AS The Pointer Newspaper celebrates its 30th anniversary, the Delta State-owned media is proud to honour Ogbueshi Dada Okonji, a man who embodies the perfect blend of political astuteness and entrepreneurial flair.
This celebration is highlighted by his receipt of the Excellence in Public and Community Service Award, recognising his significant contributions to his community and the state of Delta at large.
Born on April 11, 1972, at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Hospital, Asaba, and a proud indigene of Umuezei Quarters, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area, Delta Statre, Okonji’s journey to become a formidable force in politics and business is nothing short of inspiring.
He started his education at Zappa Primary School and later Saint Patrick’s College, both in Asaba. He went on to bag a Higher National Diploma (HND) Certificate in Business Administration from the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro. Young Dada Okonji wasn’t just the typical schoolboy, he loathed idleness and embraced the thrill of hard work early on.
His political journey blossomed with leadership roles as a Youth Leader across various communities, including Youth Leader of the Umuezei Community Youths, Youth Leader of Asaba Community Youths, and Youth Leader of Oshimili South Community Youths.
His impact as Youth Leader of the Okowa Campaign Team in Oshimili South and two-term Chairman of the PDP in the same region, making him the first to win second tenure in the area, thus solidifying his name in Delta State politics.
He’s not just a former Local Government PDP Chairman; he’s the first and only two-term champion of PDP Oshimili South LGA, a true testament to his political savvy.
Not one to be confined to just political achievements, Ogbueshi Okonji took his enterprising spirit to new heights by founding Dada Global Resources. From selling electrical parts to developing estates, hotels, and sand dredging businesses, his ventures speak to his knack for turning opportunities into thriving enterprises.
On the governmental front, Okonji has worked tirelessly to bring development to Asaba, including spearheading solar power projects and advocating for political appointments that benefit his constituents. His leadership has left an indelible mark, from collaborating with community leaders to drive progress in local communities, overseeing local government council and councillorship elections where he played a pivotal role in securing political seats for the PDP at both the local and state levels to empowering traders with initiatives that promote self-reliance.
It’s no surprise that Okonji holds numerous key positions, including the Chairman of the PDP Chairmen Forum, Delta North, and Vice Chairman of the PDP Local Government Chairmen Forum. On the commun ity front, he is currently the Chairman of the revered Ezenei Executive Committee,
In a heartfelt tribute to his eight years of purposeful leadership, the Oshimili South PDP Forum hosted an appreciation event in his honour at the end of his chairmanship tenure, recently. At the occasion, the Chairman of the Delta North Senatorial District chapter of the PDP, Elder Moses Iduh, took a moment to thank the heavens for Ogbueshi Dada Okonji, describing him as a leader whose legacy includes stabilising the party in Oshimili South and smoothing the path for state-level success.
The current Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Dr. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, also expressed his gratitude, highlighting how he directly benefited from Okonji’s leadership during both his 2021 election and his recent re-election.
It’s clear that Okonji’s impact was not just felt; it was transformative, making waves that will echo through the political landscape for years to come.
But beyond politics and business, Okonji is a devout member of the Christ Chosen Church, Umuezei Quarters, Asaba, a family man, and a pillar of his community. He has been married for nearly three decades to a fashion designer and businesswoman, Mrs. Maureen Okonji and they are blessed with three beautiful children.
As The Pointer Newspaper honours him, they celebrate not just a man of accomplishments but a visionary leader whose contributions continue to shape the future of Delta State.
