Bukola Saraki Biography, Net Worth, Career, Background, Education
Bukola Saraki Net Worth
As of October 2, 2023, Bukola Saraki's estimated net worth is approximately $11 million (equivalent to N10 billion Naira), placing him among the wealthiest politicians in Nigeria. Over two decades, Saraki has been actively involved in Nigerian politics.
Introduction
Bukola Saraki is a prominent Nigerian politician and the former governor of Kwara state. He is widely recognized as one of the influential figures in Nigerian politics. Additionally, Saraki served as the former senate president of Nigeria, showcasing a strong foundation in both education and political acumen.
In the 2019 presidential elections, Bukola Saraki vied for the highest office but was ultimately defeated in the primary elections by Atiku Abubakar. Notably, politics runs deep in his family, as both his father and sister are established politicians.
Given Saraki's successful political career, there is significant interest in his net worth. This article aims to provide an assessment of his earnings from the various political positions he has held throughout his career.
Bukola Saraki's Background
Born and raised in London, Bukola Saraki was born on December 19, 1962, and is presently 60 years old. Hailing from an affluent family, Saraki's father was a Nigerian senator at the time of his birth.
Saraki's Education
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Saraki boasts an impressive educational background, having graduated from the University of London Hospital Medical College with a degree in medicine. Immediately following his college years, he ventured into the realm of politics.
Saraki received his education at King's College, Lagos, and completed his studies in 1978. Following this, he pursued his education at Cheltenham College, a prominent British public boarding school, from 1979 to 1981. Later, from 1982 to 1987, he attended the London Hospital Medical College of the University of London, earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree.
Saraki's Early Career
In the initial phase of his career, Saraki served as a medical officer at Rush Green Hospital in Essex from 1988 to 1989. Subsequently, he held the position of director at Société Générale Bank (Nig) Ltd from 1990 to 2000. In the year 2000, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Saraki as Special Assistant to the President on Budget.
Saraki as Kwara State Governor
During the 2003 elections, Bukola Saraki contested and won the position of Governor of Kwara State under the People's Democratic Party (PDP), triumphing over the incumbent Governor Muhammed Lawal of the now defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). On May 29, 2003, he was inaugurated into office and later secured re-election in 2007.
As the governor of Kwara, Saraki spearheaded a series of transformative initiatives in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, power generation, and environmental policies. Notably, one of his significant achievements was the invitation extended to displaced white farmers from Zimbabwe to settle in Kwara State, providing them with opportunities for agricultural endeavours. This led to the establishment of the Shonga Farms program, which has since been emulated across Nigeria. Additionally, Saraki was appointed as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum.
Under his leadership, Kwara became the first state to successfully execute the Nigeria Independent Power Project. Collaborating with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Saraki revitalized the Ganmo Power Station in Ilorin and facilitated the connection of over 3750 rural communities to the national grid through the development and installation of 725 transformers and 7 substations. Kwara also accomplished four electrification projects, resulting in a stable power supply for 18–22 hours a day. This contributed to a notable increase in electricity accessibility, with 90% of Kwara's population now having access compared to the national average of 30% in Nigeria.
In 2007, Saraki assumed the role of Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum. During his tenure, he expanded his influence on a national level and led efforts for a more streamlined and collaborative relationship with governors from other states. The Forum also played a pivotal role in enhancing polio immunization efforts in Nigeria, signing crucial Memoranda of Understanding with international organizations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, World Bank, DFID, GAVI, UNICEF, and UNDP.
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Since the year 2000, Saraki has been actively involved in Nigerian politics, holding positions that range from governor to senator. Presently, he is married to Toyin Saraki, and the couple is blessed with three children.
Evaluating Saraki's Political Income:
Estimating the net worth of Nigerian politicians can be challenging, as they often accrue wealth beyond their official salaries. Here, we focus solely on the earnings derived from his years in public office.
Bukola Saraki has held several key positions over his political career:
1. Governor of Kwara State (2003 to 2011)
2. Senator of Nigeria (2011 to 2015)
3. President of the Nigerian Senate (2015 to 2019)
Based on evaluations by experts, it is estimated that Saraki earned over $5 million during his tenure as governor of Kwara state, more than $3 million as a Nigerian senator, and over $4 million as the president of the Nigerian senate.
In conclusion, As of 2023, Bukola Saraki's net worth stands at an estimated $11 million solidifying his position as one of the wealthiest politicians in Nigeria. Saraki's political journey spans over two decades, marking him as a seasoned figure in Nigerian politics.
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