Dumebi Kachikwu is one of Nigeria’s most prominent media entrepreneurs, businessmen, and political figures.
Born into a distinguished family in Delta State and raised in Lagos, he built an impressive empire anchored by his founding of Roots Television Nigeria one of the country’s notable media platforms.
Beyond the media industry, he has diversified his business interests into agriculture through Kachikwu Farms and building technologies through his company, Accelerated Building Technologies.
A man of deep patriotic convictions, Dumebi stepped into the arena of national politics in 2022 and emerged as the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2023 Nigerian general elections, pitching himself as a transformational voice for a new Nigeria.
He is the younger brother of the respected Ibe Kachikwu, former Group Managing Director of the NNPC and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. Dumebi Kachikwu’s story is that of a visionary entrepreneur who dared to take his convictions from the boardroom to the ballot box.
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Chukwudalu Dumebi Kachikwu: History · Bio · Photo
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Full Name: | Chukwudalu Dumebi Kachikwu |
| Born: | December 20, 1971 |
| Age: | 54 years old |
| Birthplace: | Lagos, Nigeria |
| State of Origin: | Delta State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Occupation: | Entrepreneur, Media Mogul, Politician, Philanthropist, Farmer |
| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Late Justice Francis Okafor Kachikwu (Father) & Barr. Mrs. Josephine Ada Kachikwu (Mother) |
| Siblings: | Ibe Kachikwu (elder brother) |
| Spouse: | Somachi Chikwe (married 2001, divorced before 2011) |
| Children: | 6 (4 boys, 2 girls) |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Net Worth: | Estimated $5 million – $15 million USD |
Early Life
Dumebi Kachikwu was born on December 20, 1971, in Lagos, Nigeria, though his roots trace back to Onicha-Ugbo, a town in the Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State in the South-South region of Nigeria. He is of Igbo (Delta Igbo) ethnic descent and was raised in the Christian faith.
He was born the younger of two children to highly accomplished parents. His father, the late Justice Francis Okafor Kachikwu, was a distinguished jurist whose legal career left a lasting impression on the family’s values of justice, integrity, and public service.
His mother, Barrister Mrs. Josephine Ada Kachikwu, was a lawyer and politician in her own right a woman whose determination saw her achieve her dreams of becoming a midwife, then a lawyer, and ultimately a politician, using each role to positively touch lives. Growing up in such a household of accomplished and principled public servants, Dumebi was shaped from an early age by a profound sense of duty, ambition, and civic responsibility.
His elder brother, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, would go on to become one of Nigeria’s most distinguished figures in the energy sector serving as the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and later as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under President Muhammadu Buhari. The Kachikwu family name thus carries enormous weight in Nigerian public life, and Dumebi has worked diligently to carve out his own distinct legacy alongside that inherited prestige.
He grew up in Lagos, where the energy of Nigeria’s commercial capital, coupled with his family’s intellectual atmosphere, cultivated in him an entrepreneurial instinct and a passion for media, communication, and community building from a very young age.
Education
Dumebi Kachikwu received his secondary school education at the University of Benin Demonstration Secondary School in Benin City, Edo State one of Nigeria’s reputable secondary institutions historically associated with the University of Benin.
The school is known for producing well-rounded and academically disciplined graduates, and Dumebi’s time there helped lay the foundation for his entrepreneurial and leadership career.
While the full details of his tertiary education have not been extensively documented in the public domain, his career trajectory and business acumen suggest a combination of formal academic grounding and extensive self-development through entrepreneurial experience and real-world exposure across the media, oil and gas, agriculture, and building technology sectors.
Career
Dumebi Kachikwu has built one of the most diversified and far-reaching careers among Nigerian entrepreneurs of his generation.
His professional journey spans the media industry, oil and gas, agriculture, building technologies, philanthropy, and politics a breadth that reflects both his restless entrepreneurial spirit and his genuine desire to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
Media: Roots Television Nigeria
The cornerstone of Dumebi Kachikwu’s business empire is Roots Television Nigeria, of which he is the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer. Roots TV has grown into a recognized media brand in Nigeria, providing a platform for news, entertainment, and current affairs programming. The station represents Kachikwu’s belief in the transformative power of media as a tool for national development, accountability, and cultural expression.
As a media mogul, Dumebi has used Roots TV not only as a commercial venture but also as a platform to amplify voices and conversations that matter to ordinary Nigerians. The station has been particularly active in covering political and social issues, aligning with his broader philosophy of civic engagement and national transformation.
