Orji Uzor Kalu’s Net Worth ($1.4 Billion) & Biography

Orji Uzor Kalu’s net worth is estimated to be $1.4 billion. He is a renowned Nigerian politician and highly successful businessman who has achieved a lot in different industries including banking, shipping, oil trading, and more. Notably, he is the CEO of SLOK Holdings, a prominent conglomerate with diverse interests in oil and gas trading and banking.

Uzor Kalu’s name is synonymous with accomplishment and affluence in business and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional business acumen and made astute investments, resulting in the substantial wealth he has amassed.

In this blog post, we will delve deeper into Uzor Kalu’s remarkable net worth, examining his journey to success, his businesses and estimating the value of his wealth.

Early Life and Education 

Orji Uzor Kalu is a Nigerian politician born on April 21 1960, in the southern part of Nigeria, Abia State, to be precise. He is currently representing Abia North senatorial District. His father is Mr Johnson Uzor Nseiegbe Kalu, and his mother is Eunice Kalu. He was elected as Abia State Governor from the 29th of May 1999 to May 29 2007

Orji Uzor Kalu had his primary Christ the King School Aba, and for his secondary education, he went to Government College Umuahia and then proceeded to Barewa College, Zaria. After completing secondary education, Kalu gained admission into the University of Maiduguri, where he studied Political Science. However, Kalu was involved in a school riot tagged “Ali Must Go”. Being a student activist, he participated fully, leading to his suspension from the University. The riot was against the education minister.

After this incident, Kalu began his small business with the little money he borrowed from his mother. He was said to have borrowed $35 for the small palm oil business, which later became prosperous. Kalu decided to have a change of interest in his career after trying business; he then decided to further his education at Abia State University, where he obtained a degree. Due to his interest in business, he earned a Business administration degree from Harvard University. Kalu is a prominent member of numerous professional bodies, which include the Institute of Directors and others.

Politics Career

Orji Uzor Kalu also engaged in politics when he was at University. He was one of the spokesmen of the Student Union Government and spoke up against unfavourable policies and leadership of Abia state university before he was suspended.

 Orji Uzor Kalu was also the Governor of Abia State. He has been a member of different political parties in Nigeria. He was a member of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressive Congress (APC), and the chairman of the PPA Board of Trustees. He was also a member of the House of Rep in 1991. In April 2007, Orji Kalu was the presidential candidate for the general elections under the Progressive Peoples Alliance, with a total vote of 608,803

On July 11, 2007, Kalu was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFFC) on corruption charges while serving as the governor of Abia State. After being released on bail, Orji Uzor Kalu claimed that the Obasanjo government had unfairly targeted him while he was in power and continued to do so even after his tenure. This accusation was also mentioned in the book “Nigeria: Dancing on the Brink” by former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell.

Orji Uzor Kalu participated in the 2019 Nigerian general election as a candidate, seeking to represent the people of Abia North in the Senate. He is presently a member of the Senate in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

How He Makes His Money 

Orji Uzor Kalu has amassed his wealth through politics and business ventures. Here are some ways he has made money:

1. Business Ventures 

Orji Kalu started the business at a younger age after being suspended from his first attempted University. Kalu borrowed $35, which is about N5,000, from his ever-supportive mother, and started trading in palm oil. He made some profits while selling palm oil. His business revolved around Maiduguri and Aba; he would buy from Aba and sell to buyers at Maiduguri.

Orji Uzor Kalu did not settle for less, and he gave room for expansion. He recognised and smartly made use of opportunities; he had a business opportunity in the furniture-making world and quickly grabbed it. Hence, he began buying and reselling furniture, mainly in the northern regions of Nigeria, on a large scale and earned huge profits. 

In the 1980s, Kalu made a significant break in business when he was awarded a contract to provide ammunition and arms to the Nigerian military. Of no doubt, Orji Uzor Kalu made a considerable profit from the business venture, and then he decided to re-invest the money into a more significant business. He decided to begin his dream company which he called SLHoldings. The SLOK is a multi-purpose business venture that cuts across different business segments.

