Edo State, one of Nigeria's 36 states, is known for its rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and political significance. As with any other state in Nigeria, Edo State is governed by a governor who acts as the chief executive officer of the state. Since the inception of the fourth republic in Nigeria, several individuals have held the position of governor in Edo State, including Governor Godwin Obaseki, who assumed office on November 12, 2016. In this article, we will delve into the life, career, and politics of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Nigeria.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Godwin Obaseki was born on July 1, 1957, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He is the third child of his parents, late Pa Roland Obaseki and Gbinigie Obaseki. Godwin Obaseki's father was a renowned nationalist, renowned lawyer, and educationist, who also served as the first chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association. Obaseki's mother, on the other hand, was a respected businesswoman and a community leader.
Godwin Obaseki attended St. Matthew's Primary School, Benin City, before proceeding to Eghosa Anglican Grammar School, Benin City, where he obtained his West African School Certificate. Afterward, he proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Classics. He later earned an M.B.A. from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business in New York and became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Nigeria.
Career
After his studies, Godwin Obaseki began his career in the financial sector, working at Capital Trust Brokers Limited, a Lagos-based firm, and later, Securities Transactions & Trust Company Limited, in Port Harcourt. He also worked at International Merchant Bank, becoming a founding director of Afrinvest West Africa Limited, an investment banking firm.
In 1996, Obaseki founded Afrinvest West Africa, a leading investment banking firm that provides financial advisory, securities trading, asset management, and investment research services to a diverse range of clients. He served as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company until his appointment as Governor of Edo State.
Political Career
Godwin Obaseki's political career began when he was appointed the Chairman of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team in 2009 by the then Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. He was later appointed the Chairman of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) in 2013, where he served until 2016 before resigning to contest for the position of Governor of Edo State.
In September 2016, Obaseki contested in the Edo State gubernatorial election and emerged victorious under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He defeated his closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), with a total of 319,483 votes, winning in 13 out of the 18 local government areas of the state. He was re-elected for a second term in September 2020, although this time under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) due to a falling out with the APC.
Accomplishments and Policies
Since assuming office, Governor Godwin Obaseki has implemented several policies aimed at transforming the state's economy, infrastructure, healthcare, and education sectors. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
- Reconstruction and rehabilitation of over 1,800km of roads across the state, including the construction of new and modern intercity roads and bridges.
- Implementation of the Edo State Basic Education Transformation Program (EdoBEST), which has led to significant improvements in the state's basic education system.
- Establishment of the Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Iguoriakhi, to boost agricultural development in the state.
- Introduction of the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme to provide affordable healthcare services to residents of the state.
- Creation of over 200,000 jobs through various initiatives, including the Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs) and the Edo State Production Centre (ESPC).
Controversies
Despite his accomplishments, Governor Godwin Obaseki has been embroiled in several controversies during his tenure as Governor of Edo State. One of the most notable controversies was his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which led to a political crisis in the state. Additionally, his tenure has been characterized by allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Nigeria, is a renowned businessman, investment banker, and politician. Since assuming office, he has implemented several policies and initiatives aimed at transforming the state's economy, infrastructure, healthcare, and education sectors. While he has been embroiled in several controversies during his tenure, his accomplishments cannot be ignored. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Governor Obaseki and the people of Edo State.
