It’s the dawn of a new era as Hon. Dr Paddy Emmanuel Iyamu has successfully completed the screening process ahead of the APC House of Representatives primaries for Oredo Federal Constituency. The feat marks another positive step in his quest to bring purposeful, people-centred representation to Oredo.
Dr Iyamu described the outcome as a victory for the people, stating that it reflects growing confidence in his commitment to service, integrity, and grassroots development. He reaffirmed his pledge to remain accessible, accountable, and focused on delivering tangible results in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and infrastructure.
“This is about Oredo,” he said. “We are building a movement rooted in trust, unity, and the shared belief that our people deserve better. The work continues, and together we will usher in a new era of effective representation.”
Supporters in the constituency have welcomed the news with optimism, labelling it as a sign that Oredo is ready for leadership that listens, acts, and delivers.
From managing oil and gas assets in the heart of the Niger Delta to transforming public education for the next generation, Dr. Emmanuel Idiagbon Paddy Iyamu is not your typical public servant. Serving as the Commissioner for Education in Edo State, Dr. Iyamu brings a rare blend of private sector excellence, grassroots philanthropy, and visionary public leadership to the table.
Appointed in January 2025 by Executive Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Iyamu took over the education ministry after previously serving as the Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). In just a few months, his presence is already being felt across the state — from the classrooms of Benin City to the rural schools of Etsako and Esan.
Dr. Iyamu began his career at Zenith International Bank, before transitioning into the oil and gas industry. In 2010, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company, and by 2012, became a key figure at Neconde Energy Ltd, working on the OML 42 asset in the Niger Delta. He rose to the position of Manager, where he remained until his resignation in 2023 to pursue private business and philanthropy full-time.
He then founded and led a thriving marine services firm that provided offshore support to leading IOCs including Shell Petroleum, Chevron Nigeria, Lee Engineering, and NNPC E & P Ltd, all operating within the OML 42 asset zone.
Throughout this corporate journey, Dr. Iyamu was known for excellence, discipline, and results, earning accolades within the industry and beyond.
A Reformer with Vision in Education
With his entry into public service, Dr. Iyamu has redirected his energy toward rebuilding Edo’s public school system, introducing reforms that prioritize infrastructure renewal, digital learning, early childhood education, and teacher quality.
“We must make public schools so good that private schools become unattractive to Edo people,” he says, often emphasizing that “security begins in the classroom” and “a strong Edo begins with strong foundations.”