Agriculture: Kachikwu Farms
Recognizing the enormous potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Dumebi also founded and operates Kachikwu Farms, an agribusiness enterprise that reflects his commitment to food security and rural economic development. The farm is part of his broader vision to invest in sectors that generate employment and improve the livelihoods of Nigerians at the grassroots level.
Building Technologies
Dumebi Kachikwu is also involved in the construction and real estate sector through his work with Accelerated Building Technologies, through which he advocates for modern, affordable, and innovative building solutions tailored to Nigeria’s housing needs. This arm of his portfolio reinforces his philosophy of using business as a vehicle for addressing Nigeria’s most pressing infrastructural challenges.
Oil and Gas
Dumebi has also been active in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, leveraging both his personal networks and his family’s deep connections to Nigeria’s petroleum sector through his brother Ibe Kachikwu. His business interests in this space, though less publicly documented, have been cited as part of his broader entrepreneurial portfolio.
Political Career
Dumebi Kachikwu’s transition from boardroom to ballot box marked one of the most notable chapters of his career. In April 2022, he officially declared his intention to contest the Nigerian presidency on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), making the announcement through a virtual broadcast he titled “My Opening Argument.”
On June 8–9, 2022, at the ADC Presidential Convention and Primaries held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dumebi Kachikwu emerged victorious against a competitive field. He polled 977 votes, decisively defeating former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, who received 589 votes, while third-placed contestant Chukwuka Monye received 339 votes. The victory made him the ADC’s flag bearer for the February 2023 presidential election.
He subsequently named Ahmed Buhari former presidential candidate of the Sustainable National Party of Nigeria (SNPN) in 2019 as his running mate for the election.
Kachikwu’s campaign was built on a bold and idealistic platform. He outlined a comprehensive manifesto anchored around 20 key pillars, including:
- Total economic revival and anti-corruption reforms
- A decisive war against terrorism and insecurity
- Public service reforms and a living wage for Nigerian workers
- Technology-driven education reform to eliminate education tourism abroad
- Modern healthcare infrastructure to stop medical tourism
- Equal opportunities for men and women
- Massive job creation and investment in agriculture and agro-business
- Youth and women development programmes
- Community policing and improved security measures
- Revamp of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and creative arts economy to drive tourism
- Building modern cities with world-class amenities and affordable internet access
- Elimination of all colonial relics of tribal and regional division
His campaign was widely seen as representing the “third force” in Nigerian politics an alternative to the dominant APC and PDP and attracted considerable attention from Nigerians disillusioned with the status quo. He remained vocal throughout the campaign, insisting that the 2023 election would be decided by vision and not money.
Awards & Nominations
While Dumebi Kachikwu’s career achievements have earned him wide respect in Nigerian business and media circles, formal award recognitions specific to his name are not extensively documented in publicly available records.
However, his impact as a media entrepreneur, his courageous entry into presidential politics, and his philanthropic work have earned him recognition as one of Nigeria’s influential businessmen and civic voices. His Roots Television platform has similarly been acknowledged as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s media landscape.
Social Media
Dumebi Kachikwu maintains a modest but authentic presence on social media, primarily using it to share personal reflections, business updates, philanthropic activities, and political commentary.
- Instagram: @dumebikachikwu
Personal Life
Dumebi Kachikwu’s personal life has been the subject of both admiration and controversy over the years.
His first marriage was to Somachi Chikwe, the daughter of Kema Chikwe, a prominent Nigerian politician and former Minister of Aviation. The couple wed in 2001 in Abuja. However, the marriage did not endure, and they parted ways before 2011.
Dumebi subsequently married his second wife, Ikeme Kachikwu, in a ceremony held on June 15, 2011, also in Abuja notably in the same city where his first marriage had taken place, which attracted some commentary at the time. Together, Dumebi and Ikeme have six children four boys and two girls.
He has described himself publicly as a devoted husband, father, and love advocate, and consistently foregrounds his family identity in his public communications.
He is a practicing Christian and has spoken about faith as a guiding force in his personal and professional decisions. He is also described as a philanthropist, actively involved in charitable initiatives through a project he calls “The Love Project,” through which he supports community development and social welfare causes across Nigeria.
Controversies
Dumebi Kachikwu has faced his share of controversies throughout his public life:
EFCC Allegations (2015–2016): In January 2015, reports emerged that Dumebi was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with a case involving obtaining by false pretences. EFCC operatives reportedly raided his Maitama, Abuja residence, executing a search warrant and recovering several documents and luxury vehicles. In 2016, a popular online platform alleged that EFCC had declared him wanted and frozen his accounts.
