PROFILE OF HIS EXCELLENCY, DR. PHILLIPS OMEIZA OZOVEHE SALAWU

​PROFILE OF HIS EXCELLENCY, DR. PHILLIPS OMEIZA OZOVEHE SALAWU

​B.Sc, M.Sc, PhD, D.Sc(Hc), FCA, FCIB, FCS, FCTI, LLB, BL

Wisdom Tide News/February 7, 2026

​EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: A VISIONARY LEADER

​His Excellency, Dr. Phillips Omeiza Ozovehe Salawu, is a distinguished statesman, a quintessential financial technocrat, and a legal luminary whose life’s work is woven into the very fabric of our great party. With a career spanning over four decades across the heights of the private sector and the corridors of public governance, Dr. Salawu represents the perfect bridge between institutional memory and modern innovation. As a former Deputy Governor and the party’s pioneer National Director of Finance, he possesses the rare combination of political grit and administrative precision required to lead the party into a new era of discipline and dominance.

​ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND INTELLECTUAL DEPTH

​Dr. Salawu’s journey is defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence. A scholar of the highest order, his academic record remains a benchmark for future generations:

• ​First Class Honors: B.Sc. in Accounting (Ahmadu Bello University), winning every prime academic prize available.
• ​Global Pedigree: Alumnus of the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Emily Woolf College, London.
• ​Legal Mastery: An LLB and BL holder, enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
• ​Academic Leadership: Led his PhD class in coursework and holds multiple Doctorate degrees (Honorary) in Business Management and Political Science.

​A TITAN OF THE FINANCIAL AND LEGAL SECTORS

​As a Fellow and Associate of nine reputable professional bodies worldwide, Dr. Salawu is one of Nigeria’s most decorated technocrats. His expertise is multifaceted:

• ​Banking & Finance: A career banker for 12 years, rising to Deputy General Manager (DGM) in the Merchant Banking sector. Trained by global giants Chase Manhattan (NY), Citibank (NY), and Australia-New Zealand Bank (London).
• ​Specialized Expertise: A Chartered Stockbroker, Tax Consultant, Public Finance Accountant, and Certified Forensic Auditor.
• ​Conflict Resolution: A Chartered Mediator and Conciliator, equipped with the diplomatic tools to unify party factions.

​PIONEERING LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE PARTY

​Dr. Salawu is not a newcomer; he is a foundational pillar of the party:

• ​Architect of Party Finance: As the First National Director of Finance (1998–2002), he designed and implemented the party's original accounting systems and provided the strategic financial counsel that sustained the party during its most critical formative years.
• ​Executive Experience: Served with distinction as the Deputy Governor of Kogi State (2003–2012), maintaining an unblemished record of loyalty and performance over two terms.
• ​Institutional Custodian: A valued member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) since 2013, ensuring the party’s values and constitution are upheld.

​NATIONAL SERVICE AND IDEOLOGICAL VISION

​At the 2014 National Conference, Dr. Salawu emerged as a voice of national unity. He proposed groundbreaking structural reforms, including:

• ​The simultaneous rotation of the Presidency among the six geopolitical zones.
• ​The Dual Vice-Presidency model to ensure stability and national security.

​His service as a Governing Council Member of the University of Calabar and his leadership of the Audit Committee further highlight his commitment to transparency and institutional integrity.

​A LEGACY OF INTEGRITY AND RECOGNITION

​In an era where character is paramount, Dr. Salawu stands apart:

• ​Unblemished Record: Throughout his decades in the private and public sectors, he has maintained a record free of financial or moral scandal.
• ​Decorated Statesman: Twice voted the "Most Loyal Deputy Governor in Nigeria."
• ​International Recognition: Recipient of the Kwame Nkrumah and Nelson Mandela prizes for his support of continental student movements and political stability.

​PERSONAL LIFE

​A devoted family man, Dr. Salawu is happily married to Her Excellency, Mrs. Grace Itopa Omolola Salawu. They are blessed with six children and six grandchildren. He remains a man of faith, driven by the fear of God and a commitment to the service of humanity.

​PHILLIPS OMEIZA OZOVEHE SALAWU: THE SYMBOL OF COMPETENCE, LOYALTY, AND INTEGRITY.