As the journey to the oil and gas rich Delta state governorship hots up, bookmakers’ predictions have pointed out that the candidature and emergence of the Chairman, Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme as governor in the 2015 general election is certain.

Olejeme has frequently been applauded for her passionate and altruistic concern for the less fortunate members of society, which has placed her above others who have indicated interest in the governorship race.

Another pointer to her general acceptance, according to political analysts, is her control of the political structure in all the local government areas with enormous grassroots support which stands her out with a better chance of winning the 2015 governorship election.

They had further argued that if Olejeme takes charge of Delta State Government House, Asaba, she will maintain and sustain continuity in good governance, especially the three point agenda of incumbent Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, namely; human capital development, infrastructural development and security.

Notable among major observers and supporters of her sterling qualities, consistent leadership and pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the nation are former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief) Emmanuel Ighomena and Commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Tom Amioku as well as the PDP Patriotic Movement for a United Nigeria (PPMUN), Urhobo National Youths Movement (UNYM) and the Director General of the U&I Foundation, Mr. Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan among others, who have averred that she could lift the state above bounds if elected governor.

Recently, the former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, underlined the importance of gender equality, commending the chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Dr. Ngozi Olejeme for her sheer commitment, honesty and managerial competence.

Bozimo described the NSITF boss as a consummate administrator and a visionary leader. He also assured the people of his support.

Similarly, the Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief) Emmanuel Ighomena in Oghara pondered on Olejeme’s services to humanity and the ways things are creeping in the right direction for women in different countries, describing Olejeme as a highly cerebral and urbane politician.

Commenting on her unique style and approaches, the former Commissioner of Power and Energy in the state said “Deltans need Dr. Ngozi Olejeme in 2015”

Meanwhile, Olejeme received the blessing of a Commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Tom Amioku on Saturday. The commissioner representing Delta State told friends of Olejeme consulting with party leaders and top government functionaries that Olejeme would be the first elected female governor in Nigeria.

Appraising Olejeme, particularly her ability to change circumstances, men and material resources to meet economic, political and social ends, Amioku described Olejeme as a creative, industrious and pro-people politician that can effectively manage Delta State in 2015.

In the same vein, Social political pressure groups in Delta state have intensified efforts to pressurize the Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and Director of Finance, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Campaign Organization Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Olejeme to contest Delta State 2015 gubernatorial election.

The groups, PDP Patriotic Movement for a United Nigeria (PPMUN), Urhobo National Youths Movement (UNYM), have also vowed to work for the re-election of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and support the affirmative efforts of Mr. President in producing a female governor come 2015 in Delta State.

Earlier, the Director General of the U&I Foundation, Mr. Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan had praised Dr. Ngozi Olejeme for her consistent leadership and pivotal role in the social and economic development of the nation, saying that, “Her leadership style gives us confidence that the poor will find protection and dignity.”

Uduaghan, at a lecture on “Leadership and the Future of Delta State” in Warri, had urged Deltans at home and abroad to assess Olejeme based on her antecedents and track record.

“Commending Olejeme for her accomplishments in the area of industrial relations, particularly her contributions to the labour administration process in the country, Uduaghan said Olejeme would uphold the values of communal harmony that make Delta State a unique model for us all.

“She will drive productivity and growth, raise the standard of living in the state and improve the lot of everyone. I am sure that with her impeccable credentials, she will lead the state to the next level.

He also praised the current governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for his honesty in the management of state funds as well as his inclusive strategy, which he said opened a path to the unity of the people despite the language and political differences, saying that, “There is state presence in all the communities. Uduaghan is a caring governor. He believes in merit and places top priority on the welfare of the people”

“When I look at the scorecard of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan , what readily comes to mind is how he has performed. The administration’s programmes are felt in the three senatorial districts. Delta is one of the few states where salaries are paid regularly. The traditional institution has received a boost and respect under the administration. Uduaghan has relentlessly pursued a vigorous policy for provision of social facilities and infrastructure. The administration has done a lot in the areas of roads development. On the education turf, Uduaghan has reminded people of the state that investment in that sector is the only way to control and stem the tide of youth restiveness. The government has given scholarship to thousands to enable them further their education in various schools within and outside the country. The government has arrested the drift in the education sector through provision of necessary learning aids, including books, laboratory equipment, computers and internet services. The government has renovated many schools in the rural and urban areas. Uduaghan has made modest development in terms of health sector delivery to the people. All the general hospitals have been rehabilitated. The out of stock syndrome, which had crippled hospitals efficiency in other states, has already been confined to the dustbins. Drugs are constantly purchased and distributed to hospitals and other health institutions in the state.

