Draft:Olugbenga Edema

Hon. Olugbenga Omogbemi Edema is a Nigerian politician, lawyer, mentor, philanthropist, and leader, born on November 15, 1966, in Ogogoro, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Education He commenced his educational journey at L.A. Primary School, Ogogoro, Ilaje Local Government Area, from 1972-1976, and later continued at Urban Community School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, completing his elementary education in 1977. His secondary education began at Erinje Grammar School, Ode-Erinje, and culminated at Doherty Memorial Grammar School, Ijero-Ekiti, from 1977-1982. He pursued further studies at the University of Ibadan Extra-Mural classes, obtaining his A/Level Certificate in 1984. Subsequently, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 1990, followed by a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of Ibadan in 1999. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2001 after attending the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja.

Career Hon. Edema's career spans various sectors. He served as General Manager (Operations) at Takei International Investments Limited, Akure, Ondo State, from 1992 to 1993. His commitment to service began during his university days, holding significant positions such as Assistant Secretary General of the Nigerian Universities Geography Students Association (NUGSA) and President of various student associations.

Political Engagement His political journey commenced in 1990 as a Delegate to the Local Government Congress of the Social Democratic Party. Notable roles include serving as Electoral Officer during the Gubernatorial Primary of the Social Democratic Party in 1991 and participating as a Delegate to the 1993 National Convention of the SDP. He has been associated with various political parties including the Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He served as a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly from 2011-2015 and chaired the Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on OSOPADEC from 2011-2014.

Service and Achievements During his tenure as Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) and as a member of the State House of Assembly, he demonstrated exemplary leadership, sponsoring development-oriented bills and facilitating youth empowerment initiatives. Notable among his achievements is the establishment of MEMPHIS Micro Finance Bank to cater to the financial needs of the OSOPADEC mandate area. Additionally, he established Coastville Global Resources Ltd., focusing on real estate and property development.

Professional Affiliations As a distinguished Attorney-at-Law, Hon. Edema is a member of several professional associations including the Nigerian Bar Association, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria), Society for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Chartered Institute of Taxation Nigeria (CITN), Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), and the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN).

Community Engagement A devout Anglican, he serves as the Registrar of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Ilaje, and holds the title of Asiwaju of St. David’s Anglican Church, Ogogoro, Ilaje Local Government Area.

Personal Life Hon. Gbenga Edema is happily married and blessed with children.

With over three decades of service to the people of Ondo State and humanity, encompassing legislative, executive, and legal experiences, Hon. Olugbenga Omogbemi Edema brings a wealth of expertise to the governance landscape.