Engr. Erazele Ross Agazuma is a household name in the Edo Central Political Dynamics. This young vibrant Igueben born Industrialist is loaded with fresh ideas and insights on how to move Esanland in the right direction. In this exclusive Interview with Urban Scoop Media, the gas refining and Petrochemical Engineer talked extensively on his humble background, education, career and his historic ambition to represent Esanland at the senate. Excerpt:
Journalist: Please tell us your full names, place of origin in Esanland?
Engr. Agazuma: I am Engr Erazele Ross Agazuma, from Igueben Local Government Area, with a passionate desire to Represent Edo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly
My Vision:
To leverage on the comparative advantage that we are naturally endowed in Edo Central Senatorial District by nature in the cultivation of Agriculture Produce
To empower the farmers in Edo Central Senatorial District with improved hybrid seedlings and partner with friends, multinationals and yourself to set up small scale industries whose raw materials and production is in abundance in Edo Central Senatorial District
To industrialize our Esanland, utilizing modern technology, in agricultural produce like Palm oil, Rice and take the advantage of Ethanol Processing Plant to grow more cassava, which will create wealth, jobs, and opportunities to the people of the district
Esanland is blessed with immense potential, and together, we can unlock those potential to create sustainable wealth for the Edo Central Senatorial District.
My candidacy is about you delivering practical solutions, building partnerships, and driving sustainable progress. I humbly ask for your trust and support as we work to create a brighter future for Edo Central Senatorial.
Engr. Erazele Ross Agazuma, hails from the historic town of Igueben in Esanland. My values and identity are deeply rooted in our Culture and Traditions. I am deeply humbled and proud to represent our shared heritage.
Journalist: Tell us about your educational background from basic educational level to the highest level you have attained?
Engr. Agazuma: Education and Experience
. Primary/Secondary Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree: Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
• Master’s Degree: Specialized in Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology.
• Ph.D. Gas Refining and Petrochemical Engineering.
Professional Programme
Executive programs in Offshore and Subsea Engineering
Executive Programme on industrial Development and Project Execution.
Journalist: Give us a brief history of your career experiences?
Engr. Agazuma:
A career that spans across diverse sectors in Oil and Gas, with a focus on innovation, industrialization, and sustainable development.
• Technopreneurship: Leading a large-scale projects in renewable energy, ethanol production, and biodiesel processing.
• Industrial Development: Collaborated on infrastructure projects, including energy corridors and manufacturing hubs.
• Education Advocacy: Played a key role in establishing Nigeria’s Offshore Technology Institute to nurture talent and innovation in Offshore Operations
These experiences have equipped me with the needed skills to drive transformational changes in Esanland.
Journalist: We are aware that you are currently vying for a political position in Esanland. Can you tell us about it?
Engr. Agazuma: My aspirations to become a Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District is borne out of the need to position Edo Central Senatorial District in a path to capitalizing on our comparative advantage on Agricultural produces to industrialize Esan land with small and medium scale industries for the processing of our agricultural produces
*It is not rocket science but common sense solutions to create sustainable wealth for our people. Therefore Senator will enable me to champion policies and projects that uplift Esanland through industrialization, job creation, and education.
By partnership with similar manufacturers to utilize our Agricultural Potential to create value chains in ethanol production, biodiesel manufacturing, and Bambara nut processing, thereby bringing prosperity to every corner in Esanland.
Journalist: What are the motivations behind your ambition to represent the entire Esanland at the National Assembly?
Engr. Agazuma: I am motivated by a strong desire to transform Esanland into an industrial hub for Agricultural Produces Processing excellently.
Leveraging on cassava to Ethanol Production and the establishment of more Palm Oil Milling Plants and processing of Biodiesel from Palm produces jobs and wealth.
Proposed bills to enhance our moribund Educational Institutions is upgraded and a Federal University of Agriculture to be built in Edo Central Senatorial District to trained Agricultural Extension Worker to supervise new farmers on modern farming technique
Promoting the cultivation of Bambara Nuts and processing as a source of income and industrial raw material.
Journalist: How much of Esanland do you actually know?
