| Osita Izunaso | |
| Office: | Senator for Imo West |
| Term Start1: | June 2023 |
| Term End1: | Present |
| Predecessor1: | Rochas Okorocha |
| Birth Date: | 30 October 1966 |
| Birth Place: | Imo State, Nigeria |
Osita B. Izunaso (born 30 October 1966) is the current Senator for the Imo West (Orlu) constituency of Imo State, Nigeria, taking office in June 2023. He is a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC).[1]
Izunaso obtained a BA (Hons) from the University of Jos (1989), a post-graduate degree in journalism from the University of Abuja (1998) and an MBA from the University of Calabar (2002).[2] He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1992 and again in 1999, and was appointed Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker and Senate President. He was Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of Youth and Sports (1995–1997) and was Minister of Labour & Productivity (1998–1999).[1]
After taking his seat in the Senate he was appointed to committees on Rules & Business, Local and Foreign Debts, Housing, Gas, Foreign Affairs and Sports.[1] In a mid-term evaluation of Senators in May 2009, ThisDay noted that he had sponsored bills for the Conveyance of Persons in Articulated Vehicles Bill, Treatment and Care of Victims of Conflict, National Agency for the Promotion and Preservation of Local Languages in Nigeria and Amendment of the Oil Pipelines Act Amendment. He contributed to plenary debates and was active in committees.
Osita Izunaso served as the National Organizing Secretary for the All Progressive Congress (APC)[3] in Nigeria from February 2013 to May 2018. During his tenure spanning over five years, from the formative stages of the APC to a crucial period of consolidating its influence, Izunaso played a pivotal role in shaping and coordinating the party's organizational structure.
Osita Izunaso then served as the bored chairman of the (NADDC) National Automotive Design and Development Council[4] Governing Council in Nigeria from June 2018 to May 2022. In this role, he led the formulation of policies crucial to the country's automotive industry. Drawing on his political and managerial expertise, Izunaso actively promoted innovation, research, and development within the sector.
His tenure emphasized the Council's commitment to enhancing Nigeria's automotive competitiveness, fostering collaborations with government bodies and the private sector. Under Izunaso's leadership, the NADDC succeeded in spearheading initiatives that significantly promoted innovation in the country. From June 2018 to May 2022, his efforts contributed to the notable growth of the automotive sector, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria's industrial and technological landscape.
He is also the founder of KpaKpando Foundation[5] a dedicated non-profit organizationaimed at empowering and enablingindividuals with disabilities, OsitaIzunaso's efforts have left an indeliblemark on society. His endeavors extendbeyond conventional boundaries,actively engaging in multifacetedinitiatives to uplift, empower, andsupport the disabled community.Notably, his advocacy work has playeda pivotal role in reshaping legislation tobetter protect and uphold the rights ofdisabled people. Osita lzunasocontinues to embody the spirit ofpositive change, leaving a lastinglegacy of compassion and impact.
He then pursued and successfully completed a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree at Nile University, achieving the remarkable distinction of a First Class, and earning the coveted title of the Best Graduating Student in his cohort. Subsequently, in 2021, he furthered his legal education by attending Law School, where he attained a Second Class Upper and earned the prestigious designation of Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
On the 8th of August 2023 he was named the chairman, Senate committee on Capital market of the 10th Senate of Nigeria
Since then, he has been moldingimmense positive changes and breakingwaves in the financial landscape. Izunaso'sstrategic decisions and collaborative skillshave garnered him respect, and he adeptlynavigates challenges. He is actively engagingand is dedicated to foster improved outcomesand drive positive transformations,underscoring his commitment to creating amore prosperous financial landscape. Hisdedicated work underscores a clearcommitment to ensuring that the capitalMarkets evolve to benefit everyone.