H.E. Godwin Obaseki

Godwin Obaseki is a distinguished Nigerian leader, finance expert, and former Governor of Edo State. With a career spanning investment banking, asset management, securities trading, and public sector management, he is a key figure in both the private and public sectors. He founded Afrinvest West Africa Limited (formerly SecTrust), which he led as Managing Director from 1995.

As Governor, Obaseki reimagined governance in Nigeria, championing technology adoption to enhance public service delivery. Edo State became the only Nigerian state to fully embrace e-Governance. His administration implemented impactful policies like EdoBEST, combating learning poverty through technology, and fostered public-private partnerships for industrialization and economic growth.  Obaseki’s leadership also led to the Edo State Oil Palm Programme, positioning the state as a leader in African oil palm production, and the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, transforming Edo into a vibrant center for film and music.

Obaseki has received numerous awards, including the Kingdom Citizens' Award for Good Governance (June 2024), Vanguard Newspaper Personality of the Year Award for Education Reforms (May 2024), Nigerian Union of Pensioners’ Meritorious Award (August 2023), and Zik Good Governance Award (November 2023). He holds a BA in Classics from the University of Ibadan and an MBA from Pace University.

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