Engr. Agazuma: I know Esanland very well. I have an intimate understanding of Esanland and its geography, its people, and its potential from the farmlands in Igueben to the vibrant communities of Uromi, Ubiaja, Ewohimi, Ebele, Ogwa, Irrua, Opoji, Ugbegun, Ebudin, Urohi, Ekpoma, Ujoelen, Ujemen, Iruekpen etc. I have engaged with our people, listened to their concerns, and envisioned solutions that reflect their aspirations.
Journalist: Let’s talk about Igueben your place of origin. Tell us about your impact in the lives of your people and Esanland generally?
Engr. Agazuma: In Igueben Local Government Area, I have initiated and supported several impactful projects which includes
• Youth Empowerment through skill acquisition programs on renewable energy and manufacturing.
• Agricultural Initiatives: Supporting cassava and Bambara nut farmers with training and access to markets.
• Education Support by providing scholarships and advocating for the establishment of a University of Agriculture to advance technological education in agricultural production.
Journalist: What do you plan to do differently from those before you if you emerge?
Engr. Agazuma: Engr Erazele Ross Agazuma Campaign Clique*
I will adopt a practical and innovative approach to legislation:
• Legislative Action of Proposing Bills that promote industrialization and allocate resources to infrastructure development in Esanland.
• Economic Empowerment by creating Agro-Industrial parks focused on Ethanol and Biodiesel production.
• Global Partnerships By mobilizing international funding and expertise to develop Esanland’s infrastructure and human capital development.
Journalist: Why do you think that you can be trusted with such an elevated position?
Engr. Agazuma: Trust Me. Trust is built on the premise of integrity, transparency, and goal getting strategy.
My team players syndrome has singled out my record of service which was demonstrated in accountability, transparency and the measurable impact.
Prioritizing a long-term prosperity for Esanland is far beneficial over a short-term political gain.
I am passionately interested in Esanland’s Development and Progress, not just as a leader but a servant leader and a son of the land.
Journalist: Your name seems to be very fresh in the political dynamics in Esanland, though you came out in the last house of representative race, how are you prepared to scale the hurdle considering the big names vying for the same position?
Engr. Agazuma: New in Esan Politics! In the 2023 General Election, I contested the House of Representative and this experience gave me the opportunity to understand the politics of Edo Central Senatorial District and X-ray the ambition of a prosperous Esan land through the Senate.
New in politics is an advantage, it represents new ideas, innovation, and the willingness for Politics to revolve around competency not the same.
Journalist: In terms of money bag politics in the nation, how are you prepared to overcome this challenge?
Engr. Agazuma: Money Bag Politics. Our Strategy is to focus on building trust and mobilizing grassroots support from every ward in Edo Central Senatorial District.
While money may influence some, but a clear vision, practical solutions, and genuine connections with the people will always resonate more deeply.
I believe in Esanland and its values of integrity and sincerity, which supercedes over financial inducements.
Journalist: What will Esan people expect from you when you emerge the senator?
Engr. Agazuma: The people of Esanland will expect a new era in legislation that empowers the people on the following:
• Economic Transformation through Agro-Industrial Parks, Ethanol and Biodiesel Processing Plants, and value-added agricultural projects.
• Educational Advancement by establishing a Federal University of Agriculture and Manufacturing Technology.
• Infrastructure Development by Improved roads network, healthcare facilities, and utilities.
Journalist: Say something about the average Esan man, his strongest and weakest point in the Edo political equation?
Engr. Agazuma: Esan Man I Know is strong, honest and resilient, with intellectual strength, and cultural pride, which have made us leaders in education and enterprise.
Our weakest point has been over the years is lack of political unity in pursuing shared goals.
We will unify our voices and harness our collective strength for sustainable growth and progress in Esanland.
Conclusion
Esanland stands at the cusp of transformation, and I am committed to leading the charge.
Together, we will build an Esanland that thrives on innovation, industry, and unity.
I am soliciting for your support, your trust, and your partnership in this journey toward a brighter future for Edo Central Senatorial District.
Thank you!
God bless Esanland.
God bless Edo State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
