By Nosa Omorodion
A POLITICAL REVELATION AND ENIGMA
Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s great strides have not only been manifest in the faith but also in his political life.
In 1999, upon the return of democratic government to Nigeria, Osagie Ize-Iyamu was appointed Chief of Staff to the Governor of Edo State, Dr. Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion.
As the Chief of Staff, from 1999-2003, he elevated the office to the enviable status of a melting pot of consultation, strategy and confidence building. Being someone led by the Holy Spirit, he became the man to trust and do business with – the rallying point of energies and ideas. He engineered the smooth and peaceful relationship that the State enjoyed with pensioners and Leaders of organized labour in Edo State as at that time.
In appreciation of his sterling performance as Chief of Staff, Osagie Ize-Iyamu was elevated to the position of Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in 2003. In this position of immense trust, he became a critical nexus and strategic catalyst of the government. He once again proved to be reliable, trust worthy and a positive force for managing ideas and resources.
Osagie Ize-Iyamu has continued to contribute to the political development of Edo State, outside of government, and for which he has been transcendentally acknowledged and celebrated. According to political pundits, since his great revelation on the political scene, whether in the ruling party or the opposition party, he has always been the issue while contemplating power equation in Edo State.
Osagie Ize-Iyamu is a politician that does not discriminate. He is highly detribalized, open to positive ideas, a motivator of positive agenda for government, a respecter of elders, social values and a crusader of fairness and social justice.
Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s bold footprints in partisan politics and public office in Edo State have been phenomenal in scope, depth and intensity. He is a calm and deep-thinking political architect whose courageous designs inspire the hope for good governance and democratic freedom.
Today, Osagie Ize-Iyamu is widely respected, acknowledged, and referred to as the “Leader” by both the elderly and the young. This is in recognition of his uncommon courage, wisdom, integrity and commitment to the advancement of the common good.
For his intellectual and tactical abilities, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has been entrusted with critical positions in party politics, among which are Vice Chairman, South South, ACN, Director-General, Governor Adams Oshiomhole Re-election Campaign Organization and Member, APC Constitution Drafting Committee. In all these assignments, he has discharged his responsibilities excellently.
He is an honorary doctorate degree holder of the Benson Idahosa University, Benin City. He has a legion of awards from various organizations across the country, in recognition of his contribution to humanity.
Osagie Ize-Iyamu is happily married to Pastor (Prof.) Idia Ize-Iyamu, a Consultant Orthodontist with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Professor in the University of Benin. They are blessed with four children.
