Though the gubernatorial election is billed for September 2024, the race for the highest office in Edo State has peaked already in the Labour Party, considering the pedigree of the aspirants jostling for the sole ticket and ultimately, become the number one citizen of the state.
There are two leading aspirants in the Labour Party. Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, Olumide Akpata, and Dr. Ehizojie Imafidon Ohiowele, a successful banker and investor. The reputations of the two politicians in their respective industries precedes them.
However, strong stakeholders and supporters of the Labour Party are carefully watching to see the candidates that other rival parties field as their flagbearers in the polls holding next year.
One such candidate is Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor of the All Progressives Congress, who like Ohiowele hails from Esan Central senatorial zone.
However, the pendulum might be swinging towards Ohiowele. He is the youngest of the aspirants, but his experience as a leader in public and private sectors is well beyond his age. He is a serial entrepreneur, educator, financial expert, and experienced banker with over 25 years’ of solid experience in Africa’s economy.
The highly cerebral Ohiowele possesses the capability to revolutionise improving existing economic value chain. Geared towards developing and sustaining impactful entrepreneural ideas, he is a widely travelled Pan-African with direct experience in leading the origination, structuring, and management of business deals in over 20 countries around the continent.
It is not by chance Ohiowele is winning over party faithful and stakeholders in Edo State. His academic records and achievements as a major player in the Nigerian private sector fuels his advantage over others in the race for the party’s ticket. His knowledge and ability to provide unparalleled leadership, as proven over the years, is unrivalled.
Ohiowele’s intentions and plans to transform the economic conditions of Edo and change its trajectory are far-reaching, involving every aspect of business life and opening the common people to opportunities. He is young and daily provides solutions to unemployment and other challenges facing the nation and the state. He recently co-founded a fintech company licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), that makes financial services more accessible, affordable and fulfilling for the unbanked, underbanked & banked in Nigerian communities, leveraging technology and data.
Outlining his plan for the people of the state, Ohiowele, who hails from Isidahomen Quarters, Eguare, Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area of the state, vows to bring massive experience into governance after emerging as the party’s flag bearer and victorious at the polls in September next year. His manifesto include introducing sweeping reforms in governance and legislation, justice system, infrastructure, economy, revitalization of the health sector, among others.
“Developing a comprehensive plan to address key issues such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and job creation. Promoting transparency and accountability in governance to foster public trust. Encouraging public-private partnerships to attract investment and spur economic growth. Prioritizing youth empowerment and skills development through education and vocational training. Promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation. Establishing effective communication channels to keep citizens informed and engaged,” he said.
“My passion for service and desire to bring about substantive improvements within the state drive me to seek this position. Edo State has both unique opportunities and challenges that require strong and focused leadership. With no prior baggage of political office, I bring a fresh, untainted perspective to governance. I am not encumbered by traditional constraints and can introduce innovative solutions that will make real and lasting difference,” Ohiowele said.
He added: “It is important to reiterate that the governor’s office holds the capacity to effect significant change which is my goal. Outside of politics, I have held leadership roles that equipped me with the requisite tactical and strategic capabilities necessary for high-office governance.
“These real-life experiences, coupled with my awareness of the state’s issues, position me favorably for the Governorship. Engaging with the citizens of Edo has revealed a common desire for fresh faces in our leadership, with new ideas unblemished by the usual political
maneuverings. This contest is not about personal ambition. I am responding to the overwhelming public call for change. It stems from a belief that the citizens of Edo deserve better, and I am prepared to offer them better, right from the top.”
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