[dropcap]“The[/dropcap] true worth of a man is in the way he treats people who are absolutely in need. If you care about people in need, you are actually making a contribution to the development of the nation. We need to give life back to the people; democracy is important in governance. We need to see how we can use the available resources for everybody; create opportunities for all and care, especially for those who are truly in need. The gap between the rich and the poor should be bridged. Those of us blessed with material resources need to share with others. We must strike a balance with our resources.” This is the Philosophy of Hon (Sir) Jude Emeka Idimogu.
Hon(Sir)Jude Emeka Idimogu is a good leader with the character of humility, passion for service, respect, fairness,
accountability and a model others can follow.He is a quintessential leader and gentleman. He is the embodiment of cerebral articulation, the essence of unparalleled philanthropy, the epitome of intellectual and breathtaking simplicity, the personification of undiluted humanness, the perfect example of leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, and the soul of humanity.
In an exclusive interview with Grassroots Publishers after winning his re-election primaries APC ticket, Hon.Idimogu promised to give his constituency more quality representation.
Excerpts:
Honourable Sir,Can you briefly tell us your background story?
I am Hon.(Sir) Jude Emeka Idimogu. I am from Umuezela Abuke in Ihitte Ubuoma local government area, Imo State. A member in the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II. I was born on 23rd December, 1969.I am happily married to an Ogun State woman, Lady Roseline Enitab Idimogu(Nee Kuku) from ijebu-Ode since 1990. This marriage has Produced three children all born in lagos state.I started visiting Lagos from my secondary school days in 80s and started living in lagos 1989.I completed my primary education at community primary school Abueke in Ihitte Uboma LGA in Imo state,thereafter proceeded for my secondary school education at Boys secondary school Ekwerazu Ahiazu Mbaise,Imo state from 1980-1984,later completed my A-level at methodist boys high school lagos. Later, I proceeded to Yaba college of technology Yaba where I studied accounting from 1991 to 1998 and obtained my HND in Accounting and was also admitted into Ambrose Ali
University Ekpoma from 2003-2007 where I obtained my BSc in Accounting. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in May 2000. As a result of my quest for education, I later attended Lagos State University, Ojo main campus(LASU) from 2007-2009 where I obtained MBA in marketing. Professionally, I am a member of Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria(ICAN).I am also a member of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria(CITA). In terms of my working career, I have worked with NEPA,NIBD Trustees Ltd,Savannah Bank Plc,Intercity Bank Plc now Unity Bank Plc before venturing into private business. I am the Chairman/CEO of JPM Group of Companies which is made up of JPM Dollars Bureau De Change Ltd, JPM Consulting Ltd, JPM Oil & Gas Ltd,and Gods Heritage Integrated Ltd.Presently. I am the 1st Vice Chairman of Canal Community Development Authority at Ilamoshe Estate Oke-Afa Ejigbo for the past 5 years and the 1st Vice Chairman of Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria,(ABCON) South-West Zone.Religiously, I am a catholic faithful; a member of Knight of Saint Mulumba, Idimu sub
council.I am also a member of CMO(Catholic Men Organization of Nigeria) and presently the Chairman of Local Organization Council(LOC) Bishop Martins Adewale Football Competition among all Catholic church in Lagos Archdiocese.
Sir, what inspired you to go into politics?
Well, I believe that every human being is a political animal. But what really inspired me the most is my love for service to humanity.I so much believe in giving back to the society no matter how painful it may seem to be.That is why even before I joined politics, I single-handedly graded two roads in my street for the people of the community. I am an extrovert and that is why as a Banker, I moved into marketing in order to meet people. I fully joined politics during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Second tenure bid in 2015 when I was invited by a friend to attend Peoples’ Democratic party meeting. During that period, a body called Ndigbo United Association had a platform where all the Igbo men and women aspiring for any political position in Lagos state can come; form a group and showcase their abilities. So with that platform, I started having interest in politics.
What were your challenges contesting for such position in another man’s land in your first term?
It was not easy at all.But with God, what people may see as impossible was possible. Initially, they refused to give me
ticket to run for Lagos state House of Assembly primaries because of what I may called fear of unknown but with God and the support from my wife as a yoruba woman, I had an edge to scale through after much deliberations by the elders/leaders of the land.Also, the aspirant I contested with was another challenge because he is a son of the soil and the son of a party leader. So, it was very challenging and tough as I did not have a godfather to push me through.
But finally, it was a miracle.
Can you highlight some of your achievements so far?
