Will Imansuangbon Be Lucky at 57? : EDO 2024
By Adeniyi Ifetayo
Barr. Kenneth Imansuangbon, popular known as ‘Rice Man’ has indicated interest to become Governor of Edo in 2024. This will be his fifth attempt but whether it will be his last is another issue.
His attempt to occupy Osadebey avenue has seen him traversed between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party. In between both parties, Imansuangbon has proven to a politician with a large heart.
Imansuangbon, an educationist and philanthropist, is a politician known across the state. He has sustained annual distribution of rice to thousands of persons in the state. Imansuangbon has also paid medical bills for hundreds patients who couldn’t pay their bills. His annual quiz competition brought out the best in many secondary school students as well boost their interest in Information and Communication as they were given free I-pad.
Born in 1966, in Ewohimi, Esan South East LGA of Edo State. Imansuangbon attended St. John’s Catholic Primary School, Ijebu, Ogun state and had his secondary education at Ago-Iwoye secondary school. He proceeded to the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he obtained a Bachelor degree in Law (LL.B) and B.L from the Nigerian Law school in 1992.
He combined private legal practice with business and was blessed
As an educationist, Imansuangbon has provided employment for hundreds of persons in his Pace Setters Group of Schools. His love for sports saw him sponsor an annual national football competition.
He ensured reduction of school fees for children of serving military and police officers and full scholarship for children that are underprivileged
Imansuangbon is one politician that has shown love to all. He singlehandedly provided furniture for the secretariat of the Action Congress that metamorphosed into the the All Progressives Congress.
A politician that has conviction for economic growth and development of the party, he paid workers recruited at the secretariat at a time many politicians saw the AC now APC as a leprous party.
Unfair treatment meted to Imansuangbon in the APC after the party came to power in Edo State saw him joined a carcassed PDP in 2018. He revived the Edo PDP and brought it to reckoning. His efforts were rewarded with a backstab when the Edo PDP leaders worked for the emergence of General Charles Airhiavbere as the party’s candidate in 2012.
Imansuangbon was among the aspirants that stabilized the PDP ahead of the 2020 governorship election when he agreed to step down for Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The “Rice Man clocked 57 today and the greatest gift he expects from the people he has shown great love and made huge sacrifices for is to be given the opportunity to occupy Osadeby avenue.
At 57, Imansuangbon should be considered a youth. He is a bridge between the young and the old. He is ready to pursue and be committed to the diversification of Edo economy through improved private sector initiatives. His knowledge in the private sector would be brought to fore to guarantee Edo State sustainable development.
Edo is a blessed state. It needs an Imansuangbon to take it to the greater heights it deserve. There is no greater birthday gift Edo people can give Imansuangbon than to work for his aspiration to become a reality. Happy Birthday to the leader of men. Happy Birthday to a man that loves Edo State.
