Kunle Soname, a name synonymous with innovation and ambition in Nigeria’s business landscape, is the founder and owner of several thriving enterprises, including ValueJet Airline and Bet9ja, Nigeria’s leading sports betting platform. With an estimated net worth ranging between $100 million and $500 million, Soname is one of the most influential and quietly powerful entrepreneurs in the country today.
A man of many ventures, Soname has built a formidable business empire that spans aviation, sports, betting, and real estate. He is also a known figure in politics and philanthropy, though he tends to maintain a low profile in the public eye.
In 2018, Soname established ValueJet, a Nigerian airline designed to deliver efficient and affordable travel. The airline officially commenced operations on October 10, 2022, offering daily flights to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Asaba, and Jos. Under the management of Captain Omololu Majekodunmi, who serves as the airline’s CEO, ValueJet has quickly grown into a notable player in the Nigerian aviation sector.
Beyond aviation, Kunle Soname is widely known as the Chairman of Bet9ja, one of Nigeria’s biggest online sports betting platforms. Bet9ja revolutionized the betting industry in the country, attracting millions of users and establishing a dominant market position.
Soname’s passion for sports is equally evident in his ownership of football clubs. He is the President of Remo Stars Football Club, a fast-rising team in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). Additionally, in a rare move by an African businessman, he acquired a majority stake in Portuguese football club C.D. Feirense in 2015, becoming the first Nigerian to own a European football team.
Despite his immense wealth and cross-sector influence, Soname maintains a reputation for humility and quiet influence. His ability to build successful ventures from the ground up — from grassroots football to international business — underscores his vision and business acumen.
As his airline ValueJet continues to expand routes and strengthen its operations, Kunle Soname stands out as a symbol of Nigerian enterprise, showing how homegrown innovation can compete on the global stage.
