By DR. CHARLES ODIM
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Hon. Elvis Ebipamowei Oglafa, FCIMS, a proven leader, anti-corruption strategist and public service reformer, stands as a distinguished figure in Nigeria’s public service and governance landscape.
With over three decades of exemplary service in the civil and public sectors, Hon. Oglafa brings to the fore an unmatched blend of integrity, experience, professional excellence, and visionary leadership.
Today, he seeks to translate his wealth of national and international experience into sustained development for Bayelsa State as its next Deputy Governor.
Hon. Oglafa’s career is marked by a strong commitment to ethical governance, institutional development, and anti-corruption advocacy. Most notably, he served as the immediate past Secretary to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) — Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency tasked with combating corruption in public life. In this capacity, he played a critical role in steering Nigeria’s institutional response to corruption, strengthening procedural systems, and promoting transparency across all levels of governance.
As Secretary to the ICPC, Hon. Oglafa was central to:
Coordinating major anti-corruption initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and institutional reforms;
Representing the Commission in strategic engagements with stakeholders at national and state levels;
Leading inter-agency collaborations aimed at strengthening accountability within public institutions; and
Articulating policy strategies that enhanced the visibility and effectiveness of Nigeria’s anti-graft architecture.
His contributions at the ICPC reflect a strategic mind deeply committed to ethical service delivery, systemic reform, and national development.
Hon. Oglafa’s influence extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. As a respected member of international anti-corruption bodies based in the United States and other global forums, he has engaged with global experts in governance, compliance, and institutional strengthening.
His participation in these international networks underscores his reputation as a global thought partner on ethical governance and public sector integrity — capable of bringing best-practice standards to Bayelsa State’s public administration.
His academic and professional development journey reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and excellence, equipping him with the analytical skills necessary to lead complex institutional reforms and public sector transformations.
Hon. Oglafa has earned respect for: Integrity and accountability – Underscored by his leadership role at ICPC and his lifelong commitment to ethical governance; Capacity building – Driving professional development among public officials and advocating for stronger institutional frameworks to curb maladministration; Public engagement – Promoting grassroots awareness on civic responsibilities, anti-corruption reporting, and the importance of public participation in governance; and Strategic coordination – Harmonizing multi-sectoral partnerships to align governance outcomes with national and state interests.
His work in sensitizing youth, professionals, and civil society on corruption’s societal impact challenges citizens to embrace accountability and contribute actively to societal betterment.
Why Bayelsa State Needs Hon. Elvis Ebipamowei Oglafa
As Bayelsa State seeks to deepen democratic governance, accelerate development, and strengthen institutional trust, Hon. Oglafa’s candidacy offers:
1. Ethical Leadership – His career has been guided by principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability — qualities indispensable in public office;
2. Administrative Excellence – With decades of professional leadership in high-level governance roles, he understands the mechanics of public administration and how to drive impactful change;
3. Anti-Corruption Vision – Hon. Oglafa will leverage his vast experience to ensure that government resources are protected, public processes are transparent, and citizens’ trust is reinforced; and
4. Inclusive Governance – His deep engagement with citizens, youth groups, and civil society demonstrates his belief in participatory governance, involving all stakeholders in shaping the state’s future.
Vision for Bayelsa State
As Deputy Governor, Hon. Oglafa is the round peg in the round hole that will key perfectly into the vision of His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri, for Bayelsa State where public institutions operate with efficiency, accountability, and integrity; youth and women are empowered to contribute meaningfully to state development; economic opportunities are expanded through transparent and sustainable policies; governance is responsive, citizen-centered, and oriented toward equity and social inclusion.
In Hon. Elvis Ebipamowei Oglafa, Bayelsa State will have a Deputy Governor with the experience, moral standing, and strategic insight needed to drive inclusive growth, strengthen governance structures, and uphold the people’s trust. Above all these, he is a loyal, keen and humble team player, tailor-made to compliment the efforts of His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri, fondly called the Miracle Governor, a resilient leader whose strengths lie in his unwavering political tenacity, strong commitment to education and youth empowerment, unalloyed love for his people and a focused drive for infrastructural development of Bayelsa State.
Dr. Charles Odim, an Abuja-based Forensic Specialist and fraud examiner.
