Hon. Engr. Endurance Azamegbe (Paragon): Building a Legacy of Development and Service

An Exclusive Interview with Esanland Update Magazine

Introduction

Hon. Engr. Endurance Azamegbe, popularly known as Paragon, is the APC Chairmanship Candidate for Igueben Local Government Area. 

A successful entrepreneur, engineer, philanthropist, and community development advocate, he has become a household name in Ebelle Kingdom and beyond due to his numerous contributions to community growth and empowerment.

In this exclusive interview with Esanland Update Magazine, Engr. Paragon shares his personal journey, business achievements, political aspirations, and vision for the future of Igueben Local Government Area.

Esanland Update Magazine:

For the benefit of our readers, kindly introduce yourself.

Thank you. My name is Engr. Endurance Azamegbe, popularly known as Paragon. I am an engineer and entrepreneur. I serve as the Managing Director of Azperise Technical Services, a company involved in crude oil maintenance services within the oil and gas sector.

By the grace of God, I currently employ over 65 staff members who receive monthly salaries. I am also the owner of a large water production factory in Warri, Delta State, which is still operating successfully today.

In addition, I am the Proprietor of Paragon Bread, a well-known bread brand in Warri. I am also the Managing Director of Paragon Hotels and Suites in Ebelle, a project that will soon be commissioned and is expected to contribute significantly to the development of our community and surrounding areas.

Academically, I attended the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), where I obtained my qualifications in Mechanical Engineering.

Esanland Update Magazine:

When did your interest in politics begin?

Paragon: Politics has been part of my life from childhood. I can confidently say it is an inheritance from my father, who played an active role in politics and community service.

My late father, from the Azamegbe Aghedo family of Idumowu Quarters in Ebelle Kingdom, was involved in grassroots politics as far back during the era of Chief John Odigie Oyegun. He also served as a council worker before his retirement.

He taught us discipline, respect for leadership, and the importance of community service. Most importantly, he encouraged me to contribute to the development of my community, local government, and state. Those values laid the foundation for my political journey.

Esanland Update Magazine:

Tell us about your political experience so far

Paragon: I became fully involved in politics in 2003 when I contested for a seat in the Edo State House of Assembly.

I remain grateful to the people of Ward Six Ebelle, and Igueben my supporters in  who stood firmly behind me throughout that journey. Their encouragement and support have kept my political aspirations alive, and I will never take their loyalty for granted.

Recently, I contested for the APC Chairmanship ticket in Igueben Local Government Area. By the grace of God, I emerged as the Party's candidate, under the leading political party (APC) the All Progressive Congress and I am deeply thankful to everyone who supported me  

Esanland Update Magazine:

Who are some of the people that have supported your political journey?

Paragon: First, I thank God Almighty for His guidance and protection.

I sincerely appreciate the traditional ruler of Ebelle Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, David Usifoh II.,who has always encouraged and supported my aspirations.

I also extend my gratitude to the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his unwavering support and belief in my leadership potential and other state levels of given me the opportunity to serve.

I pray that God grants them wisdom and strength as the governor continues to lead Edo State toward greater progress.

Esanland Update Magazine:

Before seeking public office, what contributions have you made to your community?

Paragon: Community development has always been my passion.

Even without holding any government position, I have personally funded several projects and empowerment programmes.

Some of my contributions include:

Construction and rehabilitation of roads linking Ebelle and neighboring communities.

Development of a 12-kilometre road connecting villages to Ugun, Amahor Communities, helping to reduce insecurity and improve transportation.

Donation of three transformers to improve electricity supply in Ebelle, 

Restoration of a damaged transformer in neighboring communities ithat still n progress.

Payment of outstanding electricity bills that had affected power supply in Ebelle over the years, but today they are enjoying free light bills.

Awarding scholarships to more than 25 students at university level.

Financial empowerment programmes for women, farmers, and commercial motorcycle operators.

Distribution of ₦150,000 grants to over 45 women to start or expand their businesses, donated 1000 bags of rice and other food items.

