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Deacon Kawhariebie Kennedy Pela, is a distinguished economist by training, investment banker, developer, and ardent wealth creator by passion. He hails from a large family steeped in political heritage, which has deeply influenced his endeavors and aspirations.

Early Life

Also known as Ken Pela was born at Eku Baptist Hospital on August 28, 1964, to parents Late Solomon O. Pela, the then principal of Baptist High School, Agbor, and his wife, Florence Pela who was a successful trader. S.O Pela often referred to Kennedy as his second first son of his 10 children because Ken was the seventh and was born after he had just returned from his studies abroad in 1963.

In his early life, Ken Pela attended Emotan Primary School, Benin City, and Baptist High School, Orerokpe before completing his studies at Government College, Ughelli in Delta State in 1974. With an enterprising spirit and an intense love of country, while several of his siblings chose to travel abroad for studies, Ken had always wanted to "make it at home" in Nigeria with the dream of building a legacy.

Education and Qualifications

Pela earned a B.Sc. in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin. He is also an esteemed member of the Integrated Institute for Professional Managers, holding the Executive Leadership Development Certification. Moreover, Ken is a Certified Senior Human Resources Professional and a Lead Project Management Professional of the Institute.

Professional Career

Pela began his illustrious career in banking in 1986 with New Nigeria Bank (which eventually became Unity Bank Plc.) as a Management Trainee. He gradually moved through various roles, including branch banking, credit management, and Corporate Finance, culminating as the Assistant Corporate Finance Manager. In 1992, he transitioned from First Interstate Merchant Bank (also later integrated into Unity Bank Plc.) where he was a Manager of Corporate and Investment Banking to establish an investment holding and financial services company known as Capital Resources Consortium Ltd (CapReCon). As the MD/CEO of CapReCon Diversified Investments Ltd., a Credit and Money Market Company, Pela played a pivotal role in the establishment of four community banks (now rebranded as Microfinance Banks) and other financial establishments.

Despite the financial turbulence of the 1990s, particularly in the aftermath of the annulment of the 1993 elections by then-President Ibrahim Babangida, Pela's entrepreneurial spirit remained undeterred. This determination, combined with his deep faith and passion for excellence, led him to establish numerous enterprises across various economic sectors.

He is the Chairman/CEO of Etoken Ventures Worldwide Ltd., MD/CEO of ACRC Ltd, Chairman/CEO of Exusia Energy Ltd, Vice-Chairman/CEO of Citiprops Ltd, Founder of Eden Gardens, and Director of Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Company Ltd. (Agropro) , amongst others.

Political Heritage

Ken Pela's lineage boasts of individuals who have been elected members of office, significantly shaping Nigeria's political history. Before embarking on his political journey, Ken's Father, Late Solomon Ovware Pela fondly referred to as S.O. Pela, completed teacher's training and earned a Baptist scholarship to study abroad. He attended Fisk University, Tennessee USA, and then, maximized his scholarship by completing his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in History in a span of three years. In Nigeria's First Republic, after returning to Nigeria, S.O. Pela representing the Urhobo Nation was elected to the Mid-West House of Assembly in Nigeria.

Late Dr. Ona Alaric Pela, Ken's eldest brother, followed the political footsteps of their father. In 1971, Ona Pela attended American College in Massachusetts before attending the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California where he simultaneously obtained a Master's in Psychology and a Doctorate in Pharmacy. In 1978, He returned to Nigeria, and in 1983, he was elected to the House of Assembly, Bendel State. However, both of their political aspirations were halted due to Nigeria's short-lived 1st and 2nd Republics, which tragically ended because of military coups.

Ken Pela's Political Journey

In 2000, spurred by a call to active politics and a vision for change, Ken Pela sought to serve his community by contesting for the Chairmanship of the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. Ken described his commitment, "In obedience to this call, I entered the race for the Chairmanship of my Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State in the year 2000 with a 'vision of hope, a vision of development, a vision of a better life, and a brighter future for us and our children.'" Despite his genuine commitment and winning the first and only direct primaries under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Pela was prevented from becoming Chairman due to political interference by "the system", the power structure within the PDP. This setback, however, did not deter Ken from his passion for service.

As of 2023, Ken Pela stepped onto the larger political stage, running as the Governorship candidate for Delta State under the Labor party, a political party poised to win the Nigerian Presidency. With an 8 point agenda, he promised that he would bring visionary leadership to the state after many wasted years under the ruling party

Public Service

Ken Pela's belief in transformational leadership extended to the public sector. He served as a member and Acting Chairman of the Governing Council of the National Institute for Sports (NIS). During his tenure, he spearheaded the NI Sports Vision, an ambitious initiative that sought to make the NIS a self-reliant pillar of sports in Nigeria. This initiative culminated in the organization of the unique Emerging Athlete Games (Emerga Games) held in Abuja in 2006, in collaboration with the Nigeria Schools Sports Federation (NSSF).

He also played a significant role as the Chairman of the Board of Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Ltd between 2007 and 2009, leading the institution's transformation from Delta Building Society Ltd. Additionally, he contributed as a member of the Governing Council of Delta School of Marine Technology from 2011 to 2014.

Personal Life

Outside of his professional endeavors, Ken Pela is an ordained deacon of the Grace Trybe. He is happily married to Deaconess Margaret Pela a former banker and Chief Cook of Margie's Cook'n, and is a proud father of five children.

Legacy

Through his myriad of roles, companies, public service, and now a formidable political journey, Deacon Kawhariebie Ken Pela continues to make an indelible mark. Inspired by his family's political heritage and guided by his deep faith and unwavering commitment to service, Pela stands as a beacon of hope for Delta State and Nigeria at large. His story remains a testament to the possibility of effecting change through passion, faith, and an undying spirit of service.