According to Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, a cousin to the governor of the state, “His Excellency will be in the senate in 2015 while Dr. Olejeme will be in charge of Delta State Government House, Asaba. She will maintain and sustain continuity in good governance. She will continue with the three point agenda namely; human capital development, infrastructural development and security.”

EXECUTIVE PROFILE OF DR. MRS NGOZI OLEJEME, FCIDA

Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Olejeme, FCIDA, is a successful entrepreneur, an astute Politician and Administrator of repute. A boardroom guru, with a wealth of experience; she has a proven record of success in administrative governance and business management. She hails from Asaba in Delta State of Nigeria.‘Your Excellency’, as she is fondly called by her friends and admirers, on account of her gubernatorial primary election in Delta State. She is an embodiment of beauty and intelligence.From a humble beginning, Dr. Mrs. Olejeme has risen to become an outstanding grassroot Politician, Philanthropist, charismatic leader, peace ambassador, human rights activist, anti-corruption crusader and a Nationalist.Dr Mrs. Olejeme sits on the board of many Companies and Government establishments which includes;

Chairman Board of Directors, TrustFund Pensions PLC
Chairman Board of Directors, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF
Chairman/CEO, ABLE JES Nigeria Limited
Chairman/CEO, Fresh Energy Nigeria Limited
Executive Director, JULIND Nigeria Limited.
Member Board of Directors, Ajeokuta Steel Company Limited
Member, Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE- P)
Member, Board of Directors, Sheraton Hotels and Towers.

In 2006, she was made a director on the board of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited by President Olusegun Obasanjo, She was also appointed in 2009 by late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua as Chairman Board of Directors of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF. The First female to hold such position in the country.She saw to the successful enactment into law of the Employees’ Compensation Act in December 2010, and the setting up of necessary human and physical infrastructure for the implementation of the Act.She is currently in the lead to amend the provisions of NSITF Act, so as to position the fund to commence the implementation of Social Security benefits for the aged, unemployed, child care and physically challenged in the country.Since her appointment as the board chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), she has unrelentlessly led the campaign for the provision of adequate compensation to workers both in the private and public sector.She is the convener of the SURE-P sub- committee on Public Works and Road rehabilitation. The Subsidy Re-investment Empowerment is a policy, the Federal Government designed to cushion the impact of removal of fuel subsidy and to accelerate economic growth through investment and infrastructure development in the country.

Dr. Mrs. Olejeme is an alumnus of the following Ivy League institutions;
The Prestigious Harvard Business School, Boston, USA
Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Saad Business School, Oxford University, United Kingdom
Pan African University (Lagos Business School), Nigeria
In recognition of her relentless advocacy for the down-trodden and good governance, she has been awarded the following honors;
Honorary Doctoral Degree by American Heritage University of Southern California (Doctor of Public Policy, Honoris Causa)
Prestigious Africa International Award, AIA Ghana
Fellow, Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration, FCIDA, (Nigeria)
Fellow, Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies
Member, Board of Patron, Harvard Business School
Champions of Workers Welfare Award by Labour Writers Associations of Nigeria.
Honorary Life Member/Commonwealth Ambassador of Royal Commonwealth Society, Nigeria
Remember Africa Award by Family Education Helpline and Royal Commonwealth Society, London.
Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) 2010 Nigeria Female Entrepreneur Award
Member, Board of Patrons, Congress of Muslim and Christian Youths for Unity.
Member, The Association of Business Executives London
President, Igbo Women Forum of Nigeria.

As an astute Politician, her desire to contribute to the socio-economic and political development of her country in an atmosphere of accountability, led to her emergency as one of the gubernatorial aspirants for Delta State under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party in the 2007 primary elections.She strives to work for a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria, and her people, particularly youth and women for the promotion and sustenance of democracy.