As the 2023 general election enters full gear with the conclusion of primaries by all political parties, where candidates for the elections have emerged. While the election promises to be a watershed moment in our electoral history, not only because of an administration coming to the fullness of its term but also because recognizing the all importance of politcs to all aspects of life, technocrats and professionals, who have hitherto stayed away from politics have been making their ways to the political scene to make their own contribution to societal and nation building. One of such professionals is Pharmacist Ejikenne Omeje, who hails from Nsukka LGA of Enugu State and is seeking to represent Nuskka/Igbo – Eze federal constituency at the House of Representative in the 10th National Assembly.
Omeje’s sojourn into politics began last year when he joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the reregistration and revalidation exercise ordered by the Governor Buni led interim executive committee. while it came as a surprise to many who consider politics to banal for such a splendid character, for others it was long overdue given his humanitarian principles, his wide network and philanthropic engagements in a political climate yearning for new ideas and new ways of doing things. A move considered by many as a turning point for the APC in Enugu state.
A detribalized, urbane and forward looking Nigerian, Omeje a native of Ubogidi, Edem-Ani had his primary education at Federal Polytechnic Idah Staff School and came out with distinction. He went further for his secondary education at Federal Goverenment College, Ugwolawo, where he graduated with flying colours. He is a proud graduate of the great University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and one of the best graduating students in his set. He also embarked on various professional courses – that is related to his field, and as expected, emerged with discerning performances. In 2013 he graduated with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) From the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University.
Happily married with three lovely kids, Pharmacist Omeje has contributed immensely to his field of endeavour and to society as a whole at various times and in different capacities. For instance, He has worked in different pharmceutical companies, like multinatinational drugmakers, Evans Medical Plc and was instrumental to the developmental strides of the company. He also facilitated employment opportunties for people from His Federal constituency. Going by His passion for humanity, he thought it wise to open up his own private bussiness. Contemporarily, he is an employer of labour, hence, striving to stem the tide of unemployment in Nigeria.
Against this background, Pharmacist Ejikenne Omeje’s emergence in Enugu State is a child of neccessity. He is contesting for a seat in the Federal House of Reperesentative, to represent Nsukka/ Igbo – Eze South Federal constituency, under the All Progrssives Congress. His constituency requires adequate representation and the personality in questiion is the only person for the job, going by his political sagacity, clout and charirisma.
The vantage position, Pharmacist Ejikenne Omeje exercises over all other candidates for the position in question are are as itemized.
- He has a staff strenth of over 250 people – mostly from His constituency, there by showing concern for the unemployment situation in Nigeria. In other words, if he gets to the federal house of representatives, best is expected of Him.
- He is GOD fearing, a philantropist and shows commitment to humanity.
- He is an astute politician with intellect and a good party man.
- He is a bridge builder, hence a peace maker.
- He is passionate about Nigerian youths and also a youth developer. For example, majority, if not all off his staff are from the youth population.
- He is gender sensitive, going by his commitment towards empowering women from his constituency.
- Lastly, but not the least, the enigma in question is young, intelligent and versatile. In another words, He knows the problems of his contituents and knows the right measures and approaches to resolve them.
Speaking on his purpose for joining politics and the race to represent Nsukka and Igbo- Eze South Federal constituency at the green chamber in 2023, he disclosed that having garnered remarkable professional and administrative experiences and at the same time listened to the loud cry of people from Nsukka /Igboeze South Federal Constituency for 16 years with same narrative of governmental neglect from Local Government, State & Federal level , that is why he has decided to throw his hat into the ring.
Omeje said, “Without even being a representative, I have been able to extract commitment from Honourable Minister of State for Education that 20% of Non academic staff to be employed in Federal Polytechnic ,Ohodo will be Nsukka people ,because it’s a sine qua non as host community. In my personal businesses, I have employed not less than 12 Nsukka Pharmacists and about 10 non Pharmacists. When ,I was in Evans Medical Pls as an Executive Manager , I facilitated the employment of 42 Nsukka Pharmacists all spread across Nsukka cultural zone and about 80 Pharmacists from Enugu state.
In a nutshell, Pharmacist Ejikenne omeje and his ambition to run for the position in question is long overdue. The people of his constituency needs his calibre for the job. His advent in the politiocal milieu of Enugu State therefore, is a welcome development and a child of necessity.
ATABOR, Damian Idoko,
Public Affairs Analyst.
