SENATOR OSITA IZUNASO, Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market,
Legislator of the Year
The outstanding performance of Senator OsitaI zunaso in the Senate within a very short time makes a strong case for the election of people with experience in the lower chambers and senior government offices into the Senate. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1992 and again in 1999 and served in cabinet and other top positions, before being elected into the Senate in 2023.
Just about two years in the 10th Senate, Senator Izunaso, representing Imo West, has demonstrated remarkable leadership, strategic foresight, and an intentional investment into the progress of his constituency (Orlu zone) and the nation at large. His dual focus on reviving the Nigerian capital markets and addressing the needs of his people underscores his dedication to both national and local development.
As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets, and as an informed legislator, he recognized the capital market as a key driver of economic growth; hence, has taken bold steps to rejuvenate this critical sector by championing legislative reforms aimed at increasing investor confidence, promoting transparency in that sector, and enhancing the regulatory frameworks through sponsorship/support of key legislations.
One of his notable achievements includes sponsoring and advocating for the passage of the Investment and Security (Repeal & Re-Enactment) Bill 2024 (SB. 128) which guarantees investor confidence in the capital market. His efforts have also focused on attracting foreign investment by strengthening Nigeria’s financial ecosystem and creating a more business-friendly environment. He has introduced over 13 notable Bills to the Senate, including the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill 2023 – September 2023 (SB. 95), and the Constitution (Alteration) Bill 2024 – Oct. 2024 (SB. 580). The latter is the state creation bill which is now into its second reading – with lots of stakeholder engagement ongoing. What started as Orlu state creation, has now changed (by the approval) of the people of the area affected) to “Anim” state – involving all the 12 LGAs in Imo West and some parts of Anambra state.
Senator Izunaso also has 13 motions to his credit apart from the seven he co-sponsored, all of which touch on the welfare of his constituents and Nigeria at large.
One of his motions, “the urgent need to carry out remedial work on Obodoukwu, Urualla, Akokwa, Umumaisiaku, Umuchima and Umueshi gully erosion sites in Ideato North and Ideato South LGAs, Imo state,” led both the state and federal governments to pay attention to the ecological challenges in the area. His audacious motion “Condemning the Disruptive Nature of “SIT-AT-HOME” Demonstrations in the South East-Nigeria” attracted commendations from both Nigerians and foreigners. It also spurred the South East Governors to take a joint decisive action on security in the region.
His motion on the “Need to Investigate the Foreign Exchange Backlog Accumulation, the recent Activities in the Foreign Exchange Market as well as some of the Development Finance Programmes of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2015 to Date” led the Federal Government to the ongoing reforms in the financial sector. His persistent advocacy for the inclusion of Persons with Disability in Nigeria brought about full Implementation of the Disabilities Act.
Beyond his national contributions, Senator Izunaso has remained deeply connected to the people of Imo West, and his representation has been marked by practical interventions in infrastructure, education, Healthcare, and social welfare of the people of Imo West. In the 2024 budget (which is the only one he has operated in the last 18 months), Sen. Izunaso was able to attract a total of 31 projects/programs to improve connectivity, commerce and the general well-being of the people of Imo West. And all these projects/programs are either completed or ongoing. These don’t include direct interventions by him in the areas of economic and infrastructural development projects.
He has been deeply involved in the provision of humanitarian programmes, youth and women empowerment; training and empowerment of 100 women in aquaculture & fish farming, training of youths and women in the 12 Local Government Areas of Imo West Senatorial District on modern cassava processing techniques with start-up kits and seed capital; etc.
Senator Izunaso’s representation has been characterized by legislative excellence, grassroots engagement, and impactful development projects.
His ability to bridge the gap between governance and his people has strengthened democratic representation in his constituency.
The nomination of Senator Osita Izunaso as The Top10 Magazine’s Legislator of the Year is in recognition of his exemplary leadership and courageous representation as one of the shinning-stars of the 10th National assembly coupled with his accomplishments in the area of providing dividends of democracy to his people which has greatly endeared him to the people of his constituency.
