By Osaze Isesele
No matter what political mischief-makers and instigators may orchestrate to sway men of visionary acumen, it always comes to zilch because there are men who have engraved their relevance and impact in the lives and hearts of the people beyond concocted aspersions of opposing forces.
John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States and the intelligent American statesman said it all and encapsulated the person of Ize-Iyamu when he posited that “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
Osagie Ize-Iyamu is widely respected, acknowledged and referred to as “the leader” by diverse groups particularly the younger generation who he constantly inspires. This of course is in his recognition, acceptance and exhibition of uncommon leadership sagacity, intellect, resourcefulness, wisdom, courage and unwavering commitment and pursuance of the common good of all Edo citizens.
In Edo state today, it is sheer ignorance and self-denial, for anyone to discount the magnanimous character and inspiring leadership ability of a charismatic man like Ize-Iyamu. It is in testament to the above fact that the prestigious institution and citadel of academic elegance like Benson Idahosa University in the Edo state capital conferred on Pastor Ize-Iyamu an honorary doctorate degree about a year ago.
Jugding by his antecedents in business and politics, Ize-Iyamu has displayed unrivalled competence as a man who is fit for the job of championing good governance in Edo state.
As a business magnate with varied interests, he has shown management prowess as Chairman/CEO of the I.O Ventures Limited since 1996 till date.
He has also showcased his profundity in management and entrepreneurial capabilities when he set up the magnificent I.O Farms Training Institute- a model farm settlement at Ugbor-Amagba communities in Benin City, Edo State. An institute that has turned out hundreds of young agriculturists.
Today, the Training Institute with the triple objective of agricultural training, skills acquisition and youth empowerment, has successfully metamorphosed into a veritable mechanism for the reduction of unemployment, youth restiveness and organized crime.
Sojourning into politics and governance, Ize-Iyamu has excellently beyond disputations earned his marks as a selfless man who holds dearly the interest of the Edo people closely in his heart. As an uncommon political actor, he has wielded tremendous influence in pursuing initiatives for the utmost prosperity of the Edo people with every opportunity he has been presented with, whether big or small.
His very rich history in statecraft as an accomplished homegrown politician cant’ be controverted given his intellectual presence in administrative functions across almost all administrations of government since 1999 of which many have been beneficiaries of his unequivocal political skills.
A man who was described by a PDP aspirant in the 2020 governorship polls in a recent interview as having strong trappings because he has been in the political arena and has paid his dues is not a man of less stature. He even went further to say that Ize-Iyamu is his political friend and leader.
Speaking of the man, Ize-Iyamu, his peers and contemporaries of great repute and societal standing time and again hasn’t failed to echo his phenomenal characteristics as a passionate man with integrity, substance and unassailable pedigree.
Given the intricacy of modern governance accompanied with the imminent rising of professionals in various endeavors, Ize-Iyamu exemplifies the apt leadership that demonstrates the equitable harnessing of available human and material resources that necessitates a robust social and economic development in Edo state.
An Ize-Iyamu led administration will effortlessly bring to bear the harmonizing of human and material resources to deliver a prosperous Edo state.
This he has accentuated in his SIMPLE agenda (Security & Social Welfare, Infrastructure Development & Urban Renewal, Manpower Development & Training, Public Private Partnership, Leadership by example and Employment creation & Social empowerment) blueprint after rigorous study and needs assessment of a people dear to his heart.
Despite the denigrations, bare faced lies and misrepresentations of the person of Ize Iyamu, the humble Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is completely not dissuaded in his pursuit to deliver an Edo state that is perpetually moving forward.
In the midst of the dark clouds and current political turbulence in the state, Edo people must understand that the decision before us in the 2020 governorship polls is one that must be examined carefully.
The choice is ours to make in embracing an incisive, competent, experienced and audacious personality with the gusto and adeptness to bolster our economy or to continue to be brainwashed with incompetence and a grandstanding propaganda to show one is working for the interest of the people whereas they are simply propagating their personal agenda.
In the pursuit to take Edo forward, I present to you, Pastor (Dr). Osagie Andrew Ize-Iyamu (Esq), an ordained clergyman and spiritual leader, a phenomenal thinker and strategist, an ebullient lawyer, political and development stalwart, colossal and ingenious business mogul, a foremost visionary, the people’s candidate and an epitome of pragmatic governance and excellence.
Let’s move Edo forward.
Isesele, a strategic communications, media & public relations enthusiast writes from Abuja. He is on twitter and Instagram @theosaze
