A crucial trajectory could be beckoning for Edo State, when the electorate march to the polls to elect their next governor in 2024.. Earlier this year, first in February, and then in March, a new kid on the block, the Labour Party shook the Nigerian political landscape, to its very foundations and out of its many years of deep sleep and slumber. Though not much was known of many of candidates, but in its presidential candidate and former Governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, the Labour Party caused a stir in the system winning some seats in the National Assembly, a first of its kind in our political development.
And ahead of the 2024 governorship election, Labour Party has the best array of aspirants of any party for the highest office in the state, one of which is Dr. Ehizojie Imafidon Ohiowele, a successful banker with 25 years in both public and private sector.
Ohiowele’s profile suggests he deliberately prepared himself for leadership, sinking himself into requisite academic knowledge and experience in economic development front as a career. Born on February 2, 1977, the politician is a widely travelled Pan-African with direct involvement in leading the origination, structuring, and management of business deals in over 20 countries around Africa.
Being a major player in the Nigerian private sector, Ohiowele boasts of the most appealing resume’ and popularity, which most party stakeholders have also found appetizing and favour him as the leading aspirant for the primary election and eventually win the gubernatorial exercise.
The reasons for this show of support and advantage is borne out of the confidence and conviction that Ohiowele is capable of immensely impacting the state and re-engineer its dwindling economy. He is a serial entrepreneur, educator, coach and financial expert.
The businessman is a Masters degree holder in Business Administration, Masters degree in Economics & Finance, and has a PhD. in International Business. He is a proud alumnus of Harvard Business School, University of Oxford, Cardiff University, University of Azteca, University of Benin, and Ambrose Alli University.
“I have attended the following foreign renowned universities in my quest for more knowledge: Harvard Business School, Boston, USA. (Alumnus) Said Business School, University of Oxford, UK (Alumnus) International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Lausanne, Switzerland (Alumnus), INSEAD University, France. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, USA. Cardiff University, Wales, UK (Alumnus) University of Azteca, Mexico (Alumnus) International School of Management, Paris, France. (Alumnus),” he added about his academic record.
For years, Ohiowele has been involved in the development of Nigerian economy, creating job opportunities and improving the value chain across several micro and macro economic fronts. He presently runs a fintech company he co-founded and licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. It provides financial services to the unbanked, underbanked and banked in the communities through data and technology. He also sits on the board of several companies actively playing in the energy, consulting, hospitality, wellness, and educational sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Ohiowele acceding to the call by the people of the state to serve, is galvanising more support than anticipating. The Labour Party aspirant has revealed some of the revolutionary programmes he will implement, in the area of legislation, improving judiciary, infrastructure, economic revolution, revitalization of the health sector and many more, when he becomes governor,
“As at the last estimate, Edo state receives close to $6 billion annually from diaspora which truly positions our state as a major contributor to diasporan remittance pot in Nigeria. The key to harnessing the advantage we have as a state in this area is centered around building trust, ensuring transparency, and maintaining consistent communication with our citizens all over the world,” he said.
“As the Governor of Edo state, I will engage with the diaspora in several productive ways to boost remittance. My administration will organize diaspora events like conferences, workshops, or cultural celebrations to engage with Edo citizens abroad. During these events, we will highlight the potential opportunities and benefits of investing in Edo state. We will promote local businesses and projects that diaspora members can invest in. This will include sectors such as real estate, agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
“We will also improve basic amenities and infrastructure that will entice more remittance that shows the diaspora that their funds are making a meaningful difference. We will offer incentives like tax breaks and ensure the process is efficient and transparent. Lastly, we will establish an office devoted to diaspora affairs. They will help in directing the scattered resources of Edo natives abroad towards the development of our homeland.
“Since I understand the importance of security to the economy and wellbeing of the Edo people, I will implement a wide range of initiatives to improve security as the Governor. These measures represent a holistic approach to improving security, recognizing that law enforcement, community cooperation, and societal improvement are all essential components in securing our state.
“My plan includes, Community Policing: I will expand community policing efforts to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Technology Utilization: My administration will use modern technology for surveillance and crime-solving, like drones and CCTV in strategic locations.
“Training: We will provide more intensive and effective training for law enforcement officers, emphasizing conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and human rights”.
On Youth Empowerment, he said, “We will continue to invest in youth programs aimed at preventing crime and providing alternatives to illegal activities. This will include education, job skill training, and employment opportunities. Improved Crime Reporting: We will enhance the crime reporting system to make it more accessible, user-friendly, and efficient.
“Multi-stakeholder Partnership: My administration will foster a more effective partnership involving the government, private sector, NGOs, and communities to create a comprehensive approach to security. This will nurture a collective responsibility in ensuring a safer Edo State.
“Legislation: Enforce strict laws against corruption within the security forces and for any form of misconduct, thereby improving trust in the system. Judicial Strengthening: We will work to ensure swift and fair prosecution of criminal cases by cooperating with judicial authorities to strengthen the effectiveness of the judiciary.”
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