BACKGROUND
Hon. Valentine Owamagbe Asuen, was born on the 13th day of April, 1977, into the family of Late Chief (Dr) Scotty Asuen (The Osarenmwanta of Benin Kingdom) and Late Mrs. Victoria Asuen (Nee Obarisiagbon)
Before retirement, Chief Scotty Asuen, his father, served meritoriously in the Nigeria Army. As a successful entrepreneur and a contractor, his landmark projects are still standing the test of time, all over Nigeria. He was also a notable and highly respected Benin chief.
Madam Victoria Asuen, mother of Hon. Valentine Asuen was equally renowned as the proprietress of the famous Seven Sisters Restaurant, which became a household name in the 80s, running into the greater part of the 90s.
Though Hon. Valentine Asuen is the 11th child of his father’s 17 children; early in life, he was made to learn much about civil engineering through closeness to his father, and dedication to his civil construction business. A skill which has been showcased in the numerous architectural edifices, housing his Oil and Gas sales outlets.
Hon. Valentine Owamagbe Asuen is married to Barr. (Mrs) Omorovbiye Brenda Asuen; a union which has been blessed with 4 lovely children.
*EDUCATIONAL HISTORY*
For nursery education. Hon. Valentine Owamagbe Asuen began his formal education at Lydia Group of Schools, Benin City, before proceeding to Air Force Primary School, where he obtained his First Primary School Leaving Certificate.
The next point of call was Greater Tomorrow Group Of Schools, for his secondary education, leading to obtaining the West African Senior School Certificate, (WASSCE)
Armed with the necessary requirements that qualified him for higher education, he gained admission into the prestigious University of Benin, to study Political Science and Public Administration, and was conferred with the Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc) upon graduation.
Yet with an unquenchable hunger for more knowledge, he applied for a Post Graduate Studies in the same, University of Benin and bagged a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA)
Hon. (Dr) Valentine Owamagbe Asuen, having learnt a lot of business skills from his parents’ highly commendable self=driven industry, the determination to further equipped himself with formal education turned out an additional valuable asset to prevail over the demanding intricacies of starting and nurturing commercial enterprises to fruition.
Inspite of being generally acclaimed as a young, visionary and successful entrepreneur with a burning desire to keep growing Edo State’s economic profile, in order to absorb and empower the teeming unemployed youths, he has also lived up to the billing of a God=fearing, peace=loving and good family man, a charitable personality, an iconic youth leader and ambassador, a brilliant and very inspiring business mogul, an astute manager of our time and people, a societal vanguard and social crusader, a consummate community builder, a prolific politician with an uncommon humility and service mindedness, and above all, a highly friendly disposition which has earned him boundless political, social and business friends and associates.
The prowess to successfully pilot different aspects of human endeavours into a fruitful web has defined Hon. Valentine Asuen as a man not only gifted with a Midas touch, but of the necessary cognitive ability which has always made him success=bound in every endeavour.
He is an avid table tennis player and currently the President of Benin Recreation Club, where he sponsors Table Tennis Competitions annually to commemorate his birthday anniversary. As a Socialite, he is also a member of the Benin Club, where he engages in other social and recreational activities. As a man of the people, he is everywhere and about to either felicitates or commiserates with others. Despite his very busy schedule, he nevertheless creates time to promote community interests, objectives and standards.
He is currently aspiring to serve Edo South people as a Senator in the Federal House of Senate, Nigeria.
*POLITICAL HISTORY AND ACHIEVEMENTS*
Brimming with youthful political exuberance and the transformational enthusiasm of a young student, Hon. Valentine Owamagbe Asuen began his political career from the communal and grassroots political hive of Ward 3, Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State in 1999. Committed to propagating and stabilisating the then new and major political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) he demonstrated enough sagacity and uprightness, which later earned him the people’s mandate and trust as the Councilor of Ward 3, Oredo Local Government Area from 2007 to 2010.
*ACHIEVEMENTS AS A COUNCILOR.*
In Nigeria’s political environment, a lot would conclude that a councilor is not constitutionally and materially empowered to render relatively high cost, but impactful community projects.
However, young Hon. Asuen while serving as a Councilor did well to change such mindset by committing his personal funds into the construction of a Water Borehole, at Ofumwengbe Junction, opposite Oliha market, for public use – which he ensures is still functional to date.
2. Having very motor able roads across the length and breadth of Benin City have been very challenging. Hon. Valentine Owamagbe Asuen, during his stewardship as Councilor was not going to keep agonising the deplorable condition without remedial interventions. This saw to his frequent and spirited efforts at grading of the earth roads within Ward 3 of Oredo LGA, Edo State.
3. As an affable personality, he found it easy to mingle and build political bridges across all divides; sowing seeds of his political network which has now fruitfully blossomed, making him the easily preferred choice in all political quests.
4. He brought in the required presence of mind and proper grasp of situations, to initiate and support essential Bills which led to highly impactful byelaws, amongst which was what led to effective regulations in the siting of motor parks.
*OTHER POLITICAL POSITIONS*
Around 2010, there was a new wave of political alliances, which witnessed the shift of a crop of PDP and other political parties’ stalwarts into the new alliance that became the All Progressives Congress. To wit, Hon. Valentine Owamagbe Asuen berthed and continued his political career with the new alliance. Characteristically, in no distant time, he was spotted for his political value, and consequently appointed the State Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.
