Benue State, often referred to as the "Food Basket of the Nation," is not only rich in agricultural produce but also in cultural and artistic talent. The state has produced some of Nigeria's most iconic faces in Nollywood and the entertainment industry at large. These individuals have carved their niche through talent, hard work, and persistence. Over the years, they have amassed considerable wealth, not only through acting but also via entrepreneurship, endorsements, and brand partnerships.
In this blog post, we take a deep dive into the top richest actors and actresses from Benue State, showcasing their career journeys, wealth sources, and estimated net worth. Whether you’re a fan, aspiring actor, or just curious about the success stories from this state, this list will inspire and enlighten you.
1. Susan Peters
Estimated Net Worth: $1.5 million
Profession: Actress, Entrepreneur, Interior Designer
Susan Peters is one of the most prominent names in Nollywood with roots in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State. With a career spanning over two decades, she has starred in more than 60 Nollywood movies. Susan’s acting career took off in the early 2000s, and since then, she has consistently remained in the limelight.
Beyond acting, Susan is also an accomplished entrepreneur. She owns a successful beauty salon and an interior design company. Her ventures into fashion and home aesthetics have added significantly to her net worth. She has also bagged several endorsement deals and won numerous awards in recognition of her talent.
2. Queen Blessing Ebigieson
Estimated Net Worth: $1.2 million
Profession: Actress, Filmmaker, TV Host
Queen Blessing Ebigieson is a respected Nollywood actress and one of the most versatile entertainers from Benue State. She is best known for her powerful roles in indigenous language films, and she has won awards for promoting local dialects in Nigerian cinema.
Her foray into film production, television presentation, and hosting has further expanded her career and income. She also founded a charitable foundation focused on empowering women and youth in her community. Her wealth is a combination of acting earnings, production revenues, brand ambassadorships, and philanthropic engagements.
3. Gbenro Ajibade
Estimated Net Worth: $1.8 million
Profession: Actor, Model, Film Producer, TV Personality
Though born in Benue State, Gbenro Ajibade has gained national and international fame as one of Nollywood's most stylish actors. He rose to prominence with his lead role in the TV series "Tinsel," which earned him national recognition. His charisma and good looks made him a favorite in both modeling and acting circles.
In addition to acting, Gbenro is a film producer and has invested in fashion and entertainment businesses. His earnings are bolstered by international modeling gigs and brand endorsements, making him one of the wealthiest Nollywood personalities from Benue.
4. Precious Chikwendu
Estimated Net Worth: $1 million
Profession: Actress, Beauty Queen, Model, Entrepreneur
Precious Chikwendu is a multifaceted talent from Makurdi, Benue State. Before venturing into acting, she won the prestigious Miss United Nations pageant in 2014. This global recognition opened doors for her in Nollywood, where she starred in a number of films.
Her beauty and grace earned her ambassadorial deals with high-end brands in Nigeria. Precious also runs a foundation that caters to underprivileged women and children, contributing to her public image and network. Her net worth is built from acting, modeling, ambassadorial deals, and NGO engagements.
5. Collette Nwadike
Estimated Net Worth: $900,000
Profession: Actress, Beauty Queen, Public Official
Collette Nwadike gained national attention when she won Miss Tourism Nigeria and later made history as the first African to win the Exquisite Face of the Universe pageant. With her charming screen presence, Collette ventured into Nollywood, where she starred in several films and television productions.
In addition to her entertainment career, she served as a Special Assistant on Tourism to a state governor, giving her influence in both the entertainment and public sectors. She also works as a producer, creating local content aimed at international audiences. Her earnings come from acting, political appointments, and tourism consultancy.
6. Kingsley Abasili
Estimated Net Worth: $700,000
Profession: Actor, Academic
Kingsley Abasili is popularly known for his uncanny resemblance to Nollywood veteran Pete Edochie, which attracted attention and gave him an acting breakthrough. Though originally a university lecturer, Kingsley’s foray into Nollywood has seen him play several fatherly and wise elder roles.
He balances both academia and acting—a rare combination—and his wealth comes from his teaching salary, acting earnings, and event appearances. His unique image has also made him a preferred personality for cultural and traditional brand endorsements.
7. Femi Branch (Benue Maternal Link)
Estimated Net Worth: $2 million
Profession: Actor, Director, Poet, Entrepreneur
Although Femi Branch is often associated with Ogun State, he has maternal roots in Benue. He is one of the most seasoned actors in Nollywood with over 100 movies to his name. Femi is also a director, published poet, and successful entrepreneur.
His multiple income streams—book sales, film production, endorsements, and real estate investments—have positioned him among the richest actors with ties to Benue State. His deep baritone voice and stage presence have earned him a legendary status in Nigerian theatre and film.
Summary Table: Richest Actors and Actresses in Benue State
| Name | Profession(s) | Major Achievements | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Susan Peters | Actress, Entrepreneur, Interior Designer | Over 60 Nollywood films, multiple awards | $1.5 million |
| Queen Blessing Ebigieson | Actress, Filmmaker, TV Host | Indigenous film awards, TV production | $1.2 million |
| Gbenro Ajibade | Actor, Model, TV Host, Film Producer | Lead in "Tinsel", fashion endorsements | $1.8 million |
| Precious Chikwendu | Actress, Beauty Queen, Model | Miss United Nations winner, NGO founder | $1 million |
| Collette Nwadike | Actress, Pageant Winner, Public Official | Tourism advisor, TV producer | $900,000 |
| Kingsley Abasili | Actor, Academic | Resemblance to Pete Edochie, lecturer | $700,000 |
| Femi Branch | Actor, Director, Poet | Over 100 films, literary achievements | $2 million |
Final Thoughts
Benue State continues to be a fertile ground for exceptional talent in Nollywood. These actors and actresses have leveraged their skills to not only entertain audiences but also to build sustainable wealth and influence. Their stories show that with passion, consistency, and innovation, success in the creative industry is attainable—even on an international scale.
From blockbuster movie roles to modeling deals, entrepreneurship to public service, the entertainment giants from Benue State are living proof that talent truly knows no boundaries.
If you're from Benue and dreaming of a successful career in the entertainment industry, these stars should serve as your inspiration. They started from humble beginnings and rose through hard work, creativity, and determination.
