David Onoja: Biography, career milestones, political appointments, net worth

Edward David Onoja is a Nigerian politician, banker, and public servant best known for serving as the Deputy Governor of Kogi State from 2019 to 2024.

A close political ally of former Governor Yahaya Bello, Onoja has played a significant role in shaping Kogi State politics over the last decade.

In January 2025, he was appointed as the pioneer board member representing the North Central region on the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

Profile summary

Name: Edward David Onoja

Born: 9th August, 1974

Place of birth: Kogi

Education: University of Jos

Relationship status: Married

Career: Politician

Background

Edward David Onoja was born on 9 August 1974 in Olamaboro, then part of Benue-Plateau State, now in present-day Kogi State.

He hails from Odidoko-Emonyoku in Ogugu District, within Olamaboro Local Government Area.

He began his early education in Lagos State, where he attended primary school before proceeding to Federal Government College, Kwali, Abuja, for his secondary education.

In 1999, he graduated from the University of Jos with a Second-Class Upper Division degree in Geology and Mining.

His outstanding academic performance placed him among the top students in his class. During his undergraduate years, Onoja was deeply involved in student politics and unionism.

He became the first elected President of the Natural Science Students Association (NASSA), University of Jos, serving between 1998 and 1999.

Career and Entry into Politics

Before venturing fully into politics, Onoja worked in the financial and banking sector, where he developed a reputation for diligence and administrative competence.

His political journey began in 2011 when he contested under the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) for the Olamaboro State Constituency seat in the Kogi State House of Assembly.

Though unsuccessful, this marked the beginning of his active participation in politics.

In 2015, Onoja became the Director General of the Kogi Youth Arise Group, chaired by Yahaya Bello, which was instrumental in mobilizing grassroots support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2015 General Elections.

The group played a key role in delivering victory for President Muhammadu Buhari in Kogi State.

That same year, he was appointed Chief Strategist and Director General of Yahaya Bello’s gubernatorial campaign.

Following Bello’s swearing-in as Governor of Kogi State in January 2016, Onoja was appointed Chief of Staff to the Governor, a role he held until October 2019.

Deputy Governorship

In October 2019, after the impeachment of then Deputy Governor Simon Achuba, Onoja was elevated to the office of Deputy Governor of Kogi State.

The decision was confirmed by his election in the November 16, 2019 governorship election, where he and Yahaya Bello secured victory on the APC ticket.

As Deputy Governor, Onoja was not only a loyal ally to Bello but also a political strategist who consolidated APC’s dominance in Kogi politics.

He also served as Director-General of the APC Campaigns for the 2019 General Elections in Kogi State, where the party achieved sweeping success: winning all 25 state constituency assembly seats, seven out of nine federal constituency seats, and two out of three senatorial seats.

With tribunal rulings later overturning the opposition’s only senatorial win, Onoja and the APC effectively secured all three senatorial seats in Kogi State, a feat that underscored his political influence.

He remained Deputy Governor until 27 January 2024, when Governor Bello completed his tenure. He was succeeded by Salifu Joel under the new administration.

Appointment

In January 2025, Edward Onoja was appointed as a pioneer board member of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), representing the North Central zone.

This appointment marked his entry into a broader national role, expanding his political influence beyond Kogi State.

Personal life

Edward Onoja is married to Ejura Onoja, and their marriage is blessed with children.

David Onoja together with wife, Ejura Onoja

He is widely regarded as a family man and maintains close ties with his community in Olamaboro.

Net worth

Through his years in banking, politics, and public service, Edward Onoja has accumulated substantial wealth.

His financial portfolio includes earnings from his professional career, political appointments, and private investments.

His net worth is currently estimated between $2 million and $4 million, placing him among the influential political figures from Kogi State with notable economic standing.