BY ALEX OVIE
He is a household name not because he is a descendant of the notable Edo dynasty of Igbide kingdom, but like the proverbial chip off the old block, he has carved a niche for himself, creating a life larger than most people his age could only dream. He is Chief Hon. Prosper Iwoma Edo, Omonotomo of Igbide kingdom and the amiable special Assistant to the Delta state Governor on DESOPADEC matters.
Prosper Iwomatejor Edo was born on October 14, 1978 in Igbide, son of devout Christians Elder Daniel Idebe and Deaconess Rose Enakowho Edo. The very handsome, indomitable, committed and resolute revolutionist grew up in a Christian home where the tenets of purposeful living were inculcated in him.
His father Elder Daniel Idebe Edo of blessed memory was a famous business tycoon overseeing numerous flourishing trading stores spread across the Niger Delta region in the 60s, 70s and 80s. He was also known during his life time to be a very generous man who mentored and assisted many Igbide indigenes including close relatives to find life’s bearing.
With a sound primary and secondary education in his kitty, Prosper was admitted into the Delta State University, Abraka where he studied Economics and obtained his first degree. He thereafter served in Osun State to fulfil the mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps Programme required of all Nigerian graduates.
He followed up his quest and hunger for more academic honours and enduring qualitative education by enrolling for a Master’s degree program in Economics also from the same university and was rewarded with an MSc in Economics.
From that humble beginning, Prosper is today an entrepreneur, thoroughbred politician and philanthropist whose charitable disposition has touched the lives of hundreds of people.
Having said that, it is instructive to note that Prosper Edo’s story will not be complete without the mention of his mentor, boss and benefactor, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, MD/CEO DESOPADEC, a master political tactician, administrator par excellence, Philanthropist of immeasurable standard and an icon in Delta State politics through whom providence used to design his entry into politics.
And like a faithful and loyal mentee, Prosper has teen following the footsteps of his mentor, a principled politician whose mission in politics is to touch people’s lives positively.
Without doubt, since his entry into the political scene, Prosper Edo’s contributions to the socio-economic development of Igbide land especially in the area of youth empowerment has continued to ginger the spirit of the people to embrace and recognize his selfless leadership and philanthropy.
He is the initiator and founder of the programme known as Prosper Edo Empowerment Programme, a non-governmental organization, NGO devoted to alleviating the plight of women and youths by empowering them to be more efficient in the discharge of their responsibilities to the community and the society at large. Over the years, the scheme has given hope and succour to a large number of men and women in Igbide kingdom who are successfully established in various economic ventures.
Today, over one thousand (1,000) youths have so far graduated in various trade and vocations and each has been provided with working tools as well as take-off grants to enable them start up their own businesses.
Interestingly, another phase of the Prosper Edo Empowerment program is expected to hold in the month of December 2021, where over fifty (50) trained artisans will be provided with starter packs as well as take-off grants. A firm believer in qualitative education as one of the most tested ways to close the gap between poverty and wealth, Prosper has awarded scholarships to many youths in the community and has also been deeply involved in community development. Most families in Igbide remember him when their children exhibit their academic prowess courtesy of Prosper Edo Educational Support Scheme.
A brilliant young man with tremendous grassroots following, Prosper Edo who is also the founder of Omonotomo Political Forum is undeniably the hope of the youths of Igbide. He has dared and braved all odds to emerge as the new political David of our time with his brand of politics. “As we look forward into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others” so says Bill Gates. The above thought-provoking lines perfectly fits into Prosper Edo’s path.
As we celebrate chief Prosper Edo on his birthday, we celebrate a transformative leader, a leader who has the interest of the populace at heart, an Apostle of youth Empowerment and a true politician who knows the way, shows the way and goes the way. Isoko and perhaps Delta State needs a selfless and committed politician like him especially at this critical period for the development of the nation’s socio-political and economic sphere. To the birthday boy, one can only pray to God to continue to decorate his life with good health.
This is wishing him many happy returns and wishing to continue to see him in higher leadership positions where he can better improve the lots of his people. Happy birthday to a pace-setter and torch bearer of the emerging leaders in our state and nation. Congratulations!
