Godwin Obaseki

Godwin Obaseki: Nigerian Politician and Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki (born July 1, 1957) is a Nigerian politician and businessman who currently serves as the Executive Governor of Edo State, Nigeria. A member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), he is recognized for his background in investment banking and administration, which has informed his focus on economic reforms and infrastructure development during his tenure as governor. Early Life and Education Godwin Obaseki was born in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, into the prominent Obaseki family. He received his early education at St. Matthew's Primary School and Eghosa Grammar School in Benin City. For his higher education, he attended the University of Ibadan, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics. Obaseki later pursued advanced education abroad, completing his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance and International Business at Columbia University, New York, in 1983. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS). Career Progression Obaseki began his professional career in 1983 at the New York-based financial firm, AVC Funds Limited, where he worked as a Project Management Consultant. He later transitioned into investment banking, accumulating experience across several reputable financial institutions. In 1995, he founded Afrinvest West Africa Limited (formerly Securities Transactions & Trust Company Limited - SecTrust), a top investment banking and securities trading firm in Nigeria. Under his leadership as chairman, Afrinvest became a key player in the Nigerian financial market, specializing in asset management, financial advisory services, and securities trading. Political Career and Major Achievements Obaseki’s political career began with his role as the Chairman of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team, an advisory body established by then-Governor Adams Oshiomhole in March 2009. He served in this capacity until 2016, leading the efforts to attract investments and restructure the state's finances. Gubernatorial Tenure: Obaseki first successfully ran for Governor of Edo State in 2016 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His campaign focused heavily on industrialization, job creation, and educational reform, encapsulated in his "EdoBEST" program for basic education. He was re-elected for a second term in September 2020. This election followed a significant political dispute that led him to defect from the APC to the PDP shortly before the polls. His major achievements have included significant reforms in public finance management, investments in education (EdoBEST), healthcare, and infrastructure development, particularly in roads and technology. He is also noted for spearheading the construction of the Edo Innovation Hub and the Edo Production Centre. Notable Works While his primary influence is political, Obaseki’s most notable works are the institutional and policy reforms implemented during his governorship. The EdoBEST program has received national recognition for leveraging technology to improve primary school teaching and learning outcomes. His administration also focused on digitizing government processes to enhance internally generated revenue and service delivery. Current Status Godwin Obaseki currently serves as the Executive Governor of Edo State, Nigeria. His second term is set to conclude in November 2024. He continues to focus on strengthening the state’s economy, promoting digital skills, and completing key infrastructural projects.