By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
A leading Oredo House of Representatives hopeful, Mr Osaro Onaiwu (Jr) has provided insights into his unique selling proposition, Oredo First” saying it was not ” invented” to disparage anyone or other LGA’s in the state but essentially to set his campaign apart from the rest of the pack.
He further noted that the idea of “Oredo First” was originally his, adding it does not in any way disparage or reduce the other LGA’s as playing second fiddle.
Throwing more light on the essence behind the catchphrase, Osaro explained that it simply emphasises the pre-eminence as well as the importance attached to Oredo’s interests over and above other considerations.
The “Oredo First” mantra has become a popular sing-song and reference point among supporters of the American trained graduate of Guidance and Counselling, who insists his constituents come first rather than the conventional method wherein politicians hype their faces and names.
He said, “Before now, politicians used to hype their names and faces on campaign materials without the least consideration for the people. I refused to put my name because I prefer to be non-partisan. As a people-oriented person, I think I should err on the side of the people rather than follow the norm even when it is obvious it leads to nowhere. Voters are not persuaded by the names and faces of the candidate instead, they go for the tangible such as what can the candidate offer or what can he bring to the table. That’s the ideology I’m trying to put across to my fellow aspirants”.
In particular, he observed that considering the cosmopolitan outlook of Oredo, it’s status of being the capital city of Edo State and its population diversity, all of which make it a melting pot of human activities, the people deserve a vibrant and smart person like him to represent them.
Osaro Onaiwu(Jr) is a scion of the famous onaiwu political family in Uzebu Quarters, Oredo local government area of Edo State. He holds a B.Ed degree in Guidance and Counselling from Freedom University and Theological Seminary in Pottstown, PA, USA (Africa Campus).
His working stint spanned diverse fields such as sales, marketing, customer relations, journalism and publishing.
He once also served as Head of Administration, Meteor Mobile Phone Network, Dublin, Ireland; Sales Manager, Eircom Phone Watch; and, Director, Governors Mandate Magazine.
Osaro(Jr) also belongs to numerous professional bodies, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abuja chapter as well as the West African Youth Council. He is currently the publisher of Abuja News Express