It was during his watch as a State Youth Leader that he organized the First EDO STATE Youth Summit with the theme: CHANGING THE NARATIVES OF THE YOUTH IN POLITICS.
As a youth vanguard and advocate of a peaceful and progressive society, he has since been galvanizing youth support towards free, fair and credible elections, as well as other worthy causes, leading to empowerment and skill acquisition.
*BUSINESS LIFE*
Hon. Valentine Owamagbe Asuen, ventured into business at his prime. In 2000, he did a short term vacation job (one year) with First Bank Nigeria PLC, where he gained advanced knowledge in financial management, management of corporate interest and official discipline, and management of interpersonal relationships in line with corporate objectives.
In 2001, he had another short stint at the Real Estate business, before venturing into the Petroleum Industry to establish the now famous DVD OIL AND GAS NIGERIA LIMITED.
With only one sales outlet at Ikpoba Slope, Benin City in 2014, it has now grown to the present 10 (Ten) sale outlets, spread across Benin City, with over 1000 staff on his payroll. The HAULAGE of Petroleum Products and Domestic GAS is another aspect of his endeavour currently experiencing resounding success.
*HIS OTHER HUMANITARIAN CONTRIBUTION*
1. During the peak of COVID 19 Pandemic in Edo State, Hon. Valentine Owamagbe Asuen approached Edo State Government with an offer to provide logistical support in addition to providing free of charge petrol to Edo State Ministry of Health, as part of his contributions to cushioning the challenges of the Pandemic on government and Edo citizens.
2. Not minding the cost of diesel for regular pumping of water with the generator, it is also on the strength of his humanitarian gesture that every of DVD OIL AND GAS Filling Station is designed with an external Tap to constantly offer free of charge water supply to its environs.
3. During every festive season and his birthday celebrations, it is customary to offer free fuel to motorists and other essential items to the less privileged, with whom he also celebrates at different Orphanages, including the Salvation Army Home for the physically challenged.
*AWARDS AND CERTIFICATION*
His works and personal candour have been earning him several institutional accolades and recognitions from local, national and international institutions. Amongst which are:
1. National Association of Edo State Student, University of Benin Chapter. Award of Recognition to the Association. 13th April, 2022.
2. Benin Royal Lions Club, Award of Excellence in recognition of passion, commitment and selfless service to humanity. 30th January, 2022.
3. Rainoil Limited. Award of Recognition for years of committed patronage and dedication to service. 4th December, 2021.
4. Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) Edo State Award of Excellence for contribution to the Socio=Economic Development of Edo State and Philanthropist per Excellent. 13th March, 2021.
5. JOWEN NATIVE RICE Company. Award of Excellence as Oil Servicing Company of the Year 2021
6. Award for Excellent, presented to Hon. Valentine Owamagbe Asuen, for his selfless services to humanity. December, 2020.
7. University of Benin Youth & Sports Award 2019 for Humanitarian Service and Sports Development at the University of Benin By Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Osasere Orumwense (VC Cup 2019 Partner) 25th November, 2019.
8. God’s Historic Chapel Commendation Service in Honour for Selfless Contribution and Work in the Lord’s Vineyard. 7th July, 2019.
9. Meritorious Award in Recognition of Selfless Contributions towards Entertainment, Youths Development and Social Advancement in Edo State, Courtesy, T. Point Entertainment. 16th December, 2018.
10. Joyous Mothers International Merit Award for Service to Humanity.1st December, 2018.
11. 2018 Edo / Delta Industry and Leadership Award in Recognition of Excellence in Leadership and Service. 17th August, 2018.
12. National Youth Council of Nigeria = Edo State Chapter, Certificate of Conferment as Friend of the National Youth Council of Nigeria. 13th August, 2018.
13. Atalor Crackteam Award of Honour as the Most Dynamic Youth Leader in Nigeria. 28th December, 2017.
14. Edo South Development Awards (SKO Kreations and Edo United Movement) Award in recognition of efforts in community development in Edo South. 17th April, 2017.
15. Bethel University College of Biblical Studies, United State of America = USA (Award of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Law) on 12th July 2014
16. National Association of Niger=Delta Students (NANDS) Award of Certificate in recognition of immense contributions to humanitarian service, youth empowerment and community development. Niger=Delta personality of the year 2014. 29th May, 2014.
17. Event Maker. Award of Humanitarian Services, presented to Hon. Valentine Owamagbe Asuen.
18. Compliment of University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for Immense Contribution to the Upliftment of Humanity.
19. Radio, Television, Theatre & Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) Patron.
*SOCIAL LIFE AND SPORT*
Hon. Valentine Owamagbe Asuen, as a lover of sports, regularly plays and sponsors table tennis competitions in promoting physical fitness and engaging the youths in gainful endeavours.
While it is commendable that Hon. Valentine Owamagbe Asuen’s contributions to humanity and society are duly being recognised and encouraged by well meaning persons and entities; there is no doubt that his passion, goodwill and belief in public services will continue to sustain his drive and usher him into new areas of our common desires for trustworthy results.