2. SLOK Holdings

SLOK Holdings is a West Africa conglomerate that owns various successful companies. The company has multiple business sectors, such as banking, shipping, oil trading, etc. SLOK Holding includes the 

• Ojialex Furniture Company 
•  Adamawa Publishers Limited 
• SLOK Nigeria Limited 
• Supreme Oil Limited 
• SLOK United Kingdom Limited 
• SLOK Airlines 
• Sun Publishing Limited 
• SLOK Vegetable Oil, Aba 
• SLOK Paper Factory, Aba 
• SLOK United States Incorporated 
• SLOK Ghana, Togo, Cotonou, Guinea, South Africa, Liberia, Botswana, SLOK Korea, etc 
• First International Bank Limited

SLOK Holdings is affiliated with several prominent institutions, which include the Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nigeria-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Nigeria-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

3. Newspaper

Orji Uzor Kalu, among his business ventures, has two newspaper companies: the New Telegraph and The Sun Nigeria. He is the chairman of both newspaper companies. The New Telegraph produced about 100,000 copies daily, while The Un newspaper produced above 150 000 copies daily. Daily Sun was formed on March 29, 2001, and began production as a newspaper on January 18, 2003, but it was weekly and became a daily newspaper on June 16 16, 2003.

The newspapers target domestic and foreign readers in major urban centres nationwide. It covers social, political, cultural, and business issues.

4. Politics

Kalu has had a prominent political career in Nigeria. He became Abia State Governor in the year 1999 and served still the year 2007, during which he implemented policies and initiatives to drive economic growth and development. As a politician, he has held influential positions and had access to resources and opportunities that have contributed to his wealth.

Family 

In December 1989, Orji Uzor Kalu happily married Ifeoma Ada Menakaya in his hometown in Abia state. The union has four lovely children: Neya Lawrence Iyere nee Orji Uzor Kalu, Michael Uzor Kalu, Olivia Uzor Kalu, and Nicole Uzor Kalu. However, Orji Uzor Kalu lost his wife in April, 2023.

Orji Uzor Kalu’s Awards 

Orji Uzor Kalu has received several prestigious awards and honours throughout his career. Here are some of the notable ones:

• National Merit Award: At the young age of 26 in 1986, Orji Uzor Kalu was honoured with the National Merit Award by President Ibrahim Babangida. This recognition acknowledged his outstanding contributions in his field.
• Nigerian Chamber of Commerce’s Industrialist of the Year: Kalu was selected as the Industrialist of the Year by the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce. This award highlighted his excellence and achievements in the business and industrial sectors.
• Nsukka’s Humanitarian Club, Humanitarian Award of the University of Nigeria: Kalu received the Humanitarian Award from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka’s Humanitarian Club, recognising his significant contributions to humanitarian causes and initiatives.
• International Association of Volunteers, Volunteer Award: He was honoured with the Volunteer Award by the International Association of Volunteers, acknowledging his dedicated service and commitment to volunteering.
• EU Special Award in Brussels: Kalu received a special award from the European Union (EU) in Brussels. The specifics and context of this award should have been mentioned, but it signifies recognition from the EU for his notable achievements.
• World Bank Leon Sullivan Award: Kalu was bestowed with the World Bank Leon Sullivan Award, which signifies recognition for his outstanding contributions in various fields, possibly including business, politics, and philanthropy.

Orji Achievements

• He became the chairman of the Borno Water Board at age 25.
• Orji Kalu became the Chairman of Cooperative and Commerce Bank Limited at the age of 27
• In 1986, he was awarded the National Merit Award by General Ibrahim Babangida.
• Kalu was also made the chairman of The Imo State Marketing and Supply Agency.
• He is a philanthropist and runs an NGO that provides anti-malarial treatment and scholarships for Nigerian students. 
• He initiated a scheme to eradicate poverty in Abia. 
• He also built major roads in Abia state.

Orji and Njiko Igbo Movement

The Njiko Igbo Movement is a group that wants a Nigerian person from the Igbo community to become the president. Research shows that an Igbo has only held the position of head of state for six months since Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

Orji Kalu and former Nigerian Senator Emmanuel Onwe launched the organisation. Senator Onwe is a human rights advocate and lawyer who was previously based in the United Kingdom. The movement has established branches and support groups in different parts of the country. 

Assets 

Orji Uzor Kalu is a wealthy politician and businessman with numerous valuable properties. He has an extensive collection of cars, including a Bentley Continental GT worth 100-200 million NGN, an SUV Range Rover estimated to cost 80 million nairas, and a Mercedes Benz.

In addition to his impressive car collection, Orji Uzor Kalu built an extravagant mansion in his hometown of Igbere, Abia state. The mansion symbolises luxury and comfort, constructed using high-quality materials and featuring a stunning interior and exterior design.

