A creative throws his hat in the ring — Saturday Magazine — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

Notable actor, producer, philanthropist and two-time President of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) Paul Agbonze Obazele wants to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki as the next governor of Edo State. The notable motion picture practitioner and founder of the Legends of Nollywood Award (LNA) recently declared his intention to join the race for the 2024 Edo State Governorship election.

Obazele, a product of the business administration department of the Auchi Polytechnic, declared that he has a leading to contest for the exalted position under the platform of Labour Party. “I have decided to throw my hat into the ring following my desire to change the sad narrative of what is happening to the good people in Edo. I am in the race to put Edo state on the map as the most developed peaceful wealth hub amongst cities without undermining our ancestry and the unique beauty of our tradition,” Obazele said during a chat with Moviedom at the weekend.

Speaking on his aspiration which he says is driven by a strong desire to address the prevalent issues affecting the common and good people in Edo state, Obazele, who is not new to politics especially at industry and grassroots level, emphasised the need to transform the current situation where citizens are neglected and lack a voice in decisions affecting their lives.

“I want to seriously impact on my people, change the sad narrative of what is happening to my people, where they are neglected, and treated with disdain; where they do not have a say in what concerns their lives or benefit from the dividends of good governance. I am getting involved because I want to change the narrative,” Obazele declared, adding that if given the ticket by his party — the Labour Party and if eventually elected, he will lead an administration that will be built on transparency, accountability, good governance, and one that will create an environment conducive for economic growth and social progress.

In his words, “my political agenda is centred around key areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare reform, education improvement, job creation, entertainment and youth empowerment. My vision is to bequeath to the people of the state, after my tenure as governor, a state where everyone is given equal opportunities to succeed, fostering an inclusive society where the well-being of citizens is paramount.”

Described by his supporters as a visionary leader who possesses the necessary qualities and skills to effectively address the challenges facing Edo State, majority of his supporters who shared their views on his aspiration on his dedicated campaign social media handles agree that the Edo-born entertainment entrepreneur who runs a production company that has employed and empowered so many young people also holds a strong commitment to public service and has a track record of contributing to the betterment of society.

“This is what I live for – creating an environment conducive to economic growth and social progress, creating jobs and youth empowerment,” Obazele stressed.

A devout Christian and an old boy of Anglican Grammar School, Ugbuluku, Delta State, it was while at Auchi Polytechnic that Obazele’s passion for the world of make believe was further ignited. Upon graduation, the Ishan native secured a daytime job at SJ Production Company and he was assigned to the account section but was soon transferred to the production department when it was obvious that he could string some productions together.

He later joined mainstream acting. And because he had already made a name as a model featuring in several commercials, it was easy for him to secure roles. He was to later star in a number of television programmes, including the popular television soap, ‘After the Storm.’ When production on home video buzzed, Obazele stepped up there too. He got his first call up in 1996 as a lead actor in the movie ‘Shadow of Death’ as directed by Bolaji Dawudu. He got other invitations but by 1999 Paul had ventured into directing.

Described by most of his colleagues as a patriot, and an easygoing man who derives joy in fighting other people’s causes, Obazele, star of ‘Last Option’, and ‘Sweetest Taboo’, says it’s possible that he may have written, acted and directed over 100 movies and he alludes that it has been rewarding as a movie practitioner.

Of all his movie credits, Paul who spends his off-screen periods hanging out with his family, watching films, listening to music, particularly ‘gospel music’ and spending what he described as ‘quality time in the presence of God at the Apostle Anselem Madubuko-led Revival Assembly, says he has a crush on ‘14th of February’ because of its technical depth and on ‘Iyore’, ‘Invasion 1897’ and ‘Inikpi’ because they earned him a couple of industry nominations and they celebrated the rich culture and heritage of the Edo and Igala people.

Founder and President of the Legends of Nollywood Award (LNA), a scheme he established over a decade ago to celebrate those who laid the foundation for a virile motion picture industry in Nigeria, Obazele said his ultimate plan with LNA is to establish an endowment fund for veterans and a foundation that will run side by side the LNA.

“We already have a foundation that will care for our legends, their health and their wealth. There are a lot of them who cannot afford a roof over their heads, meals to eat or even monies to pay for medicals. So, the foundation will care for them. But the next level is to establish an endowment so that the idea of taking care of our veterans can be sustained. If given the opportunity to serve the good people of Edo state, I will not only establish the endowment for veterans, but there will be an endowment for the arts and we shall make Edo state the cultural and creative capital of Nigeria,” he said.