In the space of time certain attributes come to define the persona of an individual. Such attributes which are often time-tested, presupposes those vital elements of trust, values, and a belief that the common good of humanity are cooked into it. Yours sincerely is not one to be carried away by arbitrary innuendos and shenanigans. Habits they say, “die hard”. This declaration is necessary to clear any insinuations of matters that may arise in this discuss. In the past, I have been inundated with requests to do with the pen, some ‘yeoman’s job of ‘whitening’ the image of political actors. Not an ‘FOC’ (free of charge) approach but with lots of sauce and juice. I repeatedly and politely declined and still decline such overtures because my very objective and professional journalistic DNA is not cut out for such non-evidence based write ups.

Today, I am voluntarily running out of my cocoon to burst my own bubble out of moral conviction and without any approach or gratification to do this. A few days ago, while taking time off a busy work schedule, I was looking through the WhatsApp status of a few contacts on my mobile phone when I stumbled onto a cute photograph of a gentleman in the true sense of it. I mean a very colossal yet humble, unassuming, quintessential, and amiable dude. The flyer I saw on his status displayed the message that he has thrown his ‘wise hat’ into the political ring to serve his community and his people of Etsako Federal Constituency. This son of the legendary Kukuruku Hills area in Edo State, is running to become a member of the Federal House of Representatives in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Straightaway, I put a call across to congratulate him for taking the bold step to serve the good people of Etsako, Edo State and by extension, Nigeria. Step in Engineer Moses Alaoye Omo-Ikirodah.

Born in Auchi Edo State into the family of Madam Veronica Abikwi and Elder John Omo-Ikirodah (of blessed memory) who hails from South Ibie community of Etsako West Local Government Area. The young Moses attended Iyerekhu Primary School, then Egba Grammar School as well as the famed Immaculate Conception College, ICC Benin City.  He showed at an early age, his uncommon dexterity in putting things together, fixing models and building frames. So, it came as no surprise a few years later, when he opted to study Mechanical Engineering at the prestigious Edo State University (now Ambrose Alli University) Ekpoma where he obtained a sound Bachelor of Science Degree.  He is a member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers and Certified member, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN. A former National Treasurer and later National Secretary of the Niger Delta Youth Movement (umbrella body for Niger Delta Youth Groups), Engr. Moses Omo-Ikirodah is the current Chairman of the Niger Delta Youth Movement Elders Council. He is happily married and blessed with three lovely children.

Like his dad, Late Elder John Omo-Ikirodah who was a great philanthropist, and successful business mogul, Engr. Moses is one determined personality with a buzz of directional push. He is not one to look down on people. He will always meet you half-way. A great listener who speaks very little, he is calm and measured with a heart full of compassion, care, and love for others. He is a deeply reliable and thoroughly dependable human who has got your back at any time. Unknown to many, the kind-hearted Engr. Moses Omo-Ikirodah has for many years quietly (without hitting the cymbals or seeking superficial aggrandisement) brought succour to many people. He has and continues to provide scholarships, bursaries, and mentorship to numerous students in Edo State. He has also given a helping hand to countless other less privilege people through personal welfare programs in his community and beyond. He is unapologetically one of the few good men I know, and it is evidential. You can take my word to the bank and cash out!

Speaking recently after picking the expression of interest form to contest for the ticket of the PDP for Etsako Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, this dynamic gentleman had one message. In his words, “my decision to serve my good people of Etsako Federal Constituency is first, it is second and it is third. Nothing else matters”.  As Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Modah Group, a leading Engineering and Construction firm based in Abuja, Engr. Moses Omo-Ikirodah brings a lot of private sector experience to the table. At a time when our polity is in dire need of excellence, his irk is surely a breath of fresh air. He has never forgotten his roots and has always identified with the yearnings and aspirations of his people.

So, time is now for all well-meaning sons and daughters of Etsako, Edo State across the landscape to embrace a committed, dedicated man on a mission to serve. He is primed to usher in a new page in democratic representation. A representation that will no doubt be done with the usual flare for excellence that is his lifestyle. The mantra is none other than - to positively influence the course of representative and all-inclusive governance for the benefit of the people and bring about a positive impact to the good people of Etsako Federal constituency in particular, Edo State and Nigeria in general. So shall it be!

Dr Agbons is founder of the Institute of Good Governance @www.twin2.org