By Dr Philip Ugbodaga
Washington Osa Osifo needs no introduction in the political space in Nigeria as his fame continues to glow as he added another year to his age today. It behaves on his friends and associates to reflect on his journey so far, properly situate his numerous accomplishments and the many political interventions that have made him a household name in Edo State and the nation. Celebrating Washington has become virtually an avocational pursuit. He has bestridden an alluring domain and his place in history is assured.
Washington’s life does not lend itself to embellishments – it is an inspirational and captivating study of the triumph of mind over matter. He is what he is today not as a result of the circumstances of his birth, but how he was able to succeed in welding together his magnetic personality, intuitive communication skills, and emotional intelligence.
It is a truism that the world makes room for the man who knows his way. Washington knows his way.
Born to a humble and disciplined family, little Washington Osa Osifo attended Iguodala Primary School, Benin City before proceeding to Eghosa Grammar School, Benin City for his Secondary Education. Perhaps having an omen that he had greater days ahead of him, he was focused on acquiring more knowledge. Realizing early in life that Law was an instrument of social change, he decided to pursue a Law course of study at the Edo State Univeristy (now Ambrose Alli Univeristy), Ekpoma, Edo State from where he also obtained a Masters degree before proceeding to the University of Benin, Benin City for a Master degree in Political Science and Public Administration (MPA). He only recently obtained a Doctoral degree in Politics and International Relations.
Hon Washington Osifo’s advent into politics was predicated on a patriotic desire to offer selfless service to his people at the grassroots. His public service has seen him at the Edo State Oil And Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (Edsogpadec) Sept. 2007 – April, 2009; Uhunmwode Local Government Council, Ehor, Edo State April 2009 – Nov. 2010 as Secretary; Honourable Commissioner for Secondary, Technical and Tertiary Education, Edo State Ministry of Education, from May 2013 to October 2015 and thereafter as Honourable Commissioner for Energy And Water Resources from October 2015 to November, 2016. In all these positions of responsibilities, he demonstrated industry, innovation, diligence, courage and served with distinction. He was elected into the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), during the 2019 general elections to represent Uhunmwonde State Constituency but was disallowed by the state apparatus from taking up his seat alongside thirteen other colleagues of a twenty four member house in a high wire political game unresolved till date. Despite the temporary political setback, he has invested his talent, energy and resources and has worked tirelessly to make this world a better place. For his efforts, his immediate constituency regard him as a beacon of acceptance, braveness and fearless leadership. He remains a fantastic role model for all those seeking to understand how to make an impact with their life
His courage, resilience and tenacity of purpose in the pursuit of his political goals have, no doubt, stood him out as a man of character and courage. He has proven over the years that he cannot be intimidated nor coaxed while his hallmark remains his ability to stand by the truth at all-times despite all odds. What you cannot take away from Washington is his cerebral gratification, good name, largesse and uncommon wit.
As a good communicator with his panache, swagger and impeccable use of words to uplift and inspire the human spirit, he is always a delight to listen to whenever he discusses Nigeria and world political issues. His profound interpretation of the law, commitment to duty and the overall zeal to ensure success in spite of all odds, has singled out this great son of Edo State.
Notwithstanding the political upheavals and myriad of problems bedeviling the Edo political space, Hon Washington Osifo remains calm, calculated, and affable, He is nonetheless very much prepared to continue in offering his best to his beloved Uhunmwode people and the State. He is caught in the vortex of the eternal battle between good and evil, equality and inequality and between darkness and light, with the firm conviction that light will eventually triumph. I have often asked him why he is in politics and Washington, a primogenitor of many firsts that lends irrevocable credence to how much commitment he invests in his personal endeavors has often answered with a quotation attributed to Margaret Thatcher: ‘I am in politics because of the conflict between good and evil, and I believe that in the end good will triumph.’”His views about the need to enthrone responsible leadership in Edo State has remained consistent and perspicacious and his focused struggles towards the freedom of a beleaguered people remain unparalleled and enthralled.
Hon. Washington Osifo’s life of struggle can be summarized in the oath of a Knight of King Arthur’s and the Legend of the Round Table and should be for all of us to take to heart – “I will develop my life for the greater good. I will place character above riches, and concern for others above personal wealth, I will never boast, but cherish humility instead, I will speak the truth at all times, and forever keep my word, I will defend those who cannot defend themselves, I will honor and respect women, and refute sexism in all its guises, I will uphold justice by being fair to all, I will be faithful in love and loyal in friendship, I will abhor scandals and gossip-neither partake nor delight in them, I will be generous to the poor and to those who need help, I will forgive when asked, that my own mistakes will be forgiven, I will live my life with courtesy and honor from this day forward.
I pray that the years ahead bring you more of God’s strength, thew, tenacity, and sinew to continue to be of service to humanity.
