Edo Guber: Business Community Rallies Support for Obaseki

The governorship ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, received a major boost yesterday, as friends and business associates hosted a fundraiser in his honour at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.

Themed: ‘An Evening With GO’, the event, which was well attended by top business leaders, captains of industry, party leaders and government functionaries, also served as the formal launch of ‘The Essential GO’ book – a testimonial biography on the life and passion of Godwin Obaseki.

In his Foreword to the book, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola,  noted: “Godwin Obaseki is truly a remarkable figure with limitless talent, a big heart, and a self-effacing, down-to-earth personal style that gives no indication of his extraordinary accomplishments.” 

“The Essential GO: An Insight into the Life & Passion of Godwin Obaseki is as much for those who have had a personal encounter with Godwin Obaseki as it is for those who haven’t. The underlying theme of the book, as mirrored by the exemplary life of Godwin Obaseki, is that true greatness can only be achieved through a life of purpose and service.”

 Attesting to Obaseki’s enterprise, President and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited and Africa’s most successful businessman, Aliko Dangote, stated in the book: “After over three decades in business, I have learnt that personal integrity is as important as executive skill in business dealings, and Godwin has both in abundance. 

“Godwin is a thoroughbred financial expert: His work with Afrinvest – and as a member of several government committees – speaks volumes of his abilities. Whether in private enterprise or public administration, I have absolutely no doubt that Godwin will make a success of any venture he aspires to.” 

In his testimonial, the Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) stated, “Godwin is a sound professional who understands the linkages between business and the economic well being of the people. Perhaps, his strongest quality is his high integrity. His  ‘can do’ attitude and friendly personality also make him a great and dependable leader.” 

The Essential GO also featured statements by many other notable business leaders and financial experts including Hakeem Bello-Osagie, Chairman of Etisalat Nigeria; Asue Ighodalo, Chairman, Sterling Bank Plc; Phillips Oduoza, GMD, UBA Plc; Ike Chioke, MD, Afrinvest West Africa Limited; and Evelyn Oputu, former MD, Bank of Industry, among others. They extolled Obaseki’s strong values of honesty and diligence while also highlighting his exceptional business savvy, excellent administrative capacities, dynamic leadership style and commitment to service.

 Responding to the outpouring of support at the event, Obaseki said: “I am deeply humbled by the vote of confidence passed on me by colleagues in the financial services sector and the business community at large. As Chairman of the Edo State Government’s Economic and Strategy Team since 2009, I have a firm grasp of the economic and developmental challenges of the state, and I pledge to use all my experience in my over 30 year career in the international and domestic corporate finance market to reengineer the economy of Edo State for the prosperity of the people.” 

Among the business leaders in attendance were Dapo Osinusi, Chairman, Mansfield Energy; Asue Ighodalo, Chairman, Sterling Bank Plc; Peter Obaseki, Managing Director, First City Monument Bank; Ike Chioke, CEO of Afrinvest West Africa Limited; David Ladipo, Managing Director, Azura Power Limited; and Victor Ogiemwonyi, Managing Director, Partnership Investment Limited

Also present were key party leaders and government functionaries including Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Leader of the APC; Chief John Oyegun, National Chairman of the Party; Comrade Adams Oshiomole, Governor of Edo State; Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor of Lagos State; and Fashola.