OPINION: POI, A Man With A Vision On A Mission

By  Collyns Okonofua

How to succinctly capture the virtues of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a quintessential gentleman, patriot and genius, poses a challenge indeed. This is because of his multi-dimensional sides and faces. The ebullience of his character, the sagacity of his posturing and the eminence of his status and stature are most worthy of acclaim. 

In the arena of politics where he gained prominence upon his appointment as Chief of Staff to the government of Chief Lucky Igbinedion, and later as Secretary to State Government, it is widely acknowledged that he was the soul and life of that government. This position he attained not by throwing his weight around but by deftly navigating the very murky waters of the politics of that time, by the application of uncommon wisdom. 

This is attested to by the fact that for a man who left government in 2007, and has not taken a government contract or position since then, it requires uncommon skill and grace for that man to become even more relevant today to the extent that there can be no credible assessment of the people who have shaped events in Edo state in the last two decades or so without his name occupying a star boy position. 

In the church arena, Pastor Osagie embodies the combination of grace, wisdom and uncommon knowledge that distinguishes him amongst pastors. For a man who is engaged in the very demanding territory of politics to still be able to discharge his ecclesiastical duties creditably and to the admiration of all, is also deserving of enthusiastic approval. 

As a philanthropist and a man whose life is characterized by enthusiasm and vigorous pursuit of establishing people in the faith, he has singlehandedly erected many places of worship which can only be described as edifices, as he attributes all his successes to the mercies of God, and therefore withholds nothing in honoring God with his substance. When you add the fact that embedded in his regular wage bill are the school fees and medical bills of many of the needy, as well as countless number of elderly people, and those from needy backgrounds, you will get an idea of his humaneness and his capacity to show benevolence and compassion. 

The outstanding peculiarities of these acts of high moral standards is that he does them bereft of any noise or fanfare. There goes one of the secrets of his remarkable and numerous successes. 

On the home front, Pastor Osagie is ably supported by his dear prolific and amiable wife, the erudite Professor Idia, a consultant odontologist at the prestigious University of Bénin, a woman who is deeply spiritual and highly cerebral, who personifies humility and candor, and has stood by her husband, giving him full fledged support and prayers. His children are all well behaved and doing well, just as their illustrious father. 

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is indeed a man of many parts, an administrator, an astute politician, a philanthropist, an astoundingly kindhearted man whose compassionate heart paradoxically lies behind an inscrutable mien, that can sometimes be misunderstood. 

It has been my privilege to have known this man for decades, a friendship which I hold, respect and cherish to this day. 

The events playing out today in the political arena in Edo state are in tandem with the word God gave back in 2016 when POI first threw his hat into the ring. 

For those who have eyes to see beyond the physical, this is clearly Pastor Osagie’s time. 

Habakkuk 2:2 -3

“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”

His vision has been so eloquently captured in the “Simple Agenda” pamphlet, a document that states in clear and definite terms what plans he has to turn Edo state to Eldorado.

 He also states unequivocally how he plans to ensure the timeous completion of every project encapsulated in the Simple Agenda. “Write the vision, and make it plain.”

Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

“For the vision is for an appointed time.”

And we all say in one voice and with one accord that “The Time Is Now.”

The days ahead beckon with great hope for what GOD has in store. The frenzy which his recent declaration of intention to contest the governorship election come September 2024 has generated, is a sure sign of the weight he carries. Amongst the formidable array of aspirants, Pastor Osagie stands tall, both metaphorically and physically, as a colossus. 

This is the man Edo people are yearning for. What is heard clearly in the nooks and crannies of Edo state are cries of lamentations and regret for abandoning a man such as POI and going for someone whose only remarkable soundbite till date has been his ability to sign spurious and worthless MOUs, an act he has elevated as the centerpiece of his administration. Indeed Edo people enthusiastically await September 2024 to remedy and set right the deleterious and unpardonable mistake they made in 2020 having been misled by a hogwash, dubious and meaningless slogan, “Edo nor be Lagos.” But we can see the difference between Lagos and Edo today after Edo people erroneously handed the reins of government to a man whose acts have shown clearly the wickedness of his heart. 

And God has so richly endowed Pastor Osagie with an incredible capacity to be so phenomenal that it can only be for a glorious purpose and destiny!!

POI is a man with a vision, on a mission, with the capacity, sagacity, forthrightness, clear focus and political adroitness to steer the ship of Edo state. 

And we say again, THE TIME IS NOW!!!

His friends cut across the high and mighty in society, as well as the lowly with whom he blends effortlessly. A man so richly endowed with the fine things of life, yet he’s so easily at home with the mighty who indeed flock to him regularly for counsel on boardroom politics and business, while also being at home with the lowly, playing with them the game of draught which he relishes to the point of establishing and funding an international draught competition, through which also many have received empowerment. This also speaks of his love for sports generally, and football particularly.

It is not surprising therefore to find within his compound table tennis boards, a basketball court, a swimming pool, and a large football field where competitions are organized on a regular basis, and the winners are rewarded with various sizes of handsome envelopes (not necessarily brown).

The beauty of this is that these are done bereft of any political colorations, but just a display of his avid love for sports and for humanity.

A great thinker indeed, you’re not likely to find any challenge confronting Edo people for which POI has not fathomed a solution. A real son of the soil, (Omotor) he’s not a stranger to any part of the state and does not discriminate on the basis of the imaginary dichotomy between the north, south and central parts of the state. As far as POI is concerned, Edo okpamakhin. What we have seen so far of POI is just the tip of the iceberg of what he’s sent to do. 

The days to come are yet pregnant with great expectations and manifestations. 

May the days of POI be long, may his path be smooth, and may the grace of God abide and abound towards him manifestly and continually. 

For all those who wish him well and are committed to seeing his emergence first as the candidate of the party, and also as the Governor of Edo state come November 2024, may it be well with us, and may all of us see the manifestation of our desires. 

I come in peace!!

Pastor Collyns Okonofua writes from Benin-City, Edo State. 

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