Toba Owojaiye Reporting
In the unfolding political narrative of Edo State for the year 2024, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finds itself at the cusp of a pivotal decision: selecting a running mate to complement Asue Ighodalo’s gubernatorial aspirations.
Amidst this deliberative process, the name of Dr. Ese Owie rings as a beacon of hope and strategic sagacity, poised to lend both gravitas and vision to the party’s electoral endeavor.
Dr. Owie’s political odyssey traces its origins to the turbulent landscape of the aborted 3rd Republic, where he cut his teeth as a ‘boy soldier’ within the folds of the National Republican Convention (NRC). Under the tutelage of venerable statesmen such as Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia and Pa Etose Dickson Imasogie, his formative years were steeped in the art of political maneuvering and coalition-building.
Subsequently, he played a pivotal role in the genesis of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) and, later, in the birth of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, thereby etching his name indelibly in the annals of the state’s political evolution.
Yet, Dr. Owie’s narrative transcends the confines of mere political adeptness; it is imbued with the depth and breadth of intellectual acumen and scholarly pursuit.
Armed with a Doctorate Degree in Public International Law from the venerable precincts of the University of Oxford, his academic journey stands as a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and mastery in his chosen field. His expertise in international trade law and policy, honed over two decades of advisory service to governments and multilateral agencies, underscores his indispensability in the realm of policy formulation and strategic planning.
Beyond the corridors of power, Dr. Owie’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship finds expression in his founding of Climate Change Africa (CCA), a bastion of advocacy for greenhouse gas emissions reduction and the cultivation of a sustainable green economy.
Moreover, his co-founding of The Cavendish Institute underscores his commitment to capacity-building and knowledge dissemination, particularly in the realm of international trade and economic diplomacy.
In his capacity as Group Executive Vice President and CEO (Africa and Middle East) of Numelec SA Group, Dr. Owie stands at the vanguard of transformative energy projects across the African continent and the Middle East. His leadership not only epitomizes visionary entrepreneurship but also exemplifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the frontiers of clean energy and sustainable development.
Yet, amidst the labyrinthine corridors of power and the exigencies of global commerce, Dr. Owie remains anchored to his core principles and values. A devout Catholic and Knight of the Order of Saint Columbus, his philanthropic endeavors and charitable works stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.
As the PDP navigates the intricate terrain of electoral politics, Dr. Owie emerges as a lodestar of hope and possibility, a bridge between the aspirations of the party faithful and the exigencies of governance. His candidacy for the deputy governor position is not merely a matter of political expediency but a clarion call to embrace a new paradigm of leadership—one rooted in integrity, intellect, and inclusivity.
In the tapestry of Edo State’s political landscape, Dr. Ese Owie’s candidacy represents a convergence of political astuteness, academic erudition, and moral rectitude—a beacon of hope in an age of uncertainty, a harbinger of change in a sea of stagnation.