicated to providing quality education and scholarships to underprivileged children.
- President, Rochas Group of Companies Limited: Okorocha established and led the Rochas Group of Companies Limited, which encompasses various business ventures, including real estate, hospitality, and construction.
- Pro-Chancellor, African Business School: He held the position of Pro-Chancellor at the African Business School, an institution focused on providing business education and training.
- Former Chairman, Board of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency: Okorocha served as the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, which oversees the management and control of Nigerian airspace.
Family
Okorocha is happily married to Nneoma Nkechi, and they have been blessed with six children. They have three girls and three boys.
The names of Rochas Okorocha’s children are Uloma Rochas Nwosu, Uju Rochas-Anwuka, Uchechi Rochas, Aham Rochas, Amen Rochas, and Amam Rochas. Two of his daughters, Uloma and Uju, are married.
Philanthropic Activities
Rochas Okorocha is the owner of Rochas Foundation, a charity organization that helps people who are in need. The foundation has special schools located all across Nigeria. These schools provide scholarships to children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The primary purpose of the Rochas Foundation is to support and empower those who are less privileged, particularly in the area of education. Children who may not have had access to education otherwise can receive quality schooling through the foundation’s schools. The scholarships provided by the foundation cover various educational expenses, including tuition fees, books, and other necessary materials.
Assets
Rochas Okorocha is a politician who enjoys buying the finer things in life and has an impressive collection of luxury cars. Some of the cars in his collection include a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Mercedes-Benz S600, a Mercedes-Benz Klassen V220, a Mercedes Benz AMG63, and a Lexus LX 570.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a custom-made car with high-quality materials and modern entertainment features. This prestigious vehicle can cost between 100 to 300 million NGN, depending on the customizations.
For family rides, Okorocha owns a Mercedes-Benz Klassen V220. This car has a 4Matic all-wheel drive system for better efficiency and comes with standard safety features. The starting price for this luxury vehicle is around 60 million NGN.
The Lexus LX 570 is a rugged and powerful SUV. It has a 5.7-litre V8 engine that generates 403 lb-ft of torque. This model of Lexus car is known for its durability and off-road capabilities. The approximate price for this car is about 75 million NGN.
In addition to his luxury car collection, Rochas Okorocha also owns private jets. One of his private jets is a LearJet 45 valued at around 700 million NGN.
Furthermore, Okorocha has a magnificent house worth 1 billion NGN. The house is adorned with luxurious interior decorations and furnishings. When President Buhari visited the house, he was amazed by its grandeur and even asked Okorocha if it was the governor’s house. Okorocha proudly responded that the house belonged to him.
Achievement
In addition to his properties and achievements, Rochas Okorocha has received recognition and awards for his accomplishments. One notable accolade he received was the “Leadership Par Excellence” Award from the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria in 2014. This award recognized his outstanding leadership qualities and contributions to society.
Controversies
Rochas Okorocha is a well-known figure in Nigeria for various reasons, including the popular phrase he coined, ‘Iberiberism.’ However, he has also been involved in some controversial incidents.
In February 2021, Rochas Okorocha was reportedly arrested by the current governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma. The arrest was related to an alleged invasion of the Akachi Estate. However, he was released the following day.
Another one was Okorocha’s decision to erect statues of certain African presidents. This move attracted both praise and criticism from the public.
In December 2021, Okorocha’s son-in-law, Mr Nwosu, was arrested by the police for reasons that have not been disclosed to the public. The arrest took place during a church service in Imo State.
Furthermore, in February 2021, the Imo State Government took over a property belonging to Rochas Okorocha’s wife. This action was part of the government’s agenda to recover funds and assets since Okorocha left the position of governor.
Net worth
While the exact amount of his wealth is unknown, we have estimated that Okorocha is worth around $1.4 billion. In addition to his political career, Okorocha is also involved in business as the President and CEO of Rochas Group of Companies Limited. This company is engaged in different business areas, including real estate and animal husbandry.
Conclusion
Rochas Okorocha is a very successful man who many people admire. He has achieved a lot in his life and is known for being honourable and doing good things for others. We have some information about his net worth, the cars he owns, the houses he lives in, and his political career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rochas Okorocha from?
Rochas Okorocha is from Nigeria. He was born and raised in Ogboko, Ideato South, Imo State, Nigeria. Imo State is located in the southeastern part of Nigeria.
Who is the mother of Rochas Okorocha?
The mother of Rochas Okorocha is Mrs. Dorothy Okorocha. She played a significant role in shaping his life and upbringing. She provided love, support, and guidance to Rochas as he grew up in Ogboko, Imo State, Nigeria.
Is Rochas Okorocha a PDP member?
Rochas Okorocha was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) earlier in his political career. However, he later defected to other political parties. He joined the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), then returned to the PDP, and subsequently became a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before finally joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
What is the age of Rochas Okorocha?
Rochas Okorocha was born on September 22, 1962. Therefore his age would be around 61 years old.
Who is Rochas Okorocha’s wife?
Rochas Okorocha is married to Mrs Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, and together they have six children. Mrs Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha has supported her husband’s political career and has played an active role in various initiatives and projects in Imo State, Nigeria.