George Akume Biography: Age, New Wife, Family, Career, Personal Life And Marriage With

George Akume Biography

George Akume was born on December 27, 1953, in Benue State, Nigeria. He is a Nigerian politician and public servant. From early school days to his university years, Akume showed an interest in social issues and labour relations, subjects that would shape his later career. He trained in sociology and labour relations at the University of Ibadan, which prepared him for both civil service and political life. George Akume is 72 years old as of 2025.

George Akume Career

George Akume’s first rose through civil service ranks in Benue State before contesting elections as democracy returned to the country in 1999. He won the governorship of Benue State and served two full terms from May 1999 to May 2007. His years as governor focused on stabilising administration after years of military rule, rebuilding institutions and improving basic services in a state with diverse ethnic groups and development needs. George Akume new wife is Wuraola Zaynab.

After serving as governor, Akume moved to the national arena as a senator for Benue North-West. He won a Senate seat in 2007 and served three terms until 2019, during which he also held leadership positions such as Senate Minority Leader from 2011 to 2015. In the Senate, he was active on committees and worked on legislation addressing security, public service, and regional development. His long stay in the upper chamber made him a senior voice from the Middle Belt and a skilled parliamentary operator who could navigate complex political currents.

At the federal executive level, Akume continued to hold influential posts. In 2019 he was named Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, a role that placed him at the centre of coordination between the presidency and states. His stewardship in that ministry emphasised federal-state relations, project coordination and crisis response. Then, on 7 June 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), making him the central coordinator of government policies and a key link between the presidency and the civil service. In this position he has overseen policy rollout, managed inter-ministerial communication, and acted as a public face for certain national initiatives.

Akume’s career is also marked by party-building and political strategy. He has moved across party lines as Nigeria’s political landscape shifted, working with different national parties while maintaining a strong base at home in Benue. He has a reputation for discipline and for being a steady manager of political teams. That reputation helped secure him national honours and the confidence of successive presidents who tapped him for roles that require experience and trust.

George Akume Personal Life

George Akume is married to Hon. Regina Akume, who herself has been active in politics and represented the Tarka/Gboko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The couple have children and maintain a family presence in Benue and Abuja. Akume’s background in the Tiv community and his roots in Tarka LGA shaped his outlook on politics: he frequently speaks of the need for inclusive development, federal balance and respect for diverse ethnic interests. Outside politics he is known for a calm public manner and a preference for behind-the-scenes problem solving rather than public theatricality. George Akume is currently married to Wuraola Zaynab, who is the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife.

Over the years, Akume has collected formal recognitions that mark his service. In May 2023 he was conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his contributions to governance. Such honours are visible signs of his standing in national life and add to the picture of a career that combined local roots with national responsibilities. As SGF, he also had to manage delicate national issues such as rumours about appointments, public trust in government programs, and the sometimes fractious politics of federal appointments—tasks that require both patience and political savvy.

George Akume Marriage With Wuraola Zaynab

Late in 2025, public attention turned to a personal development in Akume’s life. Nigerian media reported that Senator George Akume had married Queen Zaynab (also known as Wuraola Zaynab or Zaynab Otiti Obanor), a former Olori of the Ooni of Ife and a public figure known for humanitarian work. The union was announced by members of the Dajoh family of Mbakor in Benue State, who publicly welcomed Queen Zaynab into their family fold.

When journalists contacted Akume’s office, his spokesman confirmed that the marriage was not a fresh one and that it had taken place more than a year before the viral festive-season posts that drew broad attention. The public welcome by the Dajoh family and subsequent confirmations placed the marriage squarely in national conversation, combining traditional family ritual with national political visibility.

The match drew strong public interest because it brought together a long-serving politician from the Tiv heartland and a woman with royal and humanitarian credentials connected to Yoruba and Edo cultural circles. For many observers the marriage symbolised the blending of regional ties and national stature. Supporters framed the welcome as a warm cultural moment for Benue State, while critics and commentators debated the timing and public handling of the announcement.

Akume’s spokesman clarified that the couple had chosen to share the news publicly at a festive moment, and the Dajoh family used the occasion to underscore cultural hospitality and community unity. The marriage, therefore, was not only a private commitment but also a public event that reflected both political life and local tradition in contemporary Nigeria.

Conclusion

George Akume’s life is a clear example of steady public service moving from local civil service to state leadership, then to the national stage. Born in Benue in 1953, trained in sociology and labour relations, and seasoned by years as governor and senator, he now serves as Secretary to the Government of the Federation. His career shows a persistent focus on administration, federal coordination and political stability. The late-2025 marriage to Queen Zaynab added a fresh personal chapter that the public watched with interest.

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Dave

Dave Bred writes about loans, budgeting, and money management and has 17 years of experience in finance journalism. He holds a BSc and an MSc in Economics and turns complex financial topics into simple, practical advice that helps readers make smarter money decisions.