The picturesque city of Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria, has been a cradle of talent for numerous Nigerian celebrities who have made significant strides in their respective fields.
From the world of entertainment to sports and business, these individuals have not only showcased their talents but also proudly represented their roots.
Here are 15 popular Nigerian celebrities who were born and raised in Jos, Plateau State:
- Desmond Elliot: Desmond Elliot, a versatile figure in Nollywood, boasts a career that spans acting, producing, directing, politics, investments, and philanthropy. Born on February 4, 1974, his diverse heritage links his Yoruba father to Olowogbowo, Lagos Island, and his Igbo mother to Illah in Oshimili North, Delta State.
- Sarah Ladipo Manyinka: A British-Nigerian writer with roots in Lagos and Jos, Sarah Ladipo Manyinka was born on March 7, 1968. Her father hails from Nigeria, while her mother is British. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and currently teaches literature at San Francisco State University.
- Patrick Olusegun Odegbami: Patrick Olusegun Odegbami, born on August 27, 1952, is a retired Nigerian football legend celebrated for his precision on the field. Nicknamed “Mathematical” for his unique style of play, he was famous for skillfully running down the touchline with the ball to outmaneuver opponents.
- Bez Emmanuel Idakula: Bez Emmanuel Idakula, born on November 10, 1983, is a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and composer who thrives in the genre of “alternative soul.” This genre seamlessly blends elements of soul, rock, jazz, and R&B. Bez was raised in Jos, Plateau State, and comes from a musically inclined family that immersed him in the sounds of gospel and country music.
- Ahmed Musa: Born on October 14, 1992, Ahmed Musa is a prominent Nigerian professional footballer, excelling as a forward and left winger for the Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr and the Nigerian National Team. His lineage connects his father to Borno and his mother to Edo State.
- Mikel John Obi: Mikel John Obi, born on April 22, 1987, embarked on his football journey in Jos, finding his passion for the sport at Jos Metropolis Township primary School. His talent was further nurtured when he joined the Pepsi football academy at the age of 12, eventually leading to his debut with Plateau United.
- Ogenyi Eddy Onazi: Born on December 25, 1992, Ogenyi Eddy Onazi is a Nigerian footballer renowned for his prowess as a central midfielder. He currently represents Turkish club Denizlispor and the Nigerian national football team.
- Sunday Mba: Sunday Mba, born on November 28, 1988, was a prominent Nigerian midfielder who last played for Yeni Malatyaspor and the Nigeria national team.
- Panshak Henry Zamani: Born on October 30, 1984, Panshak Henry Zamani, known as a Nigerian hip-hop recording artist, rapper, songwriter, and actor, skyrocketed to fame after releasing “Oleku,” one of Nigeria’s most remixed songs.
- Oladayo Okeniyi: Oladayo Okeniyi, born on June 14, 1988, in Jos, Nigeria, is a Nigerian-American actor celebrated for his roles as Thresh in The Hunger Games and Danny Dyson in Terminator Genisys. His family’s heritage ties his father to Nigeria as a former Customs Officer and his mother to Kenya.
- MI Abacha (The Guy): Jude Abaga, born on October 4, 1981, is a multifaceted Nigerian artist recognized for his rap skills, production prowess, songwriting talent, and instrumental proficiency. He served as the CEO of Chocolate City from June 2015 to 2019 and gained early recognition in Jos, Nigeria, with his track “Crowd Mentality.”
- Saint Obi (Late): Late veteran Nollywood actor, producer, and director Obinna Nwafor, born on November 16, 1965, left a lasting legacy with iconic roles in movies like Candle Light, Sakobi, Goodbye Tomorrow, Heart of Gold, Executive Crime, and Last Party. He pursued his education in Theatre Arts at the University of Jos.
- P-Square: Peter and Paul Okoye, born on November 18, 1981, in Jos, represent a dynamic duo in Nigerian music. Though born in Jos, their roots trace back to Anambra State. P-Square’s music has made a resounding impact in Africa, evident through their highly successful concerts across the continent.
- 2Baba: Innocent Ujah Idibia, born on September 18, 1975, in Jos, Nigeria, is a Nigerian music icon renowned for his singing, songwriting, producing, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and activism. He hails from the Idoma ethnic group in Benue State.
- Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu: Born on March 22, 1963, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu is a distinguished economist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He serves as the chairman of Heirs Holdings, the United Bank for Africa, and Transcorp, while also founding The Tony Elumelu Foundation.
