Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has emerged the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, for the Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 10, 2016.
Here’s his profile below:
Biography
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu was born on 21th June 1962 into the family of Late Chief Robert Osayande Ize-Iyamu, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom and Mrs. Magdalene N. Ize-Iyamu (nee Obasohan).
He is happily married to Pastor (Dr) Idia Ize-Iyamu, a Consultant Orthodontist with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and an Associate Professor in the University of Benin. They are blessed with four children.
Education
Pastor Osagie Andrew Ize-Iyamu completed his primary education at Ebenezer Nursery and Primary School, Benin City in 1973. He graduated with the best result in the common entrance in the then Midwestern region.
He then went to Edo College in 1979 where he once again obtained the best result in the art class in West Africa Certificate Examination (WAEC).
He applied to study Political Science at the University of Benin, Benin city in 1980. He changed to Law the next session and graduated with top honour in 1985/1986. He proceeded to the Nigeria Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar afterward in 1987.
Recently, he was honoured by the Benson Idahosa University with an honorary doctorate degree in Public Administration.
How he became a Pastor
In 1995 Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu met God through a harrowing experience when he had an almost fatal accident that changed the course of his life forever. Unconscious for nine hours, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu suffered dislocated hips and fractured toes.
God himself being the ultimate physician healed him at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi. Surprised by his miraculous deliverance on his dislocated hips returned to their original positions and overwhelmed by the divine favour and words of his wife to use this privilege to give his life to the service of God, his creator, Pastor Osagie joined the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where he grew in knowledge and wisdom about God and church administration.
In 1998, he was made Pastor of the Upper Room Parish of the Church, located at Adesuwa Road, G.R.A., Benin City. He raised the hitherto small parish (branch) to the biggest RCCG church in Edo State. He was later appointed the Area pastor of the GRA 1 Area church overseeing three parishes with headquarters at the Upper Room parish, and became an inspiration to thousands of youth in Edo State. Today, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is the District Pastor, Overseeing Zonal, Area and parishes of the RCCG in Edo State. Besides, he is in charge of the provincial regional headquarter parish in Benin City.
Business
He set up I.O Farms Training Institute- a model farm settlement at Ugbor-Amagba communities, Benin City, Edo State.
Political Career and Positions held in Government
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu during his university days was a vibrant member of the Student Union Congress. That experience helped him see to the election of Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, as the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Benin City, in 1983, under the zero party system.
After his sojourn into private legal practice and business, he was appointed as the Chief of Staff, Government House, Edo State, under the administration of Dr. Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, Executive Governor of Edo State- an evidence of the virtues of loyalty and trust.
As the Chief of Staff, from 1999-2003, he elevated the office to the enviable status of a melting pot of consultation, strategy and confidence building. He was later on elevated to the position of Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
He was the National Vice Chairman, South-South Zone of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
He was the Director General of Oshiomhole’s 2nd term Campaign Organisation.
He was also the Coordinator of Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Organisation