This magnificent mansion boasts an impressive 400 rooms, offering ample space and accommodation. Among its many rooms are 36 spacious sitting rooms, a 12-room presidential lodge, and a Governor’s lodge dedicated to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Furthermore, it includes a conference hall with a capacity of 5,000 people, a banquet hall, a Karaoke hall, 22 kitchens, 102 toilets, 76 bathrooms, 87 bedrooms, a golf course, and a football pitch.

Orji Uzor Kalu’s Quotes 

Some of the favourite quotes of Kanu include:

•A good businessman sees where others don’t see.

•A good business person must have a nose for business the same way a journalist has a nose for news. In places where people see a lot of obstacles, I see a lot of opportunities. A good businessman sees where others don’t see.

•What I see, you may not see. You cannot see because that is the secret of the business… the entire world is a big market waiting for anybody who knows the rules of the game.  

Orji Uzor Kalu’s Net worth

While it is challenging to provide an exact figure for Uzor Kalu’s net worth, various research by our team of experts and information from close relations, Kalu’s net worth is estimated at $1.4 billion.

Kalu’s wealth is derived from his diversified business portfolio, including investments in media, oil and gas, manufacturing, and banking.

Furthermore, Uzor Kalu’s net worth is reflected in his ownership of valuable assets, including luxury properties, private jets, and high-end vehicles. These assets signify his financial success and underline his status as a prominent figure in Nigerian business circles.

Controversies 

Controversies surrounding Orji Uzor Kalu primarily revolve around his conviction for fraud and subsequent legal proceedings. On December 5, 2019, Kalu was found guilty under the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court and was sentenced to 12 years for fraud amounting to N7.65 billion. The fraud involved his company, Slok Nigeria Limited, which he used to defraud the government of Abia State during his tenure as governor for eight years.

Following the court’s order to forfeit the company, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, began winding down Slok Nigeria Limited. This included The Sun Publishing Ltd, which was not part of the charges. In response, The Sun Publishing Ltd sought an interpretation from a high court in Lagos regarding the judgment that convicted Kalu and Slok Nigeria Limited. They asked the court to compel the EFCC to refrain from involving The Sun Publishing Ltd since it was not implicated in the court case.

Kalu was held in custody at Ikoyi Prisons in Lagos. In December, he filed a bail application at a Lagos High Court while awaiting the outcome of his appeal against the conviction. However, on December 23, 2019, the court rejected his bail application for lack of merit.

On May 8, 2020, the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled that Kalu’s trial was conducted improperly and ordered his release from prison while also calling for a retrial. The Supreme Court panel, comprising seven members, unanimously declared the previous conviction null and void. They cited that the judge who convicted Kalu, Justice Mohammed Idris, had already become a justice of the Court of Appeal at the time of ruling and sentencing, which was considered inappropriate.

Consequently, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court was instructed to reassign the case for a new trial. Kalu was later released from the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service on June 3, 2020.

Contact Information of Orji Uzor Kalu

This is the contact information for Orji Uzor Kalu, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and business. If you need to reach out to Mr. Kalu, you can contact him via phone or email using the provided details. Additionally, the address for his parliamentary office is listed below.

Phone Number: 08034000001
Email: [email protected]

Parliament Address:
Address: Onu Ibina Square, Igbere, Bende Lga, Abia State

Conclusion

Uzor Kalu’s journey from a young entrepreneur to a business tycoon is a testament to his ambition, strategic thinking, and unwavering determination. Through his various ventures, Kalu has created substantial wealth for himself and contributed to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

With his continued involvement in business and other endeavours, Uzor Kalu’s net worth will likely evolve further, cementing his position as a critical player in the Nigerian business landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How old was Orji Uzor Kalu when he became governor 

Orji Uzor Kalu became the governor of Abia State in Nigeria at the age of 39. He assumed office as the governor in 1999. At the time, he was one of the youngest governors in the country’s history. His election began his political career and propelled him into the national spotlight.

Where is Orji Uzor Kalu now? 

Orji Uzor Kalu is a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC), the political party in power in Nigeria. He recently formally announced that he has resigned as the chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA).

Which senatorial district is Orji Uzor Kalu representing?

Orji Uzor Kalu represents the Abia North Senatorial District in Nigeria.

How old is Orji Kalu?

Orji Uzor Kalu was born on April 21, 1960, so he would be 63 years old.

Is Orji Uzor Kalu still a senator?

Yes, Orji Uzor Kalu is still a serving senator representing Nigeria’s Abia North Senatorial District.