CLOSE-UP: Who is Uche Ogah, the ‘prayer warrior’ otherwise known as Ikpeazu’s nightmare?

Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah was, on the last day of June 2016, anointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as governor of Abia state – through the issuance of a certificate of return.

An Abuja federal high court had on Monday, June 27, ruled that winner of the 2015 governorship election and sitting governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, filed false tax returns – and as such, was ineligible to stand for the primary election.

Ikpeazu’s candidature was nullified and the first runner-up in the PDP primary was asked to take his place.

The decision of INEC and the fightback mustered by Ikpeazu has thrown Abia state into a momentary state of disarray.

Ogah appears ready to stake a strong claim for the seat of power and Ikpeazu remains resolute, unyielding.

But who is Ogah? How much did you know about him before now?

A prayer warrior

Ogah, an indigene of Onuaku Uturu, Isuikwuato GA, Abia state, has developed a knack for quoting prayer points on his social media account – especially in recent times, as the role of governor is swinging between him and Ikpeazu.

In two days, he shared three prayer messages with supporters on his facebook page.

On June 2, he wrote, “Dear peace loving people of Abia state, please, remain calm and resolute. I urge you all to use tomorrow’s service in your various churches to pray for the fulfillment of God’s will, for that, which will bring joy to everyone in the state. God bless you, God bless Abia state. Thank you.”

June 3: “Attack on destiny is an attack on your ability because your ability makes you unique, different and valuable. God has created you with a unique ability to recreate His creation and add value to your world. Therefore, anyone and anything that is uncomfortable with your progress and the blessings of God in your life will be defeated, in Jesus name.”

Also on June 3: “When you have the anointing, you will be empowered to become a solution and an answer to your generation. You may have been working and praying and nothing seems to be happening, but this week, you shall experience a turnaround, in Jesus name.”

Philanthropist

Ogah has several philanthropic projects and deeds under his belt. He is said to have electrified villages in Uturu Community, built prototypal houses for the entire community and also constructed a 5,000 capacity auditorium in Abia state University (ABSU) Uturu. Ogah also provided free medical services to the citizens of the community, constructed a fully-equipped modern hospital and rehabilitated a primary school with ICT centre and modern facilities.

The politician is also in partnership with Hopeville Rehabilitation centre, Uturu for fabrication of Prosthesis (Artificial Limbs) and Orthotic (Calipers) for disabled people. Ogah launched the Uche Ogah Foundation in December 2011 – “to provide empowerment, poverty alleviation, and providing education for the less privileged.”

Business magnate

After over 15 years in the banking sector, he founded Master’s Energy Group which grew to become a conglomerate with over 13 subsidiaries. Master’s Energy Group deals in oil and gas, banking, insurance, aviation, shipping, dredging, logistics, construction, travel agency, power, among others. Dr. Ogah is also an Ambassador and Member of the Governing Council of the Nigeria-Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Banker

By all accounts, Ogah was a consummate banker, who began his career with the defunct NAL Bank Plc as a National Youth Service Corps member after which he would gain employment with the now defunct All States Trust Bank (ASTB). In ASTB, he worked for about two years before making another move to Zenith Bank in 1997 – where he earned his stripes and made a name for himself. Ogah oversaw the growth of a new bank’s branch from nothing to over N9 billion, according to his profile. He rose to the position of an Assistant General Manager (AGM) in the bank before his exit in 2007. He is a fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Shipping, Employment & Career and Member, Chartered Institute of Bankers.

Sucker for Education

Ogah loves education and this is evident in the number of educational qualifications he has acquired and the projects he’s carrying out in the Abia state university. He had his secondary education at Ishiagu High School and obtained a ‘Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting’ from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, in 2015.

Subsequently, he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Bachelor of Science degree (Banking and Finance) from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye and a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Lagos. Upon graduation from Ishiagu High School, Ogah worked at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) from 1986 to 89. The Abia governorship contender also instituted a chair at the Abia State University, where he is building a 5,000 capacity auditorium.

Politician

After being honoured with a national award, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2014, Ogah’s next venture was politically-inclined. He declared his intention to contest the governorship of Abia State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Although he campaigned vigorously through his campaign group – Abia Rejoice – Ogah lost to Ikpeazu in the December 2014 Abia PDP governorship primary.