However, Kachikwu firmly denied these allegations, and his associates, writing in his defence, described the reports as entirely false, reckless, and politically motivated. Kachikwu himself indicated that he was actually the victim in the matter stating that he was the one who reported a US Congressman to both the EFCC and the FBI for allegedly defrauding his company. He subsequently instructed lawyers to pursue legal action against media organisations that disseminated what he described as defamatory falsehoods.
ADC Primaries Bribery Allegations (2022): Following his victory at the ADC Presidential Primaries, Dumebi was accused by some quarters of offering delegates $100 USD each in exchange for their votes. He dismissed these allegations as the work of disgruntled opponents and “sore losers,” labelling the claims as coordinated attacks designed to tarnish his image. He took a firm stance, instructing lawyers to pursue both defamation suits and petitions to the police against those he believed were breaching the Cybercrime Act through online harassment and threats.
Despite these controversies, Dumebi Kachikwu has consistently maintained his dignity and public standing, continuing to engage with national issues with intellectual rigour and measured confidence.
Net Worth
Dumebi Kachikwu’s estimated net worth ranges between $5 million and $15 million USD, depending on the source.
His wealth has been accumulated through his extensive business portfolio, which includes Roots Television Nigeria, Kachikwu Farms, Accelerated Building Technologies, and his involvement in the oil and gas sector.
He is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s successful media and business entrepreneurs, with a lifestyle that includes a prominent residence in Abuja’s upscale Maitama district and a fleet of luxury vehicles.
His primary income streams come from his media company, agribusiness, and business consulting activities. His philanthropic endeavours, while a significant part of his public identity, represent a conscious reinvestment of his success back into the Nigerian community.
FAQs
Who is Dumebi Kachikwu?
Dumebi Kachikwu is a Nigerian media mogul, entrepreneur, politician, and philanthropist. He is the Founder and CEO of Roots Television Nigeria and was the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2023 Nigerian general elections.
When was Dumebi Kachikwu born?
Dumebi Kachikwu was born on December 20, 1971.
What state is Dumebi Kachikwu from?
He hails from Onicha-Ugbo in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.
Who are Dumebi Kachikwu’s parents?
His father was the late Justice Francis Okafor Kachikwu, a distinguished jurist. His mother is Barrister Mrs. Josephine Ada Kachikwu, a lawyer and politician.
Who is Dumebi Kachikwu’s brother?
His elder brother is Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, the former Group Managing Director of the NNPC and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under President Buhari.
Is Dumebi Kachikwu married?
Yes. He was previously married to Somachi Chikwe (2001) and is currently married to Ikeme Kachikwu, whom he wed on June 15, 2011. Together they have six children four boys and two girls.
What is Roots Television Nigeria?
Roots Television Nigeria is a Nigerian media and broadcasting company founded by Dumebi Kachikwu, of which he serves as Chairman and CEO. The station covers news, current affairs, and entertainment programming.
What political party does Dumebi Kachikwu belong to?
He is a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which gave him its presidential ticket for the 2023 general election.
What is Dumebi Kachikwu’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $5 million and $15 million USD, earned through his media company, agribusiness, oil and gas interests, and building technologies.
What is Dumebi Kachikwu’s Instagram handle?
His Instagram handle is @dumebikachikwu, where he has over 5,000 followers.
What is The Love Project?
The Love Project is a philanthropic initiative by Dumebi Kachikwu aimed at community development and social welfare across Nigeria. It reflects his personal identity as a self-described love advocate and philanthropist.
Conclusion
Dumebi Kachikwu is a man who defies easy categorisation. He is at once a media visionary, an agricultural entrepreneur, a political idealist, and a devoted family man all woven together by a thread of genuine patriotism and a deep belief in Nigeria’s potential.
From building a television network that amplifies Nigerian voices, to stepping boldly onto the presidential stage with a message of unity and transformation, he has demonstrated that his ambitions are never merely personal they are consistently national.
His family legacy, anchored by the distinguished careers of his late father, his barrister mother, and his accomplished elder brother Ibe Kachikwu, has given him a strong foundation. But Dumebi has shown that he is not content to live in any shadow he is intent on forging his own bright and purposeful path.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of governance, economic development, and national unity, voices like Dumebi Kachikwu’s grounded in business acumen, civic courage, and a vision for a truly new Nigeria remain not just relevant, but essential.
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