These projects were funded from my personal resources. If I could do this without government authority, then with public office, I believe I can do even more for our people.

Esanland Update Magazine:

What is your vision for Igueben Local Government if elected Chairman?

Paragon: My vision is simple: development, accountability, and people-centered governance.

I want to make Igueben one of the most developed local governments in Edo State. Every fund meant for development will be used strictly for that purpose.

I am entering public office not for personal enrichment but to set a positive example and establish a legacy of transparent leadership that future leaders can emulate.

I will prioritize: Infrastructure development

Youth empowerment Women's economic advancement Education and scholarships, Improved healthcare Rural electrification Security enhancement

Agricultural support programmes.

My goal is to unite our people and ensure that development reaches every corner of the local government.

Esanland Update Magazine:

You are widely known for your philanthropy. What motivates you?

Paragon: I strongly believe that wealth has meaning only when it improves the lives of others.

No matter how wealthy a person may be, if that wealth does not impact the community positively, then it serves little purpose. True wealth is measured by the lives you touch and the positive changes you create.

That philosophy has guided my life and business activities, and it will continue to guide my leadership

Esanland Update Magazine:

Tell us a little about your early life and entrepreneurial journey.

Paragon: I started business at a very young age, while still in Junior Secondary School, I operated a successful provision store. Even before completing secondary education, I had already learned mechanical work and was actively involved in business.

At one point, I managed three major UNICEF-related retail shops in Ekpoma.

at Abumere street Those early experiences taught me discipline, hard work, and financial responsibility.

Today, I believe everything God has blessed me with should also benefit the people around me. That conviction is one of the reasons I ventured into politics.

Esanland Update Magazine:

You have also received traditional recognition from your community. Can you tell us about that?

Paragon: Yes. In recognition of my contributions to the community development, the Onojie of Ebelle Kingdom and the entire community honoured me with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Orupka I of Ebelle Kingdom.

I consider it one of the greatest honours of my life, and it inspires me to do even more for my people.

Esanland Update Magazine:

Do you have a message for Edo indigenes living in the diaspora?

Paragon: Absolutely. I encourage our people abroad to return home and invest in their communities. Development starts when we contribute to the growth of our hometowns.

I have consistently advocated for community investment and have even made land available for development purposes. Anyone genuinely interested in building and contributing to the growth of Ebelle can approach me for support.

Our focus must remain on development, job creation, and improving the quality of life for our people.Meanwhile i have shared parcels of land to my workers for farming and buildings in my community.

Esanland Update: 

Finally, what message would you like to leave with the people of Igueben?

Paragon: I want the people of Igueben Local Government to know that I have come to serve.

I remain committed to the welfare of our leaders, youths, women, farmers, traders, and every resident of our local government.

I sincerely appreciate the support of Ward Six, the people of Ebelle, APC stakeholders, community leaders, and all those who have stood by me throughout this journey.

I also thank Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo and everyone who contributed to my emergence as the APC Chairmanship Candidate for Igueben Local Government Area.

Together, we can build a more prosperous, united, and developed Igueben.

Conclusion: 

Appreciation and appealing to every one of us to stand beside our governor Senator Monday Okpebholo to ensure we delivered the 2.5 Millions votes for Mr. President, His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu second term. I want to assure you he's going to do more. You see, to cover a country is not an easy task.I want to tell you that he's doing his best, and he's going to do more. I promise you, he will not fail . Whatever we need in this country, he's going to give it to us. He's going to make sure that the hunger in this country are wiped away completely. For that reason, we have to vote for him, stand by him, ensure that his instructions put in place through our governor are completed. 

Thank you to the governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo for reviving the Edo State education sector, infrastructure, Agriculture and insecurity challenges.

I am working hard to ensure that the entire good people of Igueben Local Government will benefit more, if am elected as the executive Chairman of Igueben Local Government Council in Edo State, Nigeria. I  also  thank Mr. Sylvester Aigbogun for his kind of leadershiip he rendered for me to achieved the position of coordinator in Igueben local government for the renewal hope assurance of the president, His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Thank you, God bless you all.