Yes! immediately I was sworn in, I swung into action by sponsoring about 400 students in computer training in my
constituency.There are presently about 9 buses plying the roads which I used to empower people in my constituency. I have always supported the less privileged financially.Seeing the level of poverty among the youths,I also empowered over 20 indigent youths in my constituency.In order to tune down the number of unemployed youths,I gave over 30 unemployed youths job in Lagos State,donated a brand new 500KVA Transformer to the people of Ilamuse Estate community. I have attracted so many roads in this constituency within 3 years of my representation among which are:- Nwachukwu Drive, off palace way, Okota, Olusesi Street, Ifoshi Road, from Iyana-Ejigbo to Oriniowo last bus stop,Egbe/Idimu road (after bridge to Jakande Gate-Both side),Egbe road (from NNPC to Egbe bridge-both side),Coker bus stop/Lafenwa/Moshalashi Street, Peter Agha/Allimi Bada,Baale Shekoni Street, Chivita Avenue is not left out, which is the major cause of gridlock at Canoe/Kudirat Adenikan Street, was also given a facelift. Even some of critics agreed that he have given the constituency a massive face-lift in terms of representation.
I facilitated two quality Boreholes in Ejigbo and Isolo respectively. Before now, the aforementioned areas where the
boreholes are sited were in desperate need of portable water before my intervention.It is also my passion even before I was elected to give education a facelift. In the light of this,I bought and distributed Jamb/GCE Forms to students in my constituency to alleviate the burden on their parents.The Indigent students are not left out in my magnanimity,I gave full scholarship to students at the tertiary level in my constituency and host of others.
I have made immense contributions to issues on the floor of the house, oversight duties, sponsored motion (like the
relocation of Mile 12 market), committee duties and most especially feasible projects and infrastructures attracted to my constituency has transformed the land scape of the Oshodi/Isolo.
Have you experienced any intimidation by your colleagues as only Igbo man in Lagos state House of Assembly?
Infact, I feel great, elated, and encouraged.I believe God has used me to make history in not only Lagos State but entire south-western region because this is the first time a non-indegene is elected into state House of Assembly throughout the South-Western region. Even though I was allowed to marry my heartthrob from the land and had lived in Lagos state for the past 30 years; I still believe this position I am today is made possible through the concerted effort of the elders of the land. “You know you can’t do it alone, you need elders around you; elders that will speak on your behalf to their associates and acquaintances. Such elders you come across by doing good and being hardworking. When they have seen your quality and your determination to really serve for the benefits of the people, you will definitely have it”. I must give kudos to them for their support. Yorubas are nice and happy people to associate and work with. Every Yoruba man or woman is very accommodating; they don’t discriminate. That is why I make sure I don’t disappoint my people.This will also serve as an eye-opener to men and women who intend to aspire for any political position in any foreign land in the country.
What can you say about Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode?
My governor is a great achiever,goal-getter, and a developer. Let me borrow the words of Chief Bola Tinubu to call him ” A WONDER BOY”. The Governor of Lagos State by my own assessment is the Governor General of Nigeria. I say so for a very good reason. It is not a question of age of the occupant of that office or his tenure. It is simply an attestation to the fact that the economy of Lagos is about the summation of the economies of thirty States in Nigeria. One will be deceiving himself not to recognize that fact. I will say that he has surpassed every imagination; he is a fantastic man. He is indeed taking Lagos state to another level. I give kudos to him.
Honourable, some people call you Mr Nigeria, how come that name?
(Laughs), I have always believed in my country. I have always known that Nigeria will get better one day. I believe that your own is your own; the earlier you make your country work, the better for you. As you make your bed so you will lie on it. So, when I was building my house in my community here in Lagos, my workers and I will always eat together everyday but before we eat, we must recite the National Anthem and Pledge. At a time, people from neighbourhood joined us. It got to a time that people will come across me on the road and call me MR NIGERIA. That is how the name came about.
Sir, now that you won a return APC ticket, are you sure of winning other parties?
Thank you very much.I Hon.Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu is a grassroots man, a political mobilizer and loved by everybody both young and old. We have earlier talked more about my achievements in the past and present.I am one man who does not wait for even a minute to implement my plans to produce positive results for any assignment given to me. If you witnessed all my consultation meetings and campaigns at the local government and wards, both youths and aged cherished me and they were all calling on me to continue the good work.My constituency needs a grassroots man; pillar of the masses because Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II needs a grassroots representative and a vibrant voice.I am a saleable candidate which a progressive party like APC needs.I am not exaggerating. I am a grassroots man. I have worked, at least am with my constituents 24/7, sun or rain. Unlike what was applicable in the past whereby our representative disappears once elected only to come back when another election draws near.The Igbo association has also given me their mandate support for re-election during the just concluded Igbo Day held at National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. So, I am confident i will win in 2019.
Hon. Jude Idimogu and wife in a group picture with Ohaneze Ndigbo during the Igbo Day in Lagos
What is your message to the good people of Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II?
My People should know that we need proactive continuity at this time and should not be bought over with money as it has always played out in every election period.They should look out for the most popular and grounded candidate who has been giving them voice in the House of Assembly; the man that will always open his gate to the masses and not a representative we cannot reach. I know expectations of the people of my constituency,am assuring them I will continue to work round the clock to ensure that my constituency is transformed and residents can feel the impact positively.Thank you.
By: Grassroots Publishers
