Things you never knew about Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki

Mr Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the new governor-elect of Edo state after he defeated his closest rival Pastor Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).Here are some less-known facts about the governor-elect:

1. Early life

6 facts to know about Edo state governor-elect Godwin Obaseki

Chief Agho Obaseki

Godwin Obaseki is a son of the famous Obaseki family. One of the family’s most popular sons was Chief Agho Obaseki, who was the great great grand son of the Obi of Nsukwa, in the now Aniocha region of the Delta state of Nigeria.

As a young child, he went to St. Matthews Anglican primary school, Benin city. His secondary education was at Eghosa Anglican Grammar school, also in Benin city.

2. Education

6 facts to know about Edo state governor-elect Godwin Obaseki

After secondary school, he attended the University of Ibadan where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Classics.

For his MBA in Finance and International Business, he attended the Columbia University and Pace University in New York, the United States of America.

He is also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers, Nigeria, and an alumnus of the Lagos Business School Chief Executive.

3. Family life

6 facts to know about Edo state governor-elect Godwin Obaseki

Mr Godwin Obaseki with his wife Mrs Betsy Obaseki

Apart from being from the famous and illustrious Obaseki family. He is married to Betsy Obaseki.

 4. Career

6 facts to know about Edo state governor-elect Godwin Obaseki

Godwin Obaseki has held many official posts within Edo state

Godwin Obaseki was the chairman of the Edo state Economic and Strategy Team (EST), which was inaugurated by Governor Adams Oshiomole in March 2009.

He also serves as an executive board member of several private companies including Afrinvest, Dorman Long Engineering Limited, Pillar Oil Limited, Seric Impianti International Limited.

He was the founding secretary of a New York based US Africa Chamber of Commerce in 1992, which promoted US organisations doing business in Africa.

5. Obaseki’s NGO

6 facts to know about Edo state governor-elect Godwin Obaseki

Godwin Obaseki is also a trustee in a family NGO

He also serves as trustee, in the Dr Jackson Owen Obaseki Foundation, a family owned NGO, which is involved in providing free educational and health services to the less priviledged people.

6. Achievements

He was the chairman of the following entities:

– Tax Assessment Review Committee for Edo State Internal Revenue Service (TARC).

– Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

– Committee on the Implementation of the Law Establishing the Edo State University of Science and Technology, Uzaire

He was also the secretary, committee on Contributory Pension Scheme.

On Thursday, September 29, he has been declared as the governor-elect of Edo state.