Edward Onoja: A man and a half (2) »

By Aliyu Mahmud Amoto

Edward Onoja, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Nigeria, is a man of many talents. He is a strategist, a politician, and a visionary leader who has made a significant impact on the political and economic landscape of his state. Over the years, Onoja has shown himself to be a competent leader who is committed to the growth and development of Kogi State. In this series, we will take a closer look at his political experiences, leadership qualities, and his vision for Kogi State.

Onoja’s Political Experiences

Without boring you with his long political history, Onoja’s political journey started in 2011 when he contested for the state house of assembly to represent the olamaboro constituency. He has served in many capacities politically before he joined the campaign team of Governor Yahaya Bello as the chief strategist and director of AYB campaign. His efforts were instrumental in securing the victory of Governor Yahaya Bello at the polls. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Chief of Staff to the Governor, a position he held until 2019 when he was picked as the running mate to Governor Yahaya Bello for his second term in office.

Since assuming the position of Deputy Governor, Onoja has played a vital role in the governance of Kogi State. He has demonstrated political acumen, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people. He has also been a vocal advocate for youth development and has initiated several programs aimed at empowering young people in the state.

During the peak of End SARS protests and crisis that rocked Nigeria in 2020, Onoja demonstrated his leadership qualities by coming out to meet with the people in Lokoja, the state capital. He listened to their concerns and assured them of the government’s commitment to addressing their grievances. This act of empathy and solidarity earned him the respect and admiration of the people.

Similarly, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Onoja was a visible presence, standing by Governor Yahaya Bello in the fight against the virus. He worked tirelessly to ensure that the people of Kogi State were protected and that the state’s healthcare system was equipped to handle the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Onoja’s Leadership Qualities

Onoja’s leadership style is characterized by a combination of vision, empathy, and innovation. He has a clear vision for the development of Kogi State and has initiated several programs aimed at achieving this vision. He is also a compassionate and empathetic leader who is deeply concerned about the welfare of the people.

Under his leadership, Kogi State has witnessed a significant reduction in youth unemployment. Onoja has initiated several programs aimed at empowering young people, such as the Kogi State Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO), which provides training and support for young entrepreneurs.

Onoja is also a forward-thinking politician who is not afraid to take bold steps in the interest of the state. Being the head of the state’s economic team, He has championed the establishment of the Kogi State Investment Promotion Agency (KOSIPA), which is aimed at attracting foreign investment into the state. Kogi State Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA) and a whole lots of economic initiatives. He also backed the full autonomy of the Kogi State Revenue Service (KIRS), which has significantly increased the state’s revenue generation capacity.

Onoja’s Vision for Kogi State

Onoja’s vision for Kogi State is centered on the development of the state’s economy, the empowerment of the people, and the provision of quality healthcare and education. He believes that the state has enormous potential for economic growth and development and is committed to harnessing this potential.

To achieve this vision, Onoja has initiated several programs aimed at attracting investment into the state. He has also prioritized the development of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and power supply. Additionally, he has launched several programs aimed at empowering young people and women, such as the Kogi State Women Empowerment Program (KOWEP), which provides financial support for women entrepreneurs.

To be continued…