Hon. Najeem Bamidele Ewesesan, also known as Ewelodu, is Nigerian finance, Risk, control expert, and politician. Ewesesan Najeem has over 16 years of cognate experience in risk management, finance, administration, control, and politics.
He is an Assistant General Manager in charge of Capital Planning and Legal Entity Management at Citi.
He was the chief risk officer overseeing the risk functions of Lotus Bank.
A fellow of the institute of chartered accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), a member of the Compliance Institute of Nigeria, a member Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Risk Management Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) and a Certified Forensic Investigator Professional (CFIP)
Hon. Najeem holds expertise and proven work experience in compliance, risk management, and financial control with valuable work experience from GTBank, Citi Bank, Access Bank, Jaiz Bank, and Lotus Bank.
In a few words, Hon Najeem is an all-around financial expert and consultant.
He is an alumnus of the reputable Obafemi Awolowo University where he obtained his BSc. In Accounting and MBA (Finance), he obtained his MSc. In Accounting from the same university and graduated as one of the outstanding students in his class. His passion for learning and impartation is just unquantifiable, currently, Najeem Ewesan Is a student at the John Hopkins University, United States.
It is crystal clear, Hon. Najeem Ewesesan has acquired tremendous and unspeakable height in finance, but what has made him exceptional among others is the charming character, humility, and generosity he possessed. Indeed, intelligence plus character is the goal of true education.
It is true that Hon. Najeem Ewesesan has been an active stakeholder in Nigerian politics, most especially Lagos State for almost 16 years.
He has actively participated and generously contributed to several political campaigns, struggles, and undertakings.
On 16th January 2020, he declared to his family, friends, loyalists, political and religious leaders, and groups his desire to run for member Federal House of Representatives, Alimosho Federal Constituency.
Today, he is well known in Alimosho and beyond for his altruism, selflessness, philanthropy, political dexterity, fairness, and civility.
He spoke to City People about his motivation to serve the people through political participation.
As a corporate expert, What inspires you to join politics?
It is true I have created a niche for myself in the corporate world. My upbringing has humbled me beyond imagination. I grew up in a community where you thrive to survive and excel. I was just lucky to triumph. I have seen industrious, agile, and Intelligent individuals but their dreams dashed, hope shattered because of a society that requires luck and extra connection to really rise up.
I joined politics in order to reinstate the hope of my people. I vehemently believe in solidarity and undaunted determination we can create a society enabling us to actualize the dreams of our children. I clam out for a society where the son of nobody can legitimately struggle and become somebody without knowing anybody in a special way.
Redistribution of wealth and sustenance is my primary driver
What, in your own view, do you think Nigeria needs as a Country?
Nigeria is a democratic country blessed with an enticing cultural heritage. Our cultural diversity and distinct traditions make us unique from other countries.
Nigeria, my beautiful country needs astute committed, resilient leaders that are capable of redefining the narratives of our political and leadership fabrics. Nigeria can be great again if good people participate in politics. A great deal of discipline is needed in Nigeria to lead others with a clear margin. We need discipline on the road, at work, in offices, in markets, in courts, when interpreting the law, etc.
Only individuals with the right insight can entrench these disciplines and dedication. We are indeed a great country.
What is your assessment of the state of the government?
My assessment of the government remains fair. Not where we would like to be but have there been significant improvements in key areas? Yes
The government has proven that with little and scarce resources, it has been able to remain focused in ensuring significant infrastructural developments are not disrupted.
No economy can grow without massive infrastructures which this government represents
The government has also ensured massive investment and improvements in agriculture which is a good move for me.
While there are obvious works to be done in the areas of Security, especially banditry and kidnapping, this government has been able to stem the farmers-herders crisis in the country. The global economy is currently under attack and this government is ensuring we stay afloat as a country.
Dollars have increased significantly against all main currencies of the world matching up to EURO and catching up with GBP gradually. No thanks to the Russian-Ukraine war.
Some new ideas and directions need to be introduced into the government to make it better.
How in your own opinion can the government end the insecurity challenge?
It is true that the general growth and development of Nigeria have been hampered by insecurity. However, I will seize this medium to highlight a few solutions that can help salvage the situation.
Nigeria’s government should treat the prevailing insecurity challenge by a bottom-top approach. This implies that government should engage the local government which comprises wards and units, recalling the leadership of the local government is closer to the people than other tiers of the government. We need to run a system that is all-encompassing. I mean no units or entity should be left out
Government should endeavor to engage our youths in the working population. Remember the saying, ” An idle hand is a devil’s workshop. We need to redirect the energy and exuberance of our youth to something viable and productive.
Government should prioritize education, one philosopher once said ” If you educate the child today you don’t have to punish the adult tomorrow.
Did you know education takes you away from darkness and illuminates you with light?
We need a leadership structure that can take the bull by the horn and sanitize our constitution. We need a general cleansing of several institutions in Nigeria, most especially the Nigerian force.
Generally, I would say that our justice system needs to be strengthened. Anyone, no matter who he is who commits an offense must face the wrath of the law to the very end. No favor at all, otherwise, the unpunished offender will be bolden to commit more and this practice will catch with all of us in the nearest future
Lastly, political leaders, religious leaders, and other important stakeholders should brainstorm a model that can be used to sensitize, enlighten, and educate the general public on the dangers or uprising than can ensue from hate speech, bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and unfairness.
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What do you think is the way forward to address unemployment in Nigeria?
The rate of unemployment in Nigeria is appalling and worrisome in Nigeria. Nigeria is currently plight with structural, and mass unemployment. This unemployment had led to an upsurge in societal vices we are currently experiencing.
Do you know that the rate of unemployment can be drastically reduced if :
1. Nigeria needs to continue to look at agriculture as a sector. Those interested should be supported. Others should be thought and encouraged to also venture into it. The more the government of Nigeria relentlessly finds pathways of economic sustainability by pooling resources to change Nigeria from a consumer economy country to a producer’s economy country the more we provide employment opportunities for our working population.
2. Government should encourage local production by controlling the volume of goods and services coming into Nigeria, this can be achieved through a formidable taxation system on importation.
Local or infant industries should be encouraged by encouraging taxation(lower excise duty) , loans with little or no interest, provision of the market for locally produced goods, and encouraging local consumption through high tax( exorbitant import duties)
3. There should be proper monitoring of cash flow and a formidable price control system should be established to avoid demand and cost-push inflation.
How do you want to impact your community/state/nation as a public holder?
Let me reiterate, that I am an individual with huge enthusiasm to change my society for good.
I personally perceive service to humanity as not just a word to symbolize human compassion and civilization, but it goes beyond the horizon of human nature and his creation.
Beyond politics, I currently own a non-governmental organization called ” Nurture to Inspire” this organization has affected many lives in the area of health, education and scholarships, civil rights education and advocacy, empowerment and skills acquisition and welfare to the poor and vulnerable.
If I have the opportunity to hold any political/ public office I will be keen to give myself in service to the people in the area of:
1. Infrastructural Development 2. Human Capacity Development 3. Community Scholarship Schemes.
4. Vocational ICT training center 5. Community health services.
The above can be summarized into Build our people, Build our infrastructure, Build our policies
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I just want to continue to impact lives, take care of people, unlock the potential in the people around me, continue to add my values to the polity and the economy and be managers of more people and more.
I will like to be among the leaders leading the country to greatness worldwide and make the space the best to live in
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