WHY AM I QUALIFIED TO CONTEST FOR GOVERNOR- AKUBO ADEGBE

Akubo Adegbe was born in Ugwolawo (kogi state) on October 29, 1969 and is married to Rachel his childhood friend, with whom they are blessed with three children.

He attended Demsawo Primary School in Jimeta, Yola and RCM Primary School, Ugwolawo in Kogi state for his primary education.  For his secondary education, he attended Ugwolawo Community School (Kogi State), Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Konduga (Borno State), and Government Science School, Lafia (Nassarawa state), where he completed his secondary education.  He proceeded to the University of Jos, earning a Bachelor of Science (Hon) in Geography and Planning, with Second Class Upper division. He also has an MSc in Instrumental Analytical Sciences (oilfield Chemicals) from the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK).

Akubo continues to build skills and expertise through short courses locally and internationally in the areas of Finance, Administration, Management, Project Management and Organizational Development.

He started his work career with First bank of Nigeria Plc in the year 2000 from where he left on a Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) scholarship for further studies in 2003. He returned to Nigeria after his studies and joined Internews Network (an American organization with offices in over 50 countries) in January 2005. He rose to become the Programme Manager in October 2005, a position he held until 2009 when he left full time international development work to take on a consultancy role and to start Management Alternatives Limited  (a management consulting and business advisory firm).  He was also the General Manager of Arewa Cotton and Allied Products Limited from 2009 to December 2012.

Akubo has an unwavering passion for the Nigerian youth. This is evident in the various youth empowerment initiatives he has worked on over the years, and currently coaches and mentors many of them. Through his cutting-edge experience and high-level professional excellence, Akubo has brought smiles to the faces of many youth, especially in the areas of employment and capacity building. He has been a regular face and contributor at the Strategic Leadership Summit, a forum organized for the youths in Ugwolawo his hometown, which is focused on business skills development. He has since May 2013 been the Head of Operations of the SURE-P Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) at the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Akubo was part of the team that started and managed the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN) project where he left as Deputy Team Lead in December 2014. The YouWiN programme is an innovative business plan competition, which is aimed at job creation, by encouraging and supporting entrepreneurial youth in Nigeria to develop and execute business ideas. Through this, thousands of youth have been empowered to start businesses and many jobs have been created. He has also handled other high profile consultancies and training facilitation with local and international organizations.

Akubo is a passionate Nigerian who founded the Love Nigeria Foundation (www.lovenigeria.com) to pursue his dream of a great Nigeria. He also seats on the board of other NGOS dedicated to a better Nigeria. As a result of his involvement in his community, he has received several commendations and awards. Some of the awards he has received include;

• National Patron of Igala Students Association (ISA)
• Kogi State Patron of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC)
• Arise Magazine’s Igala Man of the Year, 2015

Akubo has always maintained that his education and varied work experience has groomed him into a well-rounded person. His experience covers such areas as banking and financial management, international development, entrepreneurial development, business management, consulting and public service. This vast experience has helped to prepare and equip him with the necessary leadership skills, capacity and qualities to govern a great State like Kogi.

WHY AM I QUALIFIED TO CONTEST FOR GOVERNOR?

I am first and foremost PASSIONATE about Nigeria and this is evident in my life. I have great attributes that will not only transform the state but also change our course towards greatness. Some of these attributes include;

1. Leadership and Management Experience

I believe that the best person to manage Kogi state at this time is someone that has a rounded knowledge of how multiple sectors intersect to produce impact.  They must have experience in both the public and private sectors to enable them hit the ground running. I have several years of experience in leading and managing people resources in both the public sectors of Nigeria. My experience in banking, international development, entrepreneurial development, business management, consulting and public service places me in a vantage position.

2. Financial Management and Integrity

Leadership entails amongst other things the management of financial resources (our common wealth) for the benefit of the people. Kogi state needs someone with a good record of financial management and financial integrity. With our recent history, we can no longer afford to have people that have questionable financial records.  I have managed businesses, people and projects diligently, transparently and with a high sense of integrity.  This can be verified from the places I have worked and the partners I have worked with over the years.

3. International Development Assistance Experience

On its journey to economic independence, Kogi state will require international development assistance to make the transition. The state is currently not a major destination for development assistance because of the lack of institutional support from current and previous governments. My international development experience and work with many international and local organizations has positioned me to better understand the issues and how to attract development assistance to the state in many areas.

4. Youth Development and Job Creation Experience

The Kogi youth occupies a strategic position in the development of the state. Unfortunately, programs termed empowerment programs have not unemployment and youth restiveness in the state. Kogi therefore needs a leader that not only understands the labour environment but can also create jobs for different age groups. My work on the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN), the SURE-P Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) and my business advisory skills as a business consultant positions me to better understand the issues and how